The warning comes after an infant rolled off a pose stand at a shoot and another’s head was allowed drop to create a head in hands pose.
Many of us have seen the adorable creative photographs of babies sitting in flowerpots or being held in their parent’s hands, but Maddy Rogers, a specialist newborn photographer who issued the warning, says parents should be careful about the photographer they choose.
According to Maddy, who is also the original founder of national Baby and Newborn Photographers Association: "Properly conducted sessions usually last up to four hours, in temperature-controlled rooms with either an assistant or a parent acting as a spotter to monitor and support the baby at all times.”
She added: "Sadly, there are photographers who are not using the right techniques and because there is a lack of awareness on how these beautiful images are created, parents see them, request them and are none the wiser about what's right or wrong."
"Babies are being put at risk and I'm very keen to raise local awareness about this issue – we might not be able to monitor sub-standard photographers, but we can drastically reduce the problem by making parents more aware and putting them in control."
However, it’s not just professional shoots that parents should be wary of, Emma Canham co-owner of BANPAS, says that parents need to be aware that these photos can’t be recreated at home, saying: "We see images that show babies' feet and legs are purple from where the blood supply is being restricted due to the pose or being left to get cold.
"We also see photos where babies have clearly been left to balance in an unsupported pose, potentially restricting their airways or putting pressure on their delicate joints. And we see shots where babies do not appear to be relaxed, happy and at peace. In some cases it's clear that the baby is in a very uncomfortable position."
We'll definitely be leaving the creative photography to the professionals.
