30 newborn poses for home and studio photography (2023)

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Parents often want to capture and save the first weeks or even the first days of their baby's life. That's why they look for photographers and trust them to pose for baby pictures. Still, it's not part of everyday tasks and you have to be SUPER careful with your little model. There's no harm in searching the internet for newborn photography tips and practicing a little BEFORE the actual session. One mistake and not just the photo shoot but your entire career is ruined. In addition, you will disappoint or even put off young parents.

posing guide for kids

Check out this posing guide for kids, which features a tutorial as well as lists of printable and digital poses to use in your next photo shoot. Make your photos easy and unique from the first photo session.

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baby left alone

Newborn and balance are two conflicting terms. NEVER leave a baby alone, even with older siblings. When shooting, making sure the child is safe and healthy is your main responsibility. Even if you place him on a sturdy stand or recline in a comfortable chair, a number of things will happen and he may simply roll out of position. If you need to move, make sure an adult is watching the newborn.

Immune system of newborns

Newborns are very susceptible to various infections and bacteria because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Therefore, if you or any of your colleagues or family members who spend a lot of time in the photo studio get seasick, it is better to postpone the session. It would be a shame if your clients went to the hospital right after the photo shoot. Remember to wash your hands several times while placing the newborns. There are so many germs that can be harmful to babies and you tend to nurse your little fingers and toes all the time. Be sure to pack a large bottle of unscented hand sanitizer so you can sanitize your hands quickly. Do this whenever possible!

safe accessory

Photographers these days seem to be competing with each other and experimenting with creative ideas for newborn photography, and sometimes it feels like they are trying to reinvent the wheel. Find something comfortable, secure, and soft. Do not use glass props for newborn photography, even though they can help create a beautiful composition. These things break easily, leading to possible injury or even more serious damage. If you intend to hang poses for newborns, make sure the material is sturdy enough. You must maintain the baby's average weight for at least 25 minutes. You can ask parents about their children's weight in advance to prepare the perfect yarn. There are many DIY prop ideas on the internet, so you can make something unique for every photo shoot.

immature circulatory systems

Almost all newborns have slightly bluish hands and feet in the first few hours of life, which is called "acrocyanosis". It is a very typical phenomenon caused by insufficient circulation of oxygen and blood to the extremities of the body and quickly disappears. Doctors say you can move your hands and legs a little and they look natural. This means that you should choose poses for newborn photos that do not affect or impede circulation. If you position the baby with your hands on your chin or choose a standard pose with heels, you will see that the color of the feet and hands change. But if they look too red, blue or purple, act fast and change your baby photo pose.

• become a professional newborn photography editingfor about $5 per photo.

Basic postures for newborns

In the study

1. Wrapped

You should swaddle the baby in a soft rug or blanket. Sometimes parents are willing to help you, so don't refuse their help.

2. Wounded

Newborn frog pose is not for amateurs. Legs are placed on the side with hands under the chin.

3. Tushy Hasta

This pose is very cute and helps to photograph the baby's facial features, cute little body with thick wrinkles and bum.

4. Heel position

Also known as the "womb position", it's super comfortable for petite models. The baby is securely positioned while you can photograph her face, fingers and toes.

5. Lay down and curl up

Why don't you try this baby pose in the photoshoot? Lay the newborn on his side (right is best), bring your hands together or simply tuck them under the chin.

6. Chin in hands

What can be easier? I really admire this baby photography pose as I have so many sweet and moving memories of it. This pose doubles as a newborn photography idea for both boys and girls.

Newborn photography poses at home

7. Total length

Your model must be asleep so you can place her the way you need it.

8. At the back

Your model will be very comfortable in this baby photo pose. Lay him on his back with his hands on his stomach.

9. Foreground

Be sure to take some close-ups. This doesn't mean that you should only focus on the face, but also shoot small feet and hands.

10. yawn

Newborns spend the first week of their lives sleeping a lot. Capture that sweet yawn moment.

Creative newborn photography poses with family

11. Face to face

It's one of the classic poses in newborn photography when other family members are in the picture. Try to focus on the parents who are looking with admiration at their beloved angel.

12. Looking at the camera

Ask one of the parents to hold the baby. That way everyone is in front of the camera and you can take a traditional portrait. Check out newborn photography tips to learn which accessories to use for this pose.

13. The cradle cellar

The crib is one of the most popular baby photo ideas among parents. Mothers love to hug and caress their cute kids. Therefore, parents can hold their little fingers and legs, touch their hair, and kiss their nose or forehead.

14. Keep your head shut

You can get a wonderful photo of a friendly family if you ask the parents to hold the baby tightly and keep their hands together.

15. Movement

Why not experiment and add some action to newborn poses? It doesn't mean anything too fast, it just captures regular activity.

16. Daddy and baby

You cannot neglect this idea. The photo of a father holding his baby looks very meaningful and impressive.

17. Mother and baby

This pose is a must on your photo list. This idea does not require special clothing for newborn photography.

18. With older brothers and sisters

Ask an older brother or sister to pose with a baby.

