Newborn Photography Poses for Lifestyle Photographers

Capturing the details of a newborn's first few days with their family is such a privilege to be a part of. Although I am a Minneapolis newborn lifestyle photographer, I do incorporate some natural posing into my workflow that is both easy to do in a lifestyle setting while resulting in images that are unique and allow my clients’ galleries to have a diverse array of images! Here are some of my favorite poses that I incorporate into every session whether at my studio, or in someone’s home.

1. The Family Embrace

Every couple wants images together snuggling with their baby! For this pose, I have either mom or dad hold baby on their chest while the other parent cuddles in closely. Give baby’s head extra support by tucking their hand under their cheek. This prevents their head from being buried into mom’s shoulder and allows a beautiful detailed shot of their face. I have have created good composition using a triangle shape and the baby is also the center of focus. This pose not only highlights the tiny features of the baby but also emphasizes the love of their family.

2. Baby in a Bassinet

Create a cozy scene by laying baby on a soft, textured blanket in a bassinet that has layers of blankets or pillows underneath it so that baby is not shrouded by the sides of the bassinet and plenty of light hits their face. You can also put baby in a shallow basket. The key is to make sure baby’s head is supported and raised slightly higher than their feet. Use small pillows or rolled up swaddles under the top blanket to provide this extra support for their head. Having baby’s head higher than their feet also allows you to photograph their faces naturally with flattering light covering their face. When they lie flat without their head slightly raised, their heads will often tip back and their swaddled chests will be higher and thus closer to camera. Your goal is to have the most important part of the baby to be closest to the camera and that is their beautiful face.

3. Lying Down Between Mom and Dad

I love including moments of connection between parents together with their newborn. These candid moments allow for genuine expressions and interactions. At the end of the session I will have mom and dad lie on the floor with baby in between them. I then shoot from many angles and all around them. I will photograph them from above, from head down and then on either side of them capturing their expressions as they connect with each other and their baby. I will often shoot close to get details of baby looking at either parent, or images of their little hands clasping mom or dad’s fingers.

4. Sibling Love

Including siblings in a newborn photos is an important part of every family newborn session. Poses like having a big brother or sister gently hold their new sibling or lie beside them is something every parent will want to see. My approach to photographing children with babies is to never force them to do something they are not comfortable doing. Work together with mom and dad to invite them to sit next to, hold, or lie next to baby brother or sister. Next, provide a safe and cozy setting for them to do this, make sure mom and dad are close by, and allow them to sit so that baby’s head is always supported. I achieve this by having them sit in the corner of my small reclining loveseat, or resting back on pillows, or even sitting on the floor with pillows all around. Baby may be placed between their legs or propped up against their chest with their arms safely holding them, or they can lie back on a large pillow with their arm out and baby resting close to their head. Again, keep mom and dad close, on either side of their child, and shoot quickly to catch what can be a fleeting moment!

5. Mom’s Lap as a Backdrop

Another way to beautifully capture baby alone or with a sibling is to photograph them lying on mom’s lap with her arms surrounding them and their head resting gently in her hands. Because mom is sitting on the floor, it makes if very easy to invite big sister or brother to come and give baby a kiss or a quick cuddle! Mom’s dress essentially becomes a beautiful backdrop for baby which is one reason why it is important to style your clients. Educate them on the important of colors and textures and, if possible, provide them with a client wardrobe. I provide my clients with access to my extensive wardrobe for women and children. I then send them suggestions for what dad and older siblings should wear. These options are presented to them through my styling page, a styling email sent 30 days before their session, and, if requested, a styling board showing them examples of outfits that work well together.

6. Poses for Dad and Mom

Separate poses with mom and dad alone are also a part of every session. For mom, I show her how to place her hand like a supportive shelf for baby to lie on. Her cupped hand rests gently on her shoulder. I then lay baby onto her arm, and her other arm supports baby’s body. This pose allows mom and baby to cuddle closely. Have mom gently close her eyes while resting her hand on baby’s cheek or turn her face toward baby for a kiss. For dad, I love to show how small baby is compared to dad’s protective hands or chest. I rest baby in the center of dad’s chest while he gently supports them with his hands. He is not only able to admire baby but give them kisses on the head. The expressions that result from both of these poses is wonderful!

7. Baby’s Details

At the end of the session when baby is un-swaddled, I will photograph baby’s little details as she or he is resting next to mom or dad. From baby’s little toes, to their fingers wrapped around a parent’s finger, to their soft hair or eyelashes, capturing baby’s soft details is a must during any session. Baby’s features change so quickly. As a result, freezing this moment in time is priceless!

Conclusion

Although lifestyle newborn photography often portrays babies and their families in a very natural way, it is important to follow a plan and have a posing structure your sessions which allows you to capture details that will be important to your clients. By following structure to capture baby with the entire family, alone with mom and dad, baby alone, baby with siblings, and baby’s details, you will be able to create a gallery which not only has wonderful variety, but captures a family’s beautiful story.

Want to learn more about my Newborn Session experience? Check out my Session Information page!