My Top 20 Creative Newborn Photo Ideas for a Beautiful Session

As an Orange County newborn photographer for more than 14 years, newborns are truly my passion! I love welcoming new families into my studio in Tustin and capturing this special time in their lives! Below I’ve put together a list of my top 20 newborn photo ideas and poses!

These are some of the prompts, poses and ideas that I come back to again and again in my newborn sessions. They’re simple, safe and they consistently create beautiful images that parents love. My goal is always the same: keep baby comfortable and safe, keep parents relaxed, and let the images unfold naturally in front of the camera.

Newborn Photo Ideas with Mom

I love photographing baby with mom in my newborn sessions. Yes, even if you aren’t feeling camera ready- you just gave birth!- I would encourage you to be in a few of the photos. As a mom to two adult daughters, I can tell you how much you will cherish these photos of you with them when they were this tiny!

#1. Mom sits with legs over the arm of a gorgeous chair.

I had this shot in mind for quite some time, and I searched for vintage chairs on Facebook Marketplace for almost a year. I’m so glad I waited to find one that is both elegant and timeless. If you’re looking for one, I highly recommend staying patient! And check local garage sales, too!

THE POSE:  This one is actually pretty straightforward. I have mom sit in the chair facing the window, with her legs draped over the right arm. I ask her to cross her legs softly at the ankles to keep the pose relaxed and feminine.

VARIATIONS:

a) I’ll place baby on her left shoulder, facing out with baby’s back against the chair. Then I have mom gently snuggle baby under her chin.

b) I’ll hand baby to her facing inward, and have her support baby’s head with both hands while she looks down.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• I never have mom get into this pose while holding baby. It’s much easier for her to get comfortable first without anything in her arms. Once she’s settled, we bring baby in.

• Mom is always positioned first, then baby. After they’re both comfortable, I tidy up the little details — smoothing her dress, adjusting baby’s wrap, watching hands and fingers.

• I love the light on mom’s face when she’s turned toward the window. If baby is facing mom, I’ll often add a subtle strobe behind her to give baby just a bit more light and dimension.

This shot was the first time I tried this pose. Since then it has become a client favorite and gets requested over and over.

I will often alternate baby from lying on mom to sitting up in front of mom. Both give such sweet results.

I love how long dresses work beautifully with the chair.

I don’t worry about mom’s hair quite as much when taking this shot from further away. But I will definitely adjust so we can see her face as we get closer.

There are so many variations for this prompt: With mom looking at baby, looking out the window, and looking at the camera.

#2. Hold baby close to face or neck.

This is a classic newborn image — and for good reason. It’s simple and timeless. But it can also be one of the more awkward poses to get just right. The goal is to bring mom’s face close to baby’s in a way that feels natural while keeping both of them centered and evenly lit.

THE POSE: I position mom facing my camera, making sure my light source is hitting both of their faces evenly. I’ll have her cradle baby comfortably first and then I refine from there.

I like to guide her to support baby from underneath with one hand, and then bring her other hand to the back or top of baby’s head. It’s perfect when her hands feel secure and relaxed.

VARIATIONS:

a) Baby facing outward, with mom’s chin resting gently next to baby’s head.

b) Baby tucked slightly under mom’s chin, cradled more to one side for a softer profile.

c) Mom looking down at baby, looking toward the camera, or even closing her eyes. I usually let her settle into whatever feels most natural in the moment.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• It’s second nature for moms to hold their babies close and inward toward their bodies. But for this pose, I guide them to rotate baby slightly outward so we get even light across baby’s face. A little shadow is okay, but we just don’t want baby’s face turned so far inward that it disappears.
• This shot is not about perfection. It’s about the special moment of a new mom holding her brand new baby.

I rotate baby slightly outward so we get even light across her face.

Moms naturally tuck baby inward, so turning her shoulders slightly helps bring baby’s face into the light.

Moms closed eyes can change the tone instantly.

We can’t always control baby’s expression!

#3. Top of baby’s head in hands.

This is a fun shot that captures any and all hair on baby’s head, and made extra special by being cradled in moms hands. The true vision for this shot is to make sure that the focal point is on the baby’s head with mom blurred out in the background, looking at baby. It creates a beautifully artistic shot that moms love.

