portrait studios FORBID breastfeeding in pics

[leosmommy]

Maybe I'm too pro-bfing for my own good. I want to get a professional picture done of me nursing DS on his 1st birthday. We have a shot from his birth, of my first time nursing him, and I thought it would be sweet to have a shot of him bfing at one year. Classic, simple, and tastefully done.

Every picture studio I've approached to make an appointment has refused to do any shot of breastfeeding. JCPenney, Sears, Picture People. I've called and spoken with a few supervisors...since their studios aren't completely private, and nor are their "viewing" computers, the "nudity" might offend someone. I have D breasts, but you see more when I wear a low cut top than when I feed DS. And I'm incredibly offended. They would have no problem taking pictures of a mom bottlefeeding a baby, or a LO with a pacifier in its mouth. So it's just the natural method of feeding an infant they find offensive. What should I do? Who do I call or write to?

And we don't really have the money to go to a private photographer for a session. I just needed to vent. Thanks.

[applejuice]

A photographer who does births might be open to it. Sorry that is all I can think of. Your dilemma is a sad commentary on attitudes in our society towards all things normal and natural.

[Sagesgirl]

Distasteful as we may find it, they are private businesses & as such get to dictate what they will & will not photograph. Honestly, I had never seen photos of parents even bottlefeeding until very recently, and those photos I have seen have all been done by private photographers. I think it's a bit silly, but eh.

Do you actually know they will take photos of bottlefeeding, or are you just assuming they will?

[leosmommy]

I asked if they would take pics of bottlefeeding and pacis, and they said, "absolutely." I mentioned that I find this offensive because I think bottles and pacis can undermine and even end many nursing relationships, and they said, "well, there's no nudity and that's all we are concerned about." I was talking to my mom about it tonight, and she knows a guy who does photography for the Senate and such here in PA and she's going to ask him about doing the pics for us and maybe at a lower rate...we shall see.

[bmcneal]

I'm sorry that you are unable to find someone to do your photographs for you. Although I'm not surprised, what with the attitude most people have towards breastfeeding. That sounds like a really neat idea, though! I never thought of doing it, but it would *totally* be something I want to do now. :P But, like you, I don't know anyone nearby that would do it for me, and I'm also not that good at the "discreet" thing yet.

I hope you can find someone who will do it for you, because like I said, that sounds like a really neat picture.

[Arwyn]

Where do you live? Some states have a "breastfeeding is NOT indecent exposure" law you could show to them to make clear that they would not be liable if anyone complained.

[leosmommy]

I live in PA...

Pa. Cons. Stat. tit. 35 § 636.1 et seq. (2007) allows mothers to breastfeed in public without penalty. Breastfeeding may not be considered a nuisance, obscenity or indecent exposure under this law. (SB 34)

that's a summary of our law.

Who do I show it to? It's not up to the individual store, it's like their company wide policy. The people at the store have no control over that.

[Arwyn]

Write to the companies, very politely, pointing out that they are losing a customer in you, and that they are legally protected, and would earn SO MUCH good will (and money!) by making a simple policy change, because you know all these people who would look favorably on a breastfeeding-supportive company.

And then copy the letter to your local media, your local breastfeeding organizations, etc. Did I mention make it very polite? But assertive.

[MiamiMami]

I would take Arwyn's suggestion, but ultimately take your business elsewhere. I am sure there must be some talented MDC Mama's in your area. Maybe ask in the tribal areas?

[jenjenl18]

DS got his pictures done at 18mos and I was in a few. I asked if we could get some shots while he nursed (he was asking to nurse at the time anyways). And they told me no, policy doesn't allow it, they aren't even allowed to photograph bare pregnant bellies. That was portrait innovations in maryland. Ugh! I agree the policy sucks.
I have only a few that DH has snapped. Do you have a friend that could snap some? Just open all your windows, no flash and take a ton and your bound to get a few good ones.

[Swan3]

Another idea would be to get the photos taken by a photography student. Check out your local art schools and put up an ad...

[marrymeflyfree]

That's very sad....I hope you're able to find a place that will accommodate you.

It reminds me of a pic hanging on the wall at my aunt's house that always makes me smile. It's a pic of her son 'breastfeeding' his newborn. They had photos taken at some generic mall type photo place many years ago (that baby is now in high school)...they did shots of him being actually BF by his mom, and a few silly/sweet ones of him with dad. It's such a sweet picture. Dad is shirtless and the babe is naked.

[CEVmommy]

I used a private professional photographer when dd was little and she refused to do nursing pics. She told me that she wouldn't be able to get them developed at the lab she uses because it would be considered kiddie porn. What???!!! We got out of our contract with her (we had been in a 2 year contract to get pics made every 3 months).

I ended up finding a photographer who was just starting out his business so he was pretty inexpensive. His wife was nursing their baby and he ran a promotion to do nursing pic sessions for World Breastfeeding Week and we signed up! We got a really great nursing pic from that session that I love. And dd was 18 months old at the time too.

18 mo nursing pic

Good luck - I hope you find someone!

[Chavelamomela]

Have you tried craig's list? DH is learning photography and he was able to find a wonderful photography student to work with this way.

Sorry you found such illogical prudishness! It doesn't seem to make any sense (and that pg belly thing is absurd too - a midriff-showing top would be permissible, why not a pg belly???)

[junipermuse]

I would ask them to define nudity. Because it's not as if you're asking to take everything off and pose in your b-day suit. That is nudity. If they are claiming that even one bare body part is nudity, then do they allow people to be photographed barefoot. Typically people wear shoes in public places, especially stores like sears and jc penney's but it is very common for people to remove their shoes to be photographed. If they are trying to say that nudity is the uncovering of a body part that is sexual in nature, then you explain that breastfeeding is definitely not sexual, its eating. In fact your right to nurse in the studio may be specifically protected by the laws of your state (I don't know where you live), so they can't stop you from nursing there. People will see you nursing no matter what, so they might as well take your picture while you're there.

[veganone]

That's awful!

I agree with the suggestion to try to find a new or student photographer who will do it. Maybe post in your tribal area? You might try contacting some private photographers who do kids/pregnancy pics and see if they'll do a short session for just a couple of nursing pics at a discount since it's such an important thing for you.

You could also rely on Dh or a friend. My absolute fave nursing pic was taken by DH. Just take a TON of photos in really good lighting. You might surprise yourself.

[doctormom]

Their position on this is all kinds of ridiculous. This is what breasts are FOR, people!

I do have a pic of DS nursing on his 1st birthday, and I treasure it. My DH took it at home...in retrospect, my DS wouldn't have been calm enough to stay latched on in a portrait studio, he'd have been wanting to look around at all the interesting new sights and props. Maybe you can find a talented amateur in your area who can take your photos at home?

I love photos of happy nurslings!

[applejuice]

You could also rely on Dh or a friend. My absolute fave nursing pic was taken by DH. Just take a TON of photos in really good lighting. You might surprise yourself.

Yes. I agree. I once went to Sears photography and waited in line, pregnant, with my DD for pictures...they actually stopped right before my turn and left me there while they went for a break. I left and never returned. I bought a simple but good 35mm camera and I have taken lots of great pictures since that day. Some of my photographs have been spectacular!

[Graceoc]

Many independent professional photographers would have no issues at all doing nursing images. I love doing them for my clients. I don't have any on my site right now, but I do have a great newborn and mom pic in my opening slideshow that the 'studio's' would probably forbid

www.gracephotographystudio.com

[dogmom327]

Definitely check Craig's List. You can often find a photographer who's just starting out and will work cheap. Also, it's my understanding that private photographers are hurting for business these days (economy) so they may be willing to make you a deal.