When it comes to lifestyle newborn photography, it’s important not to overthink every newborn pose. The beauty of this style lies in its natural, relaxed feel. Capturing real moments and genuine interactions often result in the most heartfelt and timeless images. Remember, the best newborn pose is often the one that feels effortless and true to the family’s everyday life.
Simple newborn poses with easy transitions for a varied gallery your clients will love
1. From above with a parent or sibling
To achieve this newborn pose I have mom or dad kneel on the floor beside my twin size bed (would work with a posing bean bag, as well) with one arm hanging towards the floor, one wrapped around baby and head laying flat. You may have the other arm wrapped around baby’s head if you like. You may add the other parent or a sibling on the other side for variety. Younger siblings may have to lay on the bed beside their new brother or sister.
2. Baby Only From Above
This is a great pose to get lots of variety. You can usually go right into this pose from the first one or vice versa.
3. Baby from the side
Without moving baby you can transition right into these poses with baby alone and with a parent or sibling. These all work well while baby is awake or asleep.
Standing Newborn Poses for Lifestyle Newborn Photography Sessions
1. Baby Near Parent’s Face
For these poses, I start with baby’s bottom on the parent’s chest with their feet sticking up. It’s easy to, then, bend baby towards the parents face for nose to nose, forehead to forehead, cheek kisses and cheek to cheek. If baby doesn’t bend easily, simply hold baby under their bottom and let their feet and legs rest on your arm.
If find this pose works best with babies who are asleep. However, if they’re comfortable and calm, awake works, as well. They may need to be swaddled, if awake, to avoid flailing arms.
Parent’s may sit during these poses, however, I find it’s more flattering to stand.
2. Baby laying on Parent’s Chest
It’s easy to move right into this pose from the one above without moving baby much. This is a great pose to add the rest of the family into, as well.
3. Baby in Parents Arms
This is another newborn pose that’s easy to transition into from either of the above poses and works well for the entire family.
Don’t forget the details
I could, easily, fill an entire gallery with details. Every pose is an opportunity to shower parent’s with close-ups of everything detail they want to remember about their baby.
As a photographer, I’ve learned that the most meaningful images often come from the unscripted moments—the way a parent gazes at their baby or the tiny stretch of newborn fingers. When families just relax and are able to be themselves special moments happen on their own. Know how to find great light set the scene and wait for those moment’s you’ll have happy clients who can’t wait to show off their images and recommend you.
Laura Cardan offers light and airy newborn photography services in the Birmingham, Alabama area.
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