As a newborn and baby photographer, I have spent over a decade perfecting the art of capturing the most precious newborn images utilizing a range of poses and props. I’d like to share my favorite poses and how to achieve them here.
The froggy pose is one of the harder poses in the world of newborn photography, but one of the most requested. I estimate 50% odds on this pose being successful, and we definitely need a sleepy, relaxed baby! Having a bottle or pacifier on hand is very helpful in achieving the more challenging poses.
The froggy pose requires two people, one to hold the baby, and one (me) to take the picture! If the pose is done correctly, babies can balance themselves, but I don’t take the risk they may topple over. Newborn safety is very important to me, and I generally have my assistant or a parent help with this pose with one hand on the wrists and one on top of the head. Many clients are amazed that you can merge two images to make one beautiful photograph. Photoshop for the win with this pose!
My personal favorite is the baby in a bucket pose. I can get 99% of babies to do the bucket pose. This will be the last time your baby will be this small, so why not place them in a bucket? It’s absolutely adorable, and a huge crowd pleaser. Lots of blankets and cushioning on the bucket edge make for a comfortable, happy, sleeping baby.
Another favorite is the bum up pose. Approximately 85% of babies will do this pose, and they have their own opinion about exactly how they’ll do it! This is a nice, simple, naked baby pose which allows you to see all the details of their little face and their cute tiny wrinkles. I am accustomed to dealing with pee and poo when the diaper is off, DO NOT WORRY ABOUT IT, (sh)it literally happens! We just finish the pose, get all the images, and then clean up.
Another fun pose is the parent as a backdrop pose. The parent sits in a chair with black fabric draped over them similar to the barber/hairdresser. There will be a boppy in your lap pulled out slightly, and your arms will come out from underneath the fabric. Babies love being held, so we get the best poses with mommy or daddy, other family members' hands, a modified froggy or family members giving the baby a kiss.
Last but not least is the awake baby! Most babies are awake at some point during the session, which I personally love, as it allows for good eye contact and funny faces. Most babies want to check out the gigantic light; or examine my collection of wraps. This pose also involves 2 people, because someone has to hold the baby's arms down since they naturally have the moro reflex until 3-4 months old. With this pose, we can get nice close-ups of their little faces and a wide range of expressions.
These are just some of the poses I do here at Anne Weston Photography. Ultimately, it's the baby who decides what they’re going to do, but if you love a particular pose, I will do my best to capture that. I am constantly evolving and trying different things, and sometimes babies freestyles their poses! Whatever the pose, you are guaranteed to receive beautiful, priceless photographs of your newborn and family.