Newborn Photography Assistants keep your baby safe and comfortable during your session. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Cloverdale

An Assistant is here to keep hands on your baby to ensure a safe and comfortable session. This image is achieved by compositing 2 images together in Photoshop.

Why You Should Use a Newborn Photography Assistant: The Importance of Safety and Support

By Elizabeth Lang Photography – Surrey, near Vancouver

As a professional newborn photographer, safety and comfort are my top priorities when working with newborns. From the delicate care I take while posing each baby to the attention I give to creating a peaceful environment, I always strive to make the experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible for both the baby and their family. One of the key elements that makes this all possible is the support of my photography assistant. While it might not always be obvious in the final images, having an assistant during newborn sessions is essential to ensure both the safety and efficiency of the shoot.

In this post, I want to highlight why I always work with an assistant and how they play a vital role in ensuring a smooth, safe, and successful newborn photography session. Here’s a look at the many ways my assistant helps create the perfect photos and makes the entire experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Newborn Photography Assistants keep your baby safe and comfortable during your session. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Cloverdale
Newborn Photography Assistants keep your baby safe and comfortable during your session. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Cloverdale
Newborn Photography Assistants keep your baby safe and comfortable during your session. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Cloverdale
Newborn Photography Assistants keep your baby safe and comfortable during your session. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Cloverdale
Newborn Photography Assistants keep your baby safe and comfortable during your session. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Cloverdale
Newborn Photography Assistants keep your baby safe and comfortable during your session. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Cloverdale
Newborn Photography Assistants keep your baby safe and comfortable during your session. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Cloverdale
Newborn Photography Assistants keep your baby safe and comfortable during your session. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Cloverdale
Newborn Photography Assistants keep your baby safe and comfortable during your session. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Cloverdale

1. Safety First: Spotting During Poses

When it comes to newborn photography, safety is non-negotiable. Newborns are naturally very delicate, and they often don’t have the muscle control or strength to support themselves when posed. That's why having an assistant is crucial, especially when it comes to some of the more intricate or risky poses—particularly when babies are placed in props or upright positions.

An assistant can be right there to “spot” the baby during these poses, ensuring they are supported at all times. For example, when using a basket or a prop, my assistant will help hold the baby securely, making sure they are safe and comfortable while I position them. This extra set of hands allows me to focus on getting the perfect shot while keeping the baby’s safety at the forefront.

My assistant is practiced at keeping her hands very close to your baby and her focus on your baby during the shot.

Newborn Photography Assistants keep your baby safe and comfortable during your session. Elizabeth Lang Photography Surrey Cloverdale

An Assistant is here to keep hands on your baby to ensure a safe and comfortable session. This image is achieved by compositing 2 images together in Photoshop.

2. Soothing the Baby: Patting, Rocking, and Shushing

Newborn photography often requires babies to be in a deep, restful sleep for the best shots. But keeping a baby calm and asleep can sometimes be tricky, especially when transitioning between different setups or props. That’s where my assistant’s soothing skills come in!

My assistant is trained to gently pat, rock, and shush the baby to keep them asleep and settled throughout the session. Whether it’s a soft rock to settle them back to sleep or a gentle pat to reassure them, these calming techniques help the baby stay relaxed and ready for the next photo. This is especially helpful during poses that require a peaceful, serene expression or during transitions between different setups, ensuring that we capture those perfect moments without interruption.

An Assistant is here to keep hands on your baby to ensure a safe and comfortable session. This image is achieved by compositing 2 images tog

3. Composite Shots: Froggy Pose Support

One of the most popular poses in newborn photography is the “froggy pose,” where babies are positioned with their heads resting on their hands. This pose can be tricky and requires a careful setup to ensure both the baby’s safety and comfort.

To achieve this look, we often use a technique called composite photography—where two separate images are merged together in Photoshop. One photo is taken with my assistant supporting the lower arms and face and another shot is taken with my assistant holding onto the top of your baby. After the two images are merged together and my assistants hands are removed in photoshop. This allows me to create the illusion of the perfect shot while ensuring the baby is always supported. My assistant plays a crucial role in holding the baby during the initial shot and helping me safely transition between the two images.

An Assistant is here to keep hands on your baby to ensure a safe and comfortable session. This image is achieved by compositing 2 images tog

4. Sibling Poses: Keeping Baby Safe

If the newborn session includes older siblings, capturing sibling poses becomes a priority. These moments are always precious, but they also come with an added layer of complexity, especially when the sibling is a toddler or young child. While we want to capture these beautiful family moments, safety is still the most important consideration.

My assistant is invaluable during these sibling poses. They help keep the baby supported and safe while I focus on directing the older sibling. Whether it's helping to gently guide the sibling's hands or positioning them in a way that ensures the baby remains comfortable, my assistant is there to make sure everything goes smoothly. Their presence is reassuring and ensures the session stays relaxed and safe for everyone.

An Assistant is here to keep hands on your baby to ensure a safe and comfortable session. This image is achieved by compositing 2 images tog

5. Efficient Transitions Between Setups

Newborn photography often involves moving the baby between various props and setups. From the soft, cozy baskets to the fluffy blankets, each setup requires a careful transition to ensure the baby remains comfortable and settled.

This is where having an assistant really comes in handy. While I’m adjusting props and getting the next shot ready, my assistant can gently hold the baby, help with positioning, or even pass me props or blankets. These small tasks may seem simple, but they make a big difference in keeping the session flowing smoothly and efficiently. The added help allows us to stay on schedule, so we can capture all the beautiful moments we need while maintaining a calm atmosphere.

6. Studio Organization and Support

A newborn session involves a lot of moving parts, from props and blankets to the various setups needed to create the perfect photo. Keeping the studio organized while working through a shoot can be challenging, but with the help of my assistant, everything stays neat and efficient.

From organizing props to preparing the next setup, my assistant helps ensure everything is in place and ready to go. They keep track of the different items we need for each setup, hand me props as needed, and even assist with adjusting the lighting or backdrop. Their support helps keep the studio organized and ensures that I can focus fully on the babies and their families without getting distracted by logistics.

7. A Calm and Relaxed Environment

Having an assistant also helps create a calming, stress-free environment for parents. Newborn photography can be overwhelming for some families, especially first-time parents. Knowing that an extra person is there to help manage the session and assist with any needs creates a sense of ease. It also helps to alleviate any concerns about the baby’s safety or comfort, allowing parents to relax and enjoy the experience.

8. Invaluable Support for the Photographer

Ultimately, having a photography assistant allows me to focus on what I do best—capturing beautiful moments. Their support ensures that the session runs smoothly and that the babies are always safe and comfortable. Whether it’s holding the baby, helping with poses, or assisting with the logistics, my assistant plays a vital role in the success of every session.

Conclusion: A Team Effort for the Perfect Newborn Photos

At Elizabeth Lang Photography, safety, comfort, and efficiency are key to creating stunning newborn portraits. By having an assistant on hand, I’m able to ensure that your baby is always safe, supported, and comfortable during the session. Their help allows me to focus on getting the best possible shots and creating images that you and your family will treasure for years to come.

Whether you’re expecting your first baby or you’re coming back for newborn photos with a growing family, I’m excited to work with you and make the experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Together with my assistant, we’re here to capture those timeless moments that you will cherish forever.


Elizabeth Lang Photography | Surrey, Vancouver


YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION WITH ELIZABETH LANG PHOTOGRAPHY