Newborn Baby Sessions: No Props, Minimal Posing | Minneapolis Little Ones Photography

Newborn baby kid family portraits

In all my portrait sessions, I want to create photographs about people and their relationships with one another. With little ones, I love focusing on your newborn and their little features versus using elaborate posing with multiple outfits and props.

Why I don’t use props during portrait sessions

There is so much to admire and photograph on a newborn baby. Fingers, toes, that button nose, puckered lips, tiny ears, even the top of their little head. Plus all those expressions, sneezes, and arm positions - oh, my! Those are the little moments and pieces to remember and return to.

Typically, my newborn and baby sessions take place at the client’s home. When I arrive, I’ll peek around for where we’ll set up little photo spots, as well as grab blankets and swaddles. (Extra blankets are good for positioning the baby, adding padding underneath, and clean-up, too.) Because we’re in your home, these items are familiar to your baby and a part of your family’s story. We don’t need to add backdrops or other props to the mix.

An exception to this would be any items of sentimental value. Many times families will have a handmade blanket or special hat or stuffed animal. By all means, these items are important and we will absolutely include them! I also take detail shots along the way, like the bookshelf of baby books, the framed ultrasound photo, or artwork on the walls. Adding a bow or hat if you want is just plain adorable (we’ll take portraits with and without for options).

Baby sessions in the studio are totally doable, too. Just bring any special items along. We’ll use my furniture, keep it simple, and focus on your little one.

Why I don’t pose babies (much) during their newborn portrait sessions

Along the same lines as not using props or artificial backgrounds, posing is both tricky and, I think, mostly unnecessary for newborns. They’re so adorable and so them in every moment. That’s what I want to document and capture: them just being them.

I’ll of course position your baby in beautiful light that highlights their little features. I’ll help direct you on where to lay the baby down, perhaps move a hand or tuck the blanket in more, or tell you how to cup baby’s feet, and so on - that’s my job.

We’ll also position your baby on their tummy, back, side, in a swaddle, just diapered, wrapped in a blanket, etc. But if they want their arms out of the swaddle - great! If they need a snuggle - perfect! If they don’t like being on their tummy - not a problem. We just adjust.

For the most part though, baby is still shaped and positioned naturally. By keeping baby comfortable, happy, and full, everyone’s a winner. I’m not tied to any particular pose-backdrop-outfit-expression combination, so I’ll leave it up to the little one to show me their unique movements, preferences, and personalities. That’s what’s most amazing about them anyway!

Want to get a baby session scheduled for your family?  Learn more or get in touch to book a session.