Newborn Photography with Oxygen or Medical Considerations: A Gentle, Thoughtful Approach
Welcoming a new baby into the world is a precious moment, even more so when that baby has had a unique start. This might mean needing oxygen, special medical equipment, or extra time to settle into life outside the NICU. At our studio in Monument, Colorado, we are experienced in photographing newborns who require special considerations. Of course, we do so with the utmost respect, safety, and creativity.
Safety and Comfort Always Come First
When doing newborn photography with babies who are on oxygen or have medical considerations, safety is our number one priority. Additionally, we always coordinate with parents ahead of time to understand the baby’s specific needs and tailor each session accordingly. First, for babies on oxygen, we typically keep the cannula in place for the majority of the session to ensure uninterrupted support. With parental approval and only when safe, we may gently slip the oxygen off for a few moments. This is always done in short intervals, closely monitoring baby’s comfort and response.
We take extra care around medical tanks, tubes, and monitors. Naturally we carefully dressing baby to work around wires and sensors, and positioning items so they’re either hidden or minimally visible. Next, we build extra time into each session to allow for longer feeding or soothing periods, as well as breaks if baby becomes overstimulated. Temperature regulation is another key concern. We closely monitor how warm baby is, ensuring they remain cozy while also watching for any skin irritation from adhesives or tubing.
Creative Photography and Subtle Editing Techniques
When it comes to photographing babies with medical needs, a little Photoshop magic and a lot of experience goes a long way. Of course, during sessions, we strategically place most equipment to one side of the baby. We use one set as our “base” and rotate out accessories like wraps, hats, and headbands to provide variety. Multiple angles are utilized for every pose. Moreover, during editing, this not only provides variety but also helps us seamlessly remove the appearance of medical gear. The adhesive tab that secures oxygen tubing on baby’s cheek can be digitally removed in post-processing. Finally, notice how we still preserve birthmarks and distinguishing details while photoshopping each image.
Every Baby’s Story is Beautiful
We believe every baby deserves to be celebrated—exactly as they are. Whether your little one is coming home on oxygen, has healing scars, or needs a gentler pace, we’re here to document their early days. These photos will tell a story of strength, love, and hope.