THE POSE: I start with mom sitting in the chair with baby on her lap, head on hands, hands in lap.  I will have her cross one hand over the other at the back of baby’s head.

VARIATIONS:

a) Mom can keep her hands resting low in her lap with baby’s head supported, or she can lift baby slightly closer to her face for a more intimate feel.

b) Mom can smile or not smile, both are equally beautiful depending on her personality and the mood of the session.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• Make sure mom doesn’t lift baby too high. If baby comes up too far, it can block her face entirely.
• I always let moms know prior to their session that he hands will be in the photos, so she can plan accordingly!

I absolutely love this one with mom’s beautiful smile in the background.

This shot works just with mom’s hands as well. You get a peek at baby’s face, too.

I love how this pose really highlights scale and how baby’s head fits perfectly in her hands.

The pop of color in the headband makes this image feel so beautiful.

#4. Looking down at baby.

Very simple, but timeless. Cradling the baby is, at it’s most basic, the foundation of our newborn photography process. Capturing that very early connection is so important, and doing it in a way that honors new moms and makes them feel comfortable in the process is what we strive for.

THE POSE: I hand mom the baby and ask her to cradle them in a way that feels natural and secure. Once she settles in, I refine from there, adjusting her arms, softening her hands, and making sure everything feels cohesive.

VARIATIONS:

a) This works beautifully with mom sitting or standing, though the energy shifts slightly with each.

b) Baby can be loosely swaddled, tightly wrapped, or dressed in a simple outfit.

c) Baby can be facing inward or outward, but inward tends to feels a bit more classic (and better for fussy babies).

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• I prefer swaddled babies for this shot as it makes them easier for mom to hold for longer periods of time
• I prefer these shots to be sitting as they make mom more comfortable and in an easier position to snuggle baby. It usually makes mom feel more relaxed as well.

I kept this one simple and let her hold him the way she naturally would.

This is an extension of the pose with mom in the chair. This position makes it much easier (and very comfortable) for mom to get close to baby’s face.

Natural movements and natural reactions are so often result in the best images.

I’m always watching baby’s angle so we keep soft light across the face.

I prefer babies swaddled here so mom can fully relax into the hold.

#5. Backlit profiles.

If you have a window or an off-camera strobe, I highly recommend this particular shot. It highlights the profiles of both mom and baby and the photos are some of my favorites in my newborn workflow.

THE POSE: I place mom either standing or seated in front of a window and hand her baby. I guide her to bring her nose gently toward baby’s nose, meeting halfway by lifting baby slightly while leaning forward herself.

I prefer her hands crossed under baby’s head for a clean, supportive cradle.

VARIATIONS:

a) This can absolutely be done standing or sitting, though I prefer sitting because it makes it easier to bring their faces close together comfortably.

b) It’s especially helpful if baby is asleep for this one.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• I always remind moms to keep their elbows and arms close to their body. It keeps the silhouette clean and prevents the image from feeling disconnected.
• I’m also careful to watch mom’s hair on the camera side so it doesn’t block her profile.

Keeping her elbows close creates a much cleaner silhouette in profile.

This pose works best when baby is fully relaxed and asleep.

I prefer seated for this one because it makes bringing their faces close much easier.

#6. Wide shots of mom holding baby.

SO many of my newborn shots are of moms and baby up close, but it’s also really nice to create some space for mom and baby to just be at a distance. I love my futon for these shots but I’ve also used an elegant bench, a loveseat or an ottoman.

THE POSE: I hand baby to mom and let her settle in however she feels most comfortable. Instead of moving her into position, I move myself to adjust my angle and light source so she can stay relaxed.

VARIATIONS:

a) These can be done standing, but it tends to feel less relaxed.

b) Baby can be closer to the light source or further from it, but I always compensate with fill light when needed.

c) I will run through several different takes with mom looking at baby, looking at camera, looking at the window, etc.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• I find that this shot requires more of my absence for a few minutes to allow mom and baby to just be in the moment. No performance needed.

I let her settle in and move myself instead of moving her.

These are often the images that feel the most peaceful in a gallery.

The bench away from the wall creates vertical height which can add some drama to the shot.

Mom’s natural reactions in these shots are almost always their favorite image.

A strobe to the left helps to ensure that there is enough light hitting mom’s face.

