We’ve all seen them, pictures of children wrapped in Christmas lights.  We all ooh and ahh over them, wanting to do this to our kids/pets…but we shouldn’t.   Christmas lights are coated in a PVC coating that contains lead!  This is what makes them water resistant outside and safe to put up, but the amount contained in the PVC can be harmful to small children.  The danger comes from touching the strands and then touching food or putting your hands in/near your mouth (and where do most kids put their hands…?  Exactly.)

While most kids have come in contact with the strands of these brightly twinkling lights without harm, I refuse to be the photographer who puts them in any kind of danger.  It’s not worth the risk to get that image.  There are hundreds of other ways to introduce a little Christmas into your images – safe, non toxic ways!

Example: I shot this little fellow yesterday.  Once I explained the potential risks of stringing lights around him, Mom, who had NO idea about the dangers, was more than excited to see these images instead!

 

It’s up to us as photographers to spread the word – a photographer who takes 50 kids portraits throughout the holiday season can know about it and tell everyone (hello power of social media!!)  Make sure to buy shatter-proof ornaments, ones with out glitter if possible.  When working with tinsel and beads, ALWAYS make sure the child isn’t eating it.  Christmas photos are great if done safely!  Please please PLEASE make sure you’re taking your children to a photographer who recognizes these issues and and avoids them at all costs!

 

*Note: HMK Photography is in NO way slamming any photographers or Christmas lights and their proper use of decorations.  We have them up on our tree, house, banister…practically anywhere I can put them!  We just want people to be aware of the hazards that may come with children touching lights.*