The classic 5 key poses for newborn photos

I love getting creative with imagery as a lifestyle newborn photographer in Richmond, Virginia, but I always aim to get the five key poses for newborn photos. These poses are the framework for each session and are often the starting point for the more artistic, creative images to come later.

Everyone smiling at the camera

I always like to start with the quintessential, “everyone smile and look at me” photo. This is the one you want to send to grandma, put in a frame, use for daycare profiles, and more. It’s classic and a must, so I always make sure to get a few variations of this in the beginning, when we are still warming up and getting comfortable with the camera.

Sometimes with older siblings, this one can be tougher to get, so we may revisit the opportunity several times throughout the session as the toddlers and older siblings get used to the idea of photos.

Mom with baby

Next up is a time for mom to shine with baby. These photos are often so tender, and there are so many ways I love to set these up. Standing by a window with baby cozy on your chest, sitting in your nursery rocker, feeding baby, or my personal favorite, looking in a mirror.

It’s so special to capture these one-on-one moments with mom and baby, especially since moms are usually the one taking the photos and don’t often get to be in them. Once we get mom and the newborn, the next key pose for newborn photos is to get mom with all her children.

Dad with baby

Another special moment is dad with his newborn baby. These poses are a lovely juxtaposition of strength and tenderness. Dad’s often hold their newborns on their chest facing out, or one one arm (what I like to call the football pose) looking down.

Once we get dad with the newborn, we’ll add variation by bringing in any older siblings, too!

Variations of candid family poses

Next, I will add mom back into the picture and move into a more candid flow of family photos. This is a wonderful time to be natural and simply enjoy looking into your family’s eyes and at the sweet face of your newborn baby.

We’ll move around the house for these portraits, and switch off who is holding baby. As you can see, the family had a lovely porch swing so we stepped outside on this spring day for some lovely images of these key poses for newborn photos on the porch.

Key poses for newborn photos: Solo baby portraits

Now we move into my favorite part of the session, baby by themselves. For this, I will bring a white bean bag with blankets to recreate a studio look with a lifestyle feel. I always suggest we wrap baby in a neutral blanket and wraps, with simple accessories like a thin bow or hat.

I love the full body view looking down at the baby asleep. I practice what is called baby-led posing, which is a simple posing flow for baby that takes advantage of their natural sleeping poses. I won’t ever photograph in a position that baby wouldn’t normally be in, such as froggy pose. I prefer baby-led as it is more natural and timeless look that your family will love for years to come.

Baby details

Once we get baby’s full body pose, I like to move in on the details. This is different for every baby. Ideally they are asleep enough that we can un-swaddle them without their waking up, but sometimes this is not possible and they’re awake – which is fine!

Bonus poses for newborn photos – pets!

I love pets so I am always willing to try and get them incorporated in the photos.

Now that you know the five key poses for newborn photos, are you ready to book yours? I would love to help you create timeless images of your growing family that you’ll enjoy for generations to come.

Looking for more newborn stories? Here are some recent sessions on the blog!

• West End Newborn Portraits in Gorgeous Nursery
• Newborn Photos at six months old
• Nautical nursery newborn photos

Jacqueline Aimee Portraits offers Richmond Newborn Photography for clients looking for timeless newborn portraits. See her latest work on Instagram!

Back to the blog