Newborn Family Photos with Parents

Parent shots are some of my most favorite images in the whole newborn session. My clients always choose these poses for their framed artwork!

#7. Heads together looking at baby.

I absolutely adore these moments where mom and dad get to relax and experience capturing these early days with their newborn baby. There’s nothing quite like it. They’re exhausted yet exhilarated by the arrival of their sweet baby.

THE POSE: I seat the couple on the couch with mom on the window side so she receives the brighter light. I hand her the baby and gently guide them closer together, making sure all hands stay connected to baby.

Then I let them settle. I don’t rush this one. I allow them to sit in the moment before I introduce small variations.

VARIATIONS:

a) I alternate which parent is closest to the light and which one is holding baby, always watching how the light falls across their faces.

b) I prefer both parents to have their hands on baby. It visually connects all three of them.

c) Looking at baby, looking at each other, kissing baby’s head, or whispering to one another are all natural extensions of this setup.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• The key here is proximity for this newborn photo ideas. I gently guide their heads closer together and keep their bodies angled inward. Once they’re physically connected, the rest usually flows organically.

This pose works because it feels natural, not over-directed.

I prefer to keep their shoulders slightly turned toward each other to avoid a stiff feel.

Subtle interactions like this make for the most beautiful images.

I prefer layered hands like this because it visually anchors the baby between them.

#8. Hands holding the baby.

There’s something so beautiful about seeing both parents’ hands on their baby. It feels steady. Protective. United. Hands symbolically represent so much, and I especially love dad’s supportive role in these images.

THE POSE: Parents are standing with dad holding the baby in his hands. I ask mom to layer her hands on top of dad’s so they’re both holding baby from below.

VARIATIONS:

a) Baby can be laying flat or slightly elevated towards dad. Just be sure not to bring baby up vertically too much as it will break the connection with mom.

b) I get baby centered with only hands, but will also bring parents in closer so their faces are visible.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• The key here is intention in the hands. I always remind parents to soften their fingers and avoid gripping. And I watch spacing carefully — hands should overlap naturally, not stack awkwardly. When it feels connected, it photographs beautifully.

If you don’t know what to do with your hands in photos, this is it. Keep them on your baby. It grounds the image every time.

I always guide parents to layer their hands like this. One supports, one softens. It instantly creates connection without overcomplicating the pose.

If you’re unsure where to look in a newborn photo, look at your baby.

#9. Kiss on the head.

This prompt is simple but absolutely perfect. There’s something about a kiss on the head in these moments that makes parents feel connected, and united, in their love for their new baby. When dad’s kiss mom on the head, it feels protective. And the resulting images are beautiful.

THE POSE: I seat the parents close together with their hips angled inward so their bodies naturally lean toward each other. Baby is cradled securely in one parent’s arms, usually dad for this setup because it allows mom to lean in comfortably. Then I ask dad to kiss mom on the top of her head.

The other parent either closes their eyes or looks down at baby. I keep everything close — shoulders touching, heads gently connected.

VARIATIONS:

a) Mom can either close their eyes or look down at baby. I don’t really instruct on this one too much and let it flow naturally.

b) Arm positioning on this one makes a big difference in the connection. I keep mom’s arm cradled into dad’s arm when possible.

c) Mom can either put her other hand on dad’s arm or on the baby.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• It sometimes helps to ask mom to put her head on dad’s shoulder or to angle her head as close to him as comfortable.

This is one of my favorite prompts because it never feels forced. It’s instinctive.

I’ll usually tell dad to “just rest there for a second.”

The subtle kiss creates instant intimacy and connection in the final image.

#10. Kiss with the baby.

A natural evolution of Prompt #9. A little more playful, a little more intimate, but still very clean and intentional.

THE POSE: I seat them close with hips angled inward so their bodies naturally form a soft “V” shape around baby. One parent cradles the baby securely while the other supports underneath or across the front. Then I’ll say, “Lean in for a quick kiss.” I don’t ask them to hold it long. Just a quick kiss and then relax. The in-between frames are often the best ones.

VARIATIONS:

a) Most often baby is centered in between them, but this prompt can also fit more naturally with either parent holding baby. I usually use it when it feels the most organic.

b) This works beautifully wide (full body on the bench) or cropped in tight for a more intimate feel.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• The goal is never to overdo it. A soft, natural kiss photographs much better than something more dramatic.

