Keeping Your Baby Safe: My Approach to Newborn Photography
When it comes to newborn photography, safety is always my top priority. Those early days with a brand-new baby are so delicate, and choosing a photographer you can trust is essential. As a professional newborn photographer in Wausau, Wisconsin, I understand just how important it is to create a safe, calm, and comforting environment for both baby and parents. From the moment I arrive at your home, every step is taken with your little one’s well-being in mind. I am well versed in newborn safety techniques, gentle “posing”, and how to read a baby’s cues to keep them comfortable and content throughout the session.
Many new parents understandably feel a little nervous handing their baby over to someone else, even for a short time—but you can rest assured that your child is in caring, capable hands. I take a thoughtful, slow-paced approach, allowing time for feeding, snuggles, and breaks whenever needed. With years of experience, I know how to create dreamy, heart-melting images without ever compromising safety or comfort. Below, you’ll find a list of the specific things I do in every session to make sure your baby is not only beautifully photographed, but fully protected every step of the way.
Here are the key safety measures I follow to give you peace of mind during your newborn photo session:
1. Clean Hands, Always
Before every session, I thoroughly wash and sanitize my hands. Newborns have delicate immune systems, so cleanliness is essential in protecting their health.
2. Mask Upon Request
I’m happy to wear a mask during your session upon request, especially if you or your baby have sensitivities or if extra precautions are needed. Your comfort and peace of mind matter to me.
3. Up-to-Date Vaccinations
I stay current on vaccinations to help protect your baby from preventable illnesses.
4. Gentle, Fragrance-Free Laundry Care
All bedding, wraps, and outfits in my client closet are washed in a gentle, perfume-free sanitizing detergent to ensure they are clean, soft, and safe for sensitive newborn skin.
5. Temperature Control for Baby’s Comfort
Newborns can lose body heat quickly, so I regulate the session temperature with optional portable heaters to keep them warm and comfortable. During majority of the session we won’t need this, but if we are stripping baby down for skin to skin or details shots this will help.
6. Secure Camera Strap for Safety
I always use a secure camera strap to prevent any accidental drops or movements that could startle or endanger your baby.
7. No Forced or Unnatural Posing
I never twist or place babies into unnatural, unsupported positions. My approach focuses on their natural comfort and movements, allowing for safe, organic moments.
8. Safe Incorporation of Siblings and Pets
If you’d like to include siblings or pets, I guide the process carefully to ensure safety. I provide instructions to young siblings and always monitor interactions between pets and your newborn.
9. Clear Communication & Consent
I narrate what I plan to do before every adjustment and ask for your permission as needed. You will always be informed and comfortable with how we move through the session.
10. Breaks for Feeding, Changing, and Comfort
Newborns run the session, and their needs come first. We take breaks whenever needed for feeding, diaper changes, or simply to soothe and cuddle.
11. Adjusting Plans Based on Baby’s Comfort
If a baby shows any signs of discomfort during a pose, I immediately stop and adjust. Their well-being always takes precedence over getting a particular shot.
12. Minimal Use of Props for a Safe Environment
Since my style is natural and connection-based, I avoid excessive props that could pose a risk to your baby’s safety or create an overwhelming environment.
Your Baby’s Safety is My Priority
Every step I take is rooted in ensuring that your newborn session is not only a beautiful experience but also a safe and comfortable one. If you have any specific concerns or requests, I’m always happy to accommodate them.
Ready to book your newborn session with confidence? Let’s create a session that feels just as safe and special as these early moments deserve to be.
What Clients Have Said About Their Newborn Session With Kelly Jacobi Photography:
“Every session that we have had with Kelly has been memorable not only due to the photos that she brings to life but by the experience that we have with her. As a mom trying to hassle the husband and children together for family photos the scene is always chaos but Kelly truly brings a sense of calm and understanding. She cultivates the session to meet us where we are at and with young children, the emotions are ever changing. We will always recommend her, my favorite sessions and photos have been with her.” - WM
“Kelly took the first pictures of our family when we had our 4th baby. She did a fresh 48 shoot at the hospital. I am so happy we have these pictures! I always loved those days in the hospital with just the newest one...learning about them and studying every inch of them. Even now a year later, I get all the feels when I look back at those newborn pictures of our last baby. A year later we hired Kelly for an outdoor family shoot. We have 4 young children and Kelly nailed it with both the experience and the end product. She makes taking pictures fun and stress free, which is not an easy task! And in the end, I get pictures that show my kids’ true personalities and real smiles. She makes it hard to chose which pictures to hang on the wall because they are all that good! I highly recommend Kelly for any type of pictures you are looking for!” - JM
“We hired Kelly for maternity, birth, and newborn shoots. I was a little apprehensive, as my sister-in-law is a professional photographer, and before we moved to WI, we were able to use her for these more intimate shoots with my other children. After meeting with Kelly for a consult, my nerves were calmed, and after the maternity shoot, I knew we made an excellent decision to hire Kelly.
She was FANTASTIC with my 3 yo, who was less than enthusiastic about having photos done. She was also super great with my 5 yo, who was overly enthusiastic about the sessions. During the birth, Kelly was not only professional, but she was kind and comforting, supportive when I needed it (thank you so much!), and I felt totally at ease with her taking photos in the room. Newborn photos were wonderful, as well. She was patient when baby needed breaks, didn't try to contort the baby into a bunch of bendy positions, and from the photos, you couldn't even tell that he was having a fussy afternoon.
Kelly also made slideshows of the shoots, which was something I was indifferent about during the consult. The combination of music and photographs were divine, and the birth session slideshow, in particular, had me in tears (the good kind). I LOVE the slideshows!
Kelly is a master at utilizing natural light, had fantastic rapport with us as well as the kids, her photographs were stunning, she was VERY responsive to emails and text messages, and is overall a lovely human being. I would highly recommend Kelly, especially as a birth photographer, as I strongly feel that her presence made the birth a more positive experience for me. Even my mother (who was also there for the birth) asked me to thank Kelly for being so awesome. I could go on some more, but this review is already a short novel. Suffice to say, I have nothing but good to say about Kelly Jacobi Photography “ - AS
Booking Your Newborn Session
If you’re drawn to a more natural and meaningful approach to newborn photography—one that truly reflects your family’s love and connection—I would be honored to capture these first moments for you. And rest assured you and your little one are in great hands! Let’s create images that will bring you back to these fleeting days, years down the road.
Ready to book? Get in touch to schedule your newborn session!
