Putting prices before safety

It's not very often I come on to rant - I try to stay positive and upbeat and ignore what's going on around me "not my circus" and all that.

Everyone right now is affected by increasing cost of living prices and there's no denying that. Everyone is trying ways to make more money and that's just great. Here comes the but.....

Whilst doing my daily scroll on Facebook, and Instagram in between my editing, I came across numerous "new photographers" and yes I've blogged about this once before. 

Before anyone comes at me saying anything, no I have nothing against new photographers - I've been there and I'm all for people joining the industry, in fact, I've helped hundreds out when I can. I train new photographers and I'm always happy to give free advice where I can. 

BUT....... One thing I really, really, really don't like - actually, it's not about not liking it, it's just simply NOT safe - is new photographers offering newborn photography sessions when they've had zero training. How do I know they've had zero training you ask?

It's simple. They're stating they've just started, they're posting images that are not lit correctly, not posed safely, babies look cold with circulation compromised and in props that are just not suitable for babies to be in. 

Now I understand that all photographers have different pricing structures depending on their costs and their experience However, surely as a parent you would question why someone is hundreds of pounds cheaper? I totally understand why you would want to save money, but at the cost of your newborns safety? I just don't understand.

Yes we all start somewhere, and yes photographers do "model calls" so we can practice things with real babies and these are often free sessions - but safety should ALWAYS come first. 

New photographers shouldn't be posing babies, even after training, it takes months, even years to learn how to handle a newborn, how to settle them and read their cues - one training session doesn't mean you can do it yourself like you've been taught. 

If your chosen photographer can't show you a comprehensive portfolio, move on. If you don't feel comfortable with them handling your baby, let them know. Please don't put prices before your babies safety.

For the sake of saving a few quid, and having out of focus images of your baby and risking them being hurt or uncomfortable, it's just not worth it.

Anyway, that's my little rant of the day over with - It's ok if you don't agree with me but I just had to get it off my chest. I love my little newborns like they're my own and I truly hope you find the perfect photographer for you and your little one x