How I Overcame My Fear of Newborn Photography: From Nervousness to Confidence Through Courses and Practice
When I first started out as a photographer, newborn sessions were, without a doubt, the most intimidating type of shoot I could imagine. I had experience with families, couples, and even weddings, but working with newborns? That was a whole different ballgame.
I’ll be honest with you— the idea of handling such tiny, fragile little humans was absolutely terrifying. The thought of wrapping them, posing them, and getting those perfect shots felt like a huge responsibility, and it made me nervous every time I thought about it. How do you wrap a baby without making them uncomfortable? How do you pose them in those perfect, natural positions without risking their safety? These were the questions that raced through my mind.
But the thing about growing as a photographer is that you have to face your fears, push past your comfort zone, and never stop learning. And that’s exactly what I did.
Starting from Scratch: The Fear of Posing and Wrapping
When I first decided to take on newborn photography, I had little to no experience. I’d watched other photographers create these beautiful, calm, peaceful images of babies curled up in the most serene poses. But when it was my turn, I was overwhelmed by the responsibility and the delicate nature of the work. I was so afraid of doing something wrong— what if I posed them in a way that caused discomfort? Or worse, what if I accidentally startled the baby and ruined the session?
It wasn’t just the posing that scared me; it was the wrapping too. Wrapping a newborn properly requires a delicate touch. You have to make sure they feel snug and secure, yet comfortable and safe. I was afraid I might do it wrong and make them feel uncomfortable, or worse, have them cry through the entire shoot.
The Turning Point: Investing in Education
As a photographer, I knew I could never perfect my craft if I didn’t invest in learning more about it. So, I took a leap and signed up for several newborn photography courses. These courses were my game-changer. They taught me the importance of safety, proper wrapping techniques, and how to pose babies in a way that looks natural while keeping them comfortable and secure.
The most important lesson I learned? Patience and practice are key. Newborns are unpredictable, and it’s important to follow their cues. I learned how to make them feel relaxed and content, and I practiced wrapping them over and over, trying different techniques until I got the perfect snug fit.
Gaining Confidence Through Practice
As with any skill, practice made all the difference. After completing a few courses, I began to practice on my own time, experimenting with different wraps and props. I found that the more I worked with newborns, the more confident I became. I learned to read their body language, how to gently move them into a pose, and how to use the right amount of support to make them feel secure.
Now, I can confidently say that I have gained the knowledge and experience to create beautiful, safe, and comfortable newborn portraits. But here’s the truth: I’m still learning. Every baby is different, and each session brings new challenges and opportunities to perfect my skills.
Why I’m Still Learning and Growing
The beauty of photography, especially newborn photography, is that it’s an ever-evolving art form. No matter how much I’ve learned, I know there’s always more to discover— new techniques, fresh ideas, and even more ways to enhance the newborn experience for my clients. That’s why I’ve made a commitment to ongoing education. I regularly take new courses and attend workshops to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, techniques, and safety protocols.
The more I learn, the more I can offer to my clients: better service, better photos, and a more enjoyable experience for both parents and babies.
What I Want You to Know
If you’re a parent or expecting a baby and you’re considering booking a newborn session, I want you to know that your baby’s safety and comfort are my top priority. I’ve invested time and energy into learning how to pose, wrap, and care for newborns during their photoshoots. I’ve taken numerous courses, practiced countless times, and most importantly, I listen to the baby’s needs and adjust as necessary.
If you're nervous about having your baby in front of the camera, rest assured that I approach each session with the utmost care, patience, and professionalism. I want the experience to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible for you while capturing beautiful, timeless images of your newborn.
The Takeaway
While newborn photography used to scare me, I’ve come a long way. I’ve learned that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and I continue to refine my craft with every session I have. The joy of capturing those sweet, tiny moments— the curled fingers, the sleepy smiles, the soft little feet— has made all of the hard work worth it.
I’m so grateful for the education and experiences that have shaped me into the photographer I am today. And even though I’m no longer terrified of posing newborns, I will never stop learning and growing— because it’s that passion for constant improvement that allows me to give you the very best photos possible.