Yes, I’ll ask you to kiss in a newborn session. And yes, it always works as one of my best newborn photo ideas!

I promise it won’t feel dramatic. It just photographs beautifully.

There’s a reason this image always makes the final gallery.

don’t overuse this prompt. But when I do, it delivers.

This is one of those prompts that feels simple — because it is.

#11. Arm in arm, head on shoulder.

This is one of my go-to poses when I want something natural and with a lot of connection. It’s not overly styled or posed. It reflects that “tired but connected” feeling so many parents have in those very early days. It gives the feeling that they’re partners in caring for this brand new addition to their family.

THE POSE: I will seat the couple close together, usually on the couch or bed with dad holding the baby securely in his arms. Once baby is fully supported and comfortable, I’ll guide mom to wrap her arm through his and gently rest her head on his shoulder. I keep their bodies angled slightly toward each other so there are no gaps, and I make sure all hands are connected.

VARIATIONS:

a) While you could alternate who is holding the baby, I tend to find the “dad strength/mom support” feel to be the most cohesive.

b) They can look down at the baby together, close their eyes, or one parent can glance toward the camera while the other stays focused on baby.

c) I’ll have the dad rest his head on mom’s head.

d) This pose works beautifully wide or close. Wide gives breathing room and shows the environment. Close highlights the connection between the three of them.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• The biggest mistake in this pose is leaving space between bodies. Close the gaps. Bring hips together. Shoulders touching. Arms wrapped.
• I always secure baby first.
• Don’t rush it. The best frames usually happen in the in-between moments when they’re just sitting there together, not thinking about the camera.

If you’re not sure what to do, I’ll say, “Just rest your head there.”

I love this pose because it feels like partnership.

I’ll usually place the baby in dad’s arms first, make sure everything feels secure, and then guide mom to lean in and rest her head on his shoulder.

Looking at the camera works, too.

I’ll often say, “Just lean into him for a second,”

Newborn Portrait Ideas with Dad

In every newborn session I also always include poses with Dad and baby. I mix up the set-ups so that they look differnt and unique to the mom and baby shots.

#12. “Big hands”.

This is one of those classic newborn images that never gets old. There’s something incredibly powerful about how showing just how small a newborn is cradled in dad’s hands. It is a visual example of strength and protection.

I love including dad shots as they deserve their own meaningful moments in our session together.

THE POSE: I will have stand with his arms out and I will place the baby horizontally across both of his hands. Both hands are meant to support the head with the forearms supporting the rest of the baby in the swaddle. The goal is to keep the baby fully supported while allowing their small size to be framed by dad’s hands. I tell dad to keep his hands relaxed and slightly cupped so baby is secure. I will have dad lean forward slightly while bringing baby up to his face slightly.

VARIATIONS:

a) I will photograph this pose both close in and wide. The close-up is great to get a sense of scale while the wide shot shows more of dad and his expression.

b) This shot is usually done with dad looking down at baby. I have also had dad smile at the camera.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• I always make sure dad feels completely comfortable holding the baby in this pose before we begin. I always explain exactly what I’m envisioning before we begin.
• The hands are a big part of this shot, so it’s really important to pay attention to them and remind dad to keep fingers relaxed.
• I think this prompt works best on a very clean, bright background.

One of my favorite ways of showing truly how tiny a newborn baby really is.

This is such a beautiful moment of connection for dad and baby.

I love giving dads their moment during our session together.

#13. “Football hold”

This is one of those poses with dad that typically happens organically during a session. Many dads like to tuck their baby in close to their body or sandwich them on their arms. It’s yet another shot that shows the scale of baby against their dad’s strength.

THE POSE: I guide dad to cradle baby along his forearm, ALWAYS with my assistance. Baby’s head should rest comfortably in the palm of his hand, regardless of whether the baby is face down or face up. I will make small adjustments so baby’s face is properly lit. The key is making sure baby is fully supported before shooting.

VARIATIONS:

a) Baby can be face down or face up. When face down, the shot is much more about baby. When face up, it’s more about dad. Both make great images.

b) I do both close up shots and wide shots on this to capture expression and scale.

c) Baby can be fully swaddled, but naked or lightly clothed also works really well.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• Not all dads are super comfortable holding their baby in complicated poses, so it’s really important to clarify what you’re looking for before you start and to let dad opt out if he wants.

