Newborn Safety During Your Newborn Photo Session | Casandra Lorraine Photography | Stafford, VA

Hi, Im Casandra- the professional baby snuggler over here at Casandra Lorraine Photography.

I'm also the spit up cleaner, the baby-soother, baby whisperer, baby poop-clean-up-service and occasionally a wee-pad.

Oh, I also take the photos too! You know, all of those beautiful baby images you see over on my instagram.

Babies curled up and posed to seamlessly and effortlessly, right?

Wrong.

There is much more that goes into JUST posing babies. I have learned through years of studying, on site mentoring with other respected newborn photographers and learning, learning and more learning-- that it isn't just SO simple.

Being a mother, you'd think I can just handle and pose babies, but much more goes into it. You need to know to look for distress signs from newborns, not to obstruct their airways while posing and much, much more.

You can't just shove a baby into a bucket, and you cant JUST wrap them. You must know how to do it not too tight, and you must know the dimensions of your bucket or prop so they aren't hanging out of it.

You must know the proper sanitization procedures, and what cleaning products to use, IF any (Steaming works as well!)

Many newer photographers are looking to learn and practice with babies, but let me tell you-- if this is you, PLEASE do in-person mentoring and do safety training FIRST. Also make sure you are licensed and insured in your state/city if required.

Babies are NOT props, they are living, breathing human beings

(A piece of padding underneath their arm so circulation isnt cut off)

The above photo, even if you can't see it-- has 5 safety measures in place.

1. A piece of padding underneath the arm to prevent circulation being cut off

2. Limited time in this position

3. A hand above baby

4. Padding in the front and bottom for legs and chest plus support on both sides

5. A SPACE for the neck so airway is clear

Cute newborn pictures and how they are done, are much more than they seem. A lot goes into a photograph, and much time and patience.

I personally am babe-led posed which is a term I dubbed for my business, which means I NEVER force a baby into a position they don't want o be in or continually show signs of distress in.

I will immediately move baby into another pose, or modify the pose for their comfort- while also snuggling and coddling them--some may also need time to be re-fed or soothed.

I can include so much more in this article, but I will keep it short and to the point.

I care so, so deeply about my little newborn clients and their safety & If you can take anything from this, please learn as much as you can before handling newborns.

A perfect photo is amazing, but safety is NUMBER ONE.

Casandra Lorraine is a maternity, in home -mobile newborn and family photographer in the Northern Virginia area, servicing Northern Virginia, Washington D.C and beyond.

Towns include Sterling, Herndon, Fairfax, Annandale, Alexandria, Tysons Corner, Centreville, Ashburn, Reston, Arlington, Woodbridge, Stafford, Quantico, Chantilly, Manassas, Georgetown, Vienna, Aldie and plenty more.

Fort Belvoir, VA Mobile Newborn Photography Session | Casandra Lorraine Photography

After meeting this family, and doing their maternity session in Stafford-- I instantly clicked with them and knew I'd be so excited to return for their newborn session.

Once I arrived on post Fort Belvoir in Virginia, I walked in and set up for family images first. They have a big family, but after studying family posing to better myself-- I had no problem with positioning them and catching the attention of some of the younger siblings.

Hello, like their outfits were AMAZING. I love this color scheme, and request it for photos-- and send out an outfit guide, with links to purchase additional outfits if needed to make for the perfect photos.

Now onto the newborn pictures!

This was a very sweet little rainbow baby and I incorporated some little rainbow props into her session.

How sweet is she!?

Having lost a pregnancy myself, It is so important to me to include rainbow props for rainbow babies to commemorate the loss of a sibling, and to celebrate the rainbow after the storm.

Neutrals also suited this little one.

Thank you so much for letting me capture your beautiful family!

Casandra Lorraine is a maternity, in home -mobile newborn and family photographer in the Northern Virginia area, servicing Northern Virginia, Washington D.C and beyond.

Towns include Sterling, Herndon, Fairfax, Annandale, Alexandria, Tysons Corner, Centreville, Ashburn, Reston, Arlington, Fort Belvior, Woodbridge, Stafford, Quantico, Chantilly, Manassas, Georgetown, Vienna, Aldie and plenty more.

Alexandria, Virginia Mobile Newborn Photography Session | Casandra Lorraine Photography

This session was absolutely precious, not only were the parents present for this newborn session, but BOTH sets of grandparents as well. How sweet is that?

As soon as I stepped inside their beautiful Alexandria home, I could feel all the love that this family had for this sweet little baby girl.

I took the roll call, and the entire family was present and ready for action! We did family shots first, and had everyone come down in small groups to prevent crowding.

Look at those photos and tell me you aren’t suddenly overcome with a sense of love and fuzzy warmness?!

Their outfits were just perfect for my neutral colored backdrop, and the grandparent images were my most favorite. I feel it is so special to have these images, and to include the grandparents.

The whole family posing went quick, and seamless with my guided posing and we were done with everyone within 20 minutes.

Once we were done with family, we moved onto the good stuff.

Newborn pictures!

Now wait, before I show you this-- you may be overcome with a warm, tingly sensation and your hand may cover your mouth. Look how cute and chunky this little one is. I couldn't contain myself.

Mom is a huge fan of neutrals, as am I. I actually had the pleasure of viewing her nursery, and guys it was beautiful, boho galore.

I paired my famous floral bucket with gorgeous neutral toned flowers that complemented the background and tones nicely.

Don't forget the sweet toes!

Can you tell we love us some greenery and florals over here?

I was so pleased with this session, I love newborn sessions and they totally have my heart. I love creating beautiful sets and capturing art and their newness into one.

Thank you for having me, Kerrigan fam!

Casandra Lorraine is a maternity, in home -mobile newborn and family photographer in the Northern Virginia area, servicing Northern Virginia, Washington D.C and beyond.

Towns include Sterling, Herndon, Fairfax, Annandale, Alexandria, Tysons Corner, Centreville, Ashburn, Reston, Arlington, Woodbridge, Stafford, Quantico, Chantilly, Manassas, Georgetown, Vienna, Aldie and plenty more.