AITA for telling my friend I can’t take “newborn” photos of her baby because it’s too old now?

A photographer specializing in newborn photography sparks tension with a friend after declining to perform a newborn photo shoot for her 3-week-old baby, citing safety risks with posing older infants. Despite offering a free family and 1-month mini-session as an alternative, the friend insists on the promised newborn poses, escalating their disagreement.

This Reddit story captures the friction between professional standards and personal expectations in a close friendship. It highlights the challenge of balancing infant safety with a new mother’s emotional attachment to milestone photos, resonating with those navigating professional and personal boundaries.

‘AITA for telling my friend I can’t take “newborn” photos of her baby because it’s too old now?’

The photographer’s refusal to perform a newborn shoot for a 3-week-old baby prioritizes infant safety, as poses are only safe within 7-10 days. Her offer of alternative sessions shows a fair compromise, but the friend’s insistence on unsafe poses reflects a misunderstanding of professional limits.

The friend’s delayed response, likely due to new-mom challenges, fueled her emotional reaction. However, the photographer’s outreach at birth and clear explanation demonstrate due diligence.

Photography safety standards demand avoiding risky poses, and the photographer’s stance protects the baby and her integrity. The friend’s frustration doesn’t outweigh safety concerns. The photographer should restate safety issues calmly, emphasizing the alternative shoot’s value. The friend should accept the offer, and future coupons should specify the 7-10 day window.

Take a look at the comments from fellow users:

Reddit users support the photographer, commending her focus on baby safety and viewing her offer of a free family and 1-month session as generous. They argue the friend’s delay missed the newborn window, making her demand for unsafe poses unreasonable.

Commenters recognize the friend’s new-mom struggles but stress that safety comes first. They suggest clarifying time limits in future offers and encourage the friend to accept the alternative shoot to resolve the conflict.

This compelling story of a photographer refusing a newborn shoot for an older baby underscores the tension between professional standards and personal expectations. Her safety-driven decision highlights the importance of clear communication in friendships. Share your thoughts below and let’s unpack this photo shoot drama.