Squishy faces are totally normal when they lay like this!

I love when the fingers truly show the size of baby’s head.

#14. Simple Snuggles

What’s better than dads and baby snuggles? These are such sweet moments to capture and a favorite part of my workflow. I love letting moms rest and watch their partners have their moment with baby.

THE POSE: This is usually an extension of another newborn photo ideas we are doing where I let mom take a break and focus on dad. I have dad naturally snuggle with baby while I move myself around them to capture the best angles. I will prompt dad to move baby closer to his face, or adjust his arms and hands around baby for support and cohesiveness. I love having baby close to dad’s chest as I feel like that is the sweet spot!

VARIATIONS:

a) This is done either sitting or standing, and while I personally prefer standing, both can work equally well.

b) Most dads will instinctually look down at baby, but having him smile at camera as well is a great variation.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• Dads will tend to have their own way of holding their newborn, so I will usually start with that and adjust as needed.
• I always to adjust dad with his shoulder to the light so that baby is well lit on the face.

Having dad hugging baby like this is absolutely precious. Baby looks absolutely snuggled and peaceful.

Baby’s head on shoulder is a beautiful variation and often a natural pose with dads.

When sitting, let dad get comfortable and then hand him baby. For this shot, we have a fill light to the left so that baby was well lit on her face.

#15. First looks.

This is a variation on the Mom Pose: Top of Baby in Hands, but for dads. This one is similar, but instead of being artistic, the goal is to really showcase dad and baby. I don’t overly blur out dad’s face, and instead I shoot wide to get the full scene of dad with baby.

THE POSE: I will have dad either sit or stand and hand him baby to hold facing him. Just like in the Dad: Big Hands pose, I have dad bring baby closer to his face while bending forward slightly. I tell dad to sit in the moment with baby as we take a moment to capture what follows.

VARIATIONS:

a) Sitting or standing, both works for this prompt. Standing will give your shot more scale, but sitting allows for a bit more intimacy to unfold.

b) Dad can look at camera as well, but looking down at baby creates a really beautiful connection.

c) It’s a creative choice on whether to focus on dad or baby. I usually opt to focus on dad’s face and have baby’s head slightly blurred.

c) PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• Stay wide on this shot or it will look to similar to the Big Hands pose.
• It’s usually best to ask dad to keep his elbows close to his body when standing for a more cohesive look.
• Like the other poses, be sure to get dad situated first and then hand him baby. It’s also super helpful to explain the shot you have in mind so he can work with you in his positioning.

Dad’s don’t always have to be smiling to show a connection.

Having dad hold baby out from his body is a great variation and can add some distance in the final image.

Keeping elbows tucked into the body is a great addition to the prompt when standing.

Letting dad sit and settle with baby in the beginning of this prompt is the perfect place to start. Sometimes you’ll get the shot without having to direct anything at all.

Ideas for Newborn Solo Photos

#16. Simply wrapped

I am a huge believer in letting baby be the star. While I do love swaddles and outfits, most of my favorite images come from having baby in simple white on white.

I always start my newborns in a simple, loose, white wrap on a white background, Very often, baby is awake and curious and we end up wide eyes, yawns and stretches. These are a great warm-up for newborn photo ideas and gives him or her time to get sleepy.

THE POSE: The white wrap starts with an upside triangle with each of the top corners going across baby’s body. We will add another, more decorative white blanket on top and slowly allow one arm at a time to be released.

VARIATIONS:

a) This works well for babies that are awake or asleep. If you want some quick shots of yawns and stretches, this is a great place to start.

b) The wrap doesn’t have to be perfect. Focus is on the baby.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• It’s helpful to have lots of variations of white blankets easily accessible for this part of the workflow.
• Sometimes baby will very quickly want their arms to come out of the loose swaddle. Just go with it.

This prompt is such a great way to get beautiful shots of baby’s eyes when they’re awake.

Asleep is perfectly fine, too. It’s also a great time to get close up shots of all those sweet baby details.

Once the arms come out, just go with it. Parents absolutely LOVE these shots, especially the stretches.

