Newborn photography has become a flourishing trend in today’s Arab society, where capturing the earliest moments of a baby's life has grown into a luxury that many parents eagerly embrace.
These sessions, characterised by their elaborate setups, diverse outfits, and artful poses, offer a way to preserve the precious early days of a child's life. However, the trend is not without controversy.
Rahma Alsalhi, a new mother who recently booked a newborn photography session, says: "I wanted to capture those first precious moments in a way that shows how special they are to me. These photos are something we’ll cherish forever, and I loved seeing my baby in those adorable poses. It’s a memory my husband and I will always look back on with joy."
Many parents like Rahma want to document their baby's first moments to display at home or share with loved ones. The artful poses, soft lighting, and adorable outfits all contribute to a timeless representation that can be cherished for years to come.
Adel al Saidi, another parent, sees it as an opportunity to celebrate the arrival of a new family member.
"It's not just about the pictures; it’s about celebrating the new addition to our family. The photoshoot was a way for us to mark this important event and create something beautiful to remember it by."
The owner of Poon Studio, a specialist in newborn photography studio, commented, "We started this business ten years ago, and demand has been increasing due to the desire to celebrate such occasions. Nowadays, parents are giving these moments a lot of attention and there are ample bookings. Even though we offer various themes for the poses, parents still suggest new ideas and enjoy participating in the sessions."
Some others criticise this trend, arguing that such sessions are an unnecessary indulgence.
They see the trend as a reflection of society's growing obsession with appearances and showing off. For them, the idea of spending a significant amount of money on what they see as staged and artificial photographs seems wasteful.
Um Muhannad, a mother of three, shares her concerns: "I think it's all a bit much. Babies grow so quickly, and while photos are nice to have, I don’t see the need for these custom setups. A simple photo taken at home, holding my baby in my arms, can be just as meaningful." For Um Muhannad, the essence of capturing a moment lies in its authenticity, not in creating a staged scene.
There are also concerns about the potential discomfort for the newborns. Despite professional photographers' best efforts to ensure the baby's safety and comfort, some worry about placing a newborn in various positions, often in unfamiliar surroundings.
Dr Surji, a pediatrician, notes, “I do worry about the stress these sessions might place on the baby. Parents must weigh the benefits against any potential risks to their child’s comfort and well-being. Not everyone is qualified to handle a newborn and place them in such positions with these outfits.”
Underlying this debate is a broader cultural divide regarding the value placed on tradition versus modernity. In some cultures, the idea of photographing a newborn in such settings may seem foreign or even inappropriate. For others, it may be a natural extension of the desire to celebrate and preserve important life events. This difference in viewpoints reflects the various ways people choose to honour and remember significant moments in their lives.
Manal Albadi, a photographer, comments, ‘There is a strong emphasis on modesty and tradition, which may make these photoshoots seem excessive or even unnecessary. However, there is also a growing acceptance of new ways to celebrate and commemorate life events."
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