The Motherhood Blog | Andrea Dwyer Photography

Bringing your new baby into the world is a moment filled with emotion, love and joy. And as a newborn photographer serving Tampa Bay families, I understand just how important it is to capture those first fleeting days safely and beautifully. For expecting moms, especially first-time mothers, it’s completely natural to feel both excited and cautious about booking a newborn session. That’s why I make safety the #1 priority in my studio.

In this post I want to share how I keep your newborn safe during a studio photography session and what you can expect when you arrive, so you feel completely at ease and confident walking through the studio doors.

Why Newborn Photography Safety Matters

Newborns are incredibly delicate in the first few weeks of life. From their developing immune systems to their tiny joints and reflexes, handling and posing a newborn requires not only training but deep awareness and care. A professional newborn photographer should always place a baby’s safety and comfort above any pose or image.

My Studio is Designed with Your Baby’s Safety in Mind

Located just outside of Tampa Bay, my studio is fully equipped for newborn sessions and thoughtfully arranged to meet the needs of both baby and parent.

Here are just a few key safety features:

• Sanitized, Baby-Friendly Environment: All surfaces, props, wraps, and outfits are cleaned and sanitized before and after every session. Hand sanitizer and hand-washing protocols are always followed.
• Controlled Room Temperature: The studio is kept comfortably warm to help keep your baby calm and cozy throughout the session, mimicking the warmth of the womb.
• Hands-On Posing with Safety First: I never force a baby into a pose. All posing is done gently and intentionally, with your baby’s comfort guiding each step. Many poses are supported by hidden hands or composite editing techniques to ensure your baby is never placed in an unsafe position. In addition, I use a very wide angle lens so I can keep very close to your baby, and whenever I plan a setup where I can’t be close, I utilize an assistant.
• Trained and Experienced Care: With years of experience photographing newborns across the Tampa Bay Area, I’ve completed newborn safety training, and continually update my knowledge to align with best practices.
• Illness Policy: I will never touch an infant if I’m unwell, and I ask my clients to let me know if they are feeling under the weather so we can reschedule and keep germs out of my studio for the next client. Rescheduling for illness is a no-brainer when newborns are involved.

What You Can Expect During Your Studio Newborn Session

When you arrive at your session, you’ll be welcomed into a calm, peaceful space designed to feel like a home away from home. you’ll have time to feed, soothe, and snuggle your baby, and I’ll take the lead on creating a relaxed flow that doesn’t feel rushed.

During the session:

• Baby-led posing ensures your newborn is never uncomfortable or over-handled.
• You’re welcome to take breaks for feeding or cuddles whenever needed.
• Parents and siblings are gently guided through their portion of the session so everyone feels included and relaxed.

Peace of Mind for Tampa Bay Parents

Choosing the right photographer is about more than loving their style–it’s about trusting the person who will be handling your most precious gift. My commitment to safety is unwavering, and it’s the foundation of every session I photograph in my Lithia studio.

For Tampa Bay-area moms, I want you to know that when you walk into my studio, your baby will be treated with the same care and respect I would give my own. Safe, stress-free, and lovingly documented–that’s how your newborn session should feel.