I always hope to get at least one yawn shot per session!

It’s okay to gently encourage baby’s head to turn towards the light if they’re moving around a lot.

The white wrap prompt is simple, so it’s a great time to get creative with how you’re creating your shot.

#17. The Full Burrito Swaddle

I always have a pre-session planning session with mom to have her preview my client closet and to also talk about the color scheme for the shoot. Many families like to coordinate the mom’s dress, the baby’s swaddle, headband and/or bonnet color with their home decor, especially when thinking of custom framing their images. My studio has a wide selection of baby swaddles in every color imaginable.

THE POSE: Once the specific swaddle is chosen, I swaddle baby and coordinate with a headband or bonnet when requested. This swaddle is photographed on white and is often used in the family shots as well.

VARIATIONS:

a) If baby is very sleepy, we can often get through two different swaddle options.

b) I usually have at least two headband options per swaddle, and also take shots of baby with no headband.

c) While we do have props, our style is to use them more sparingly.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• Keep an open mind on color schemes and look at home textures and themes when picking hues. We often have frame corners picked and swaddle colors chosen before baby is even born!
• Do not sleep on blues for girls, and pastels for boys!

The beauty of swaddles is that they also get baby to go to sleep really quickly!

This purple was chosen by the parents to fit beautifully with their home decor. We had two headbands that we rotated.

Girls can absolutely rock greens and blues!

While we do have props, we use them very sparingly. We want baby to be the focus, always.

#18. Side profiles

I’m a sucker for the baby side profile. I absolutely love how it shows so much detail in the face and head along with the color of the wrap/headband. These are often the images that parents choose for custom framing. And it’s always included in the newborn album. It’s the softness in the face with the pop of color that just makes it such a beautiful combination.

THE POSE: While baby is swaddled, I will position him or her on their side facing the light. I will intentionally choose to crop in camera on the head and face.

VARIATIONS:

a) As part of my newborn workflow, I will shoot both wide and close up when the baby is in this position. But for this particular shot, I crop close intentionally.

b) You can shoot with and without a headband or bonnet. Keep them off if you’re wanting to showcase their head of hair.

c) You can move baby slightly up and down to get variations on the final image. Watch for how the shadows on baby’s face change as you move them.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• It is absolutely okay (and for me, preferred) to crop off the back part of the baby’s head for this shot. I prefer the focus to be on their face with the pop of color. I’m intentionally wanting to avoid any white space behind baby’s head.
• I use a very narrow depth of field for these images, often resulting in only a tiny bit of baby’s face fully being in focus. I strive for my focus to be on baby’s eyelashes.

I strive to get the right side of baby’s face and ear in focus. This, along with the wisps of hair, make for a beautiful detail shot.

This is where a dramatic and beautiful headband can really make for a gorgeous final image.

I love how the ear and hair have such an impact in this shot.

#19. Outfits

While I love all the swaddles and wraps, I am also a sucker for the adorable newborn outfits. Give me all the dresses, overalls, diaper covers, and onesies to complete the newborn gallery! We have so many options to choose from, and I love helping parents pick their eventual favorite!

THE POSE: Adding outfits into the workflow is easiest with a very sleepy baby, as wide awake babies are sometimes not going to cooperate. But a good feed and diaper change will often do the trick.

VARIATIONS:

a) Outfits vs. swaddle is always a choice for family photos and is often a choice made by the parents with final artwork in mind.

b) I will do a lot of full body shots here but also some close ups, especially if the outfit is flattering near the face.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• Honestly, don’t overthink this one. Incorporating the newborn wardrobe into your workflow is a total win if you can make it happen, but not the worst case if you can’t. Most parents love having a few of these shots if baby cooperates, but it’s not usually a dealbreaker.

Little boys in knit hats? Say less.

Once we get them into an outfit, I’ll let baby move freely to see what they do. Stretching and curling up are usually a good bet, especially with their arms and legs free.

Lots of options like fancy onesies make for absolutely frame-worthy images.

Sleepy baby girls in fancy dresses. My favorite.

And sometimes wide awake and ready to go!

#20. The details

Hands down, I live for the macro detail shots. These are some of my favorite newborn photo ideas! The hands, fingernails, tiny toes, baby ears, eyelashes, lips and noses…. It’s the favorite part of my newborn workflow.