19. The whole family

Take a picture of the whole family spending time together. Posed or not, this photo will look amazing.

20. They have natural talents

Creative newborn poses work great, but sometimes a natural pose is just what you need.

Accessories for safe postures for newborns

1. Unusual headdress for babies

Try using headbands and hats of different colors as the main accessory. Choosing an appropriate hat or other accessory will help create the image or mood you want to see in your photos.

• Checkbut creativeprops for newborn photographyto surprise your customers with unusual photo ideas.

2. Pouf for newborn photography

Various blankets, swaddling clothes and shawls in pastel colors will come in handy for your photo shoot. These newborn photography props are always a good idea as they can hide private parts and skin imperfections.

3. Basket of newborn photography accessories

Such accessories are an ideal option for posing for baby pictures, as they emphasize how small and helpless the newborn is. You can try out baskets, bowls and the like to get your best creative shots.

4. Remember the stork legend

Everyone knows the beautiful myths about a stork bringing the baby to its parents. The main thing is to check whether the child is safe.

5. Accessories related to parents' hobbies

You can use accessories related to parental hobbies. If you like music, I recommend using a piano or guitar. Be very attentive with the combined poses of the newborn to create a harmonious composition.

6. Use a decorated net

If you don't know how to pose for newborns, you can try the hammock and decorate it with flowers, ribbons and glitter.

7. Popular movie props

Do parents like Star Wars? You can create accessories related to other famous stories, movies and games. Think and search the Internet for interesting ideas.

8. Festive accessories

The holiday theme is an inexhaustible source of unique image ideas. You can choose the theme based on seasonal holidays or family events. In any case, the result will be really interesting and fun.

9. Little surprise in the suitcase

Those who like to travel will like creative ideas with a baby sitting in a suitcase, suitcase surrounded by maps or guides. Such images look very stylish.

10. Stuffed animals

This is a classic attribute of newborn photography. Children love stuffed animals from an early age, so these images are very natural. You can ask your customers to choose a toy from your collection or prepare your own variant.

Newborn photography tips for photographers

Tip 1. Be confident

Believe in yourself and act with confidence. It's vital to stay calm even if you don't have enough experience. You must learn all the necessary information before the photo shoot. The internet is full of helpful tips on how to pose for baby pictures. You can read articles or watch videos.

• find moreusefulnewborn photography tipsTaking pictures of healed babies when you are just starting out in your photography career.

Tip 2. Discuss all nuances with parents

Some photographers just talk to their clients about the location, time and cost of the photo session. But there are many other details to consider. You and your clients often have different views on how to take pictures. Therefore, all the nuances must be discussed in advance. Pay attention to colors, clothes, accessories, style. As a complement to the portfolio, you can also prepare important information for your potential customers on the blog or website. It will make your work easier and more professional. Working with babies requires a lot of attention and patience. It's always a good idea to send the remaining balance directly to the parents a few days before the photo shoot.

Tip 3. Pay attention to the accessories you choose

The ottoman, blankets and things like that are very important. Think about how to make them interesting on the board. For example, I traded in my old pouf for a disco model and the results are immediate. The second variant has additional beanbags so I can try more baby photography poses. I photographed the baby moving her legs, head and arms and the photos seem more expressive and spontaneous.

Tip 4. Don't forget the angle and light

Be very careful with lighting and shooting angles. I have a secret that will help add depth to the baby portrait. Simply position the newborn at an angle to the light source and enjoy professional looking images. I recommend holding the child's head towards the light. This results in good shading.

The size of the window, the type of light and other parameters greatly affect how the newborn photo poses look in the frame.

Tip 5. Watch out for creative accessories for newborns

Different props can make your photos look flawless or on the contrary ruin all your efforts. In my experience, it's best to prepare all accessories in advance. Don't bring all your blankets, toys, flowers, baskets, suitcases, and decorations to every photo shoot. It is better to choose several more suitable variants. You can even ask your parents for help. Sometimes moms and dads take the initiative and bring some important family things to the photo shoot.

Newborn posing video tips

Tip 6. Stomach Pose

This is one of the most popular newborn photography poses that is also suitable for beginners. The baby should cross his legs and rest on a side arm. Then you can photograph the baby's facial expressions.

Tip 7. Face Up Pose

Simple and fun way to pose for newborn photos. The baby's hands should be under the chin. The photographer shoots from above, focusing on the boy's face.

Tip 8. Newborn Frog Pose

This twist on newborn photography poses can be tricky for beginners, but it's well worth the effort. The main thing is to keep the baby's wrists together, which is an unnatural position for such a small child.

Tip 9. Position your head on your arms

This is one of my favorite newborn poses because it always looks cute and it suits little girls especially. The girl should lie down with her arms on a pillow in the center of the pouf.

Tip 10. Engaging posture

There are so many reasons to try this pose. The child may be very active, have some skin defects, or just feel cold. Anyway, this is one of the best newborn photography poses for anyone who is new to newborn poses. You can experiment with different covers and blankets to get the mood you need.

Now you have all the basic information you need to start posing newborns. Everything else depends on your creativity and care.