THE POSE: When baby is asleep, unwrap them from the swaddle and slowly move them to where you can get shots of their feet and hands. I will put baby on their side to get shots of their ear, eyelashes and lips.

VARIATIONS:

a) You can get these shots as part of your normal workflow if you plan for it. I have a section where I have baby loosely wrapped which is a great opportunity for these shots.

b) It’s a great time to get multiple body parts in one shot. For example, if you’re shooting baby’s hand, you can also include part of the face. The combo makes for a really beautiful composition.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• These shots are *almost* impossible to do with wide awake babies. I say almost because I’ve had to do it, but I do not recommend it. If there is a time during your solo shots of baby where they are completely asleep, pause to take these images. Because you might not get another chance if they wake up.
• Make sure to move your light source around as you shoot various details.
• I highly recommend a macro lens for these shots. While can use something like a 50mm, a macro will give you much more artistic images that you just can’t get with normal or wide length lenses.

Getting the tiny fingernails.

Tiny toes and tiny toenails.I love wrapping the feet in a blanket if baby is asleep.

This is a great combo shot of both the hand and the ear.

Capturing these details when they’re asleep is by far the easiest way.

I LOVE getting shots of their ears.

I gravitate towards getting these detail shots while baby is lying on their side.

This is such a great example of what a true macro lens can do!

#21. The in-between.

While I always start my sessions with a dedicated workflow in mind, I find it’s SO helpful to stay flexible and pivot based on how baby is feeling or how easily they’re able to be moved without waking. Some babies stay awake the entire time, and that’s okay! Some babies can only be moved minimally without getting frustrated, and that’s okay, too. Being flexible and having a range of newborn photo ideas to pull from is how I approach all my sessions

THE POSE: For these in-between poses, I find that simple is best. Putting baby on their back with a blanket draped over them, tummy-time if they’ll let me, and various wraps. This is the time to see how baby is feeling and what they’re up for. We NEVER force baby into unnatural poses, and we avoid overly posed shots. Our approach is to work WITH baby at all times.

VARIATIONS:

a) If baby is already in a swaddle, this can be a great time to use the partial swaddle underneath for a more minimal swaddle look.

b) If baby is okay being undressed, throwing on a diaper cover during this time is a great variation to get those adorable baby rolls.

c) If parents are wanting minimal props (teddy bears, etc.), this is a great time to use them.

PRO TIPS FROM ME:

• There are a lot of “rules” in newborn photography, but I find that this isn’t the time to worry too much about them. Curled fingers, messy blankets, etc. are not deal breakers. While the shot may not be considered “technically perfect”, it’s always important to remember that these images are ultimately about the getting gorgeous images that my client will love. SO many of these “imperfect” images have ended up on my clients’ walls and in their albums.

I love getting hands on bare bellies if I can.

Hands on the heart and belly.

Back baby rolls are the best!

Getting baby on their side can be the start of a great posing workflow.

Tummy time is great to get so many varied angles of baby.

Love this focus on her sweet face.

Wide awake from the jump. This is one of my favorite images… look at her gorgeous eyes!

Not all babies will like their arms up, but when they do, it makes for such a sweet image.

The classic crying shot is always included in the gallery.

This image isn’t perfect. I couldn’t get her to straighten her fingers. She hated it when I tried to prop her head up further. But is it one of my favorites? Yes. Was it a client favorite? Also, yes. Don’t always discard those images for the “imperfections”.

 

Every baby is different, and every session unfolds a little differently, but the approach remains the same. Slow down, stay patient, and allow the special moments to happen naturally.

At the end of the day, the specific poses and prompts matter less than the connection you’re able to create as a photographer. These prompts are simply a starting point that helps create those quiet, connected moments that families will treasure in the years to come. Whether you are a new parent or a newborn photographer looking for inspiration. Hope this list of my favorite 20 newborn photo ideas and poses is helpful to you!

If you’re expecting and starting to think about your newborn session, I would love to be your Orange County newborn photographer. My studio is located in Tustin, CA, and I serve families all throughout Orange County. I offer a full-service experience from start to finish — including a pre-session planning appointment, access to my client closet, and custom artwork options for your home.

Ready to chat? Contact me here — I’d love to meet you and your new baby!