10 Classic Newborn Photography Prompts & Poses: My Workflow
One of the things I love most about newborn photography is that no two sessions are ever the same. Some babies sleep the entire morning, while others are wide awake and determined not to miss a thing. Some toddlers happily snuggle their new baby brother or sister, while others need a little more convincing. (That's usually where the little giraffe on my camera earns his paycheck. 😄)
Parents often worry they won't know how to pose, or that their baby won't “cooperate”. I always laugh because after photographing newborns for over 13 years here in Salem, Oregon, I already know something they don't.
Their session is going to be JUST FINE.
Not because every baby sleeps the whole time.
Not because every toddler follows your directions perfectly.
But because every newborn session is different, and after nearly 1,000 babies, I've learned how to follow their lead instead of expecting them to follow mine.
But…before we jump right into the prompts,
here's something that might surprise you.
These aren't just ten random newborn photography ideas. They are actually my exact workflow that I use every single newborn session.
So rather than simply showing you my favorite newborn photography prompts and poses, I thought it would be fun to take you behind the scenes of some of my actual newborn sessions and the order in which I do them. From sibling portraits all the way to those final sleepy (or sometimes wide-awake!) images at the end. This workflow has evolved over 13 years of photographing nearly 1,000 newborns, allowing me to create natural, heartfelt images while keeping sessions calm and baby-led.
So come spend a morning in my Salem studio with me, and let's get started.
Newborn Photography Sibling Poses: And prompts that actually work!
If you've got a toddler, I promise...there's a method to my madness in starting my sessions with them. 😄 It sounds a little backwards, doesn't it? Most people assume we should wait until everyone settles in first, and do toddlers at the end. But after photographing nearly 1,000 newborn sessions, and probably just as many siblings, I've learned the exact opposite. Toddlers usually walk into my studio a little shy. They stay close to Mom or Dad, quietly checking everything out and deciding whether they trust me yet.
Then, somewhere around fifteen or twenty minutes later, they decide we're best friends.
That's usually when they start climbing on the couch, opening drawers, asking to see every tiny hat I own, and proudly showing me just how fast they can run. Honestly, I can't even blame them. My studio is a pretty fun place to explore.
That's exactly why sibling portraits happen first.
Before curiosity and excitement take over. Before standing still becomes the least interesting thing in the room. (I’m a mom with 5 year old twin boys. So there is never any judgement lol)
Don't worry. If your toddler isn't impressed with me, I've got a little giraffe on standby who's much funnier than I am.
Try This Prompt
Have your older sibling safely seated before bringing baby into the pose.
Make sure baby is fully supported and comfortable before taking your hands away.
Give toddlers something to "discover" instead of asking them to smile.
Ask them to count fingers, find tiny toes, or see if baby is sleeping.
Work quickly while you still have their attention.
Hide a cheerio or yogurt bite in baby’s wrap
If it's not happening naturally, move on and come back later. Some of my favorite sibling portraits happen on our second attempt.
One of the biggest lessons I've learned over the years is not to get emotionally attached to one particular pose.
Toddlers don't care about my shot list.
Honestly...I'm kind of glad they don't.
This is one of those newborn photography prompts that looks effortless in the finished portrait. Behind the scenes, though, there's usually two slightly sleep-deprived parents, one photographer, a white noise machine humming in the corner, a cozy space heater keeping baby warm, me pretending not to notice the stuffed giraffe permanently attached to my camera, and occasionally tossing a few Cheerios to a very hungry toddler.
That's just part of the magic.
SEE THESE PROMPTS IN ACTION
For this example. notice how big sister isn't even looking at me here? Instead, I asked her “oh what is on baby’s nose?! or for older siblings who think potty talk is funny, I lean into “Oh does baby have a big booger?” lol That simple little prompt keeps their attention exactly where I wanted it, and instead of a forced smile, we captured genuine curiosity. Those are almost always the images parents end up loving the most.
This is very similar but it usually the image that most families will print large. They LOVE when the sibling is looking smiling at the camera! So for this, I’ll either play a game of peek-a-book, or I’m not opposed to playing “Bluey” on a phone above my head! Whatever works to get the image that will be printed large on their walls.
In this image, the sibling was really young, and unable to hold baby so we utilized dad to hold baby up to toddler’s face so he could easily give him a kiss. Works great!
This little kiss between new sister’s Zelda & Zo, probably lasted less than a second. That's another reason I always have my camera ready before I ask for it. Toddlers usually give you one quick kiss...and then they're off to their next adventure. 😄
If you're wondering how to prepare an older sibling before your newborn session, I share all of my favorite tips in my guide to preparing toddlers for newborn photos.
2. Family With Newborn Poses with prompts to help you get there.
Once we've photographed siblings (or at least given it our best shot 😄), it's time for one of my favorite parts of every newborn session, but also the most choatic,...the very first official family portrait.
There's a reason I photograph these images next.
Toddlers still have a little patience left in the tank, everyone is together, and this is often the first professional portrait you've ever taken as your new family. Whether this is your first baby or your fourth, it's a moment that deserves to be remembered.
Parents almost always tell me they don't know what to do with their hands, where to look, or how to stand.
I promise you don't have to think about any of that.
I'll guide you through the entire process, making tiny adjustments as we go. Sometimes I'll have everyone look at the camera, but more often than not, I'm asking you to look at each other, admire your new baby, or simply enjoy the moment together.
Those are the images that feel the most like you.
How I Guide This Pose
Bring everyone in closer than feels natural. Families almost always start farther apart than they realize.
Have parents focus on baby first, then each other, instead of looking at the camera the entire time.
Encourage toddlers to interact with baby instead of asking them to hold a perfect smile.
Capture a few classic "everyone looking" portraits first, then relax into more candid moments.
Don't rush. Some of the sweetest expressions happen in between poses.
One thing I've learned is that family portraits almost always get better after the "perfect" one.
Once parents know we've already captured the Christmas card photo, everyone relaxes. Toddlers stop feeling like they have to perform, parents stop worrying about whether they're smiling correctly, and suddenly everything feels more genuine.
That's usually when I quietly keep photographing.
SEE THESE PROMPTS IN ACTION
I always make sure we capture a few traditional family portraits too, like everyone looking at the camera.
These are the images that end up on Christmas cards, hanging in grandparents' homes, and tucked into keepsake albums for years to come. Even though I love the candid moments, I know how important these timeless portraits are, so we always make time for both.
One of my favorite prompts here is simply asking Mom and Dad to admire their new baby instead of looking at me. It sounds so simple, but notice how everyone's attention naturally falls right where it belongs. The portrait instantly feels more connected because the focus isn't on the camera...it's on the newest little member of the family.
If you'd like to see what happens after family portraits, you can read more about my complete newborn photography experience and what to expect during your session.
3. Newborn Photography Prompts For Mom & Baby Poses
If I had to guess, I'd say this is the part of the session moms are most nervous about. Almost every mom says something similar when it's time for these portraits.
"I haven't slept."
"I probably look exhausted."
"Can you hide my dark circles?"
Or my personal favorite...
"Can we just photograph the baby?" 😄
I always smile because as a mom of twins, I completely understand on a very real level. You've spent the last several days (or weeks!) caring for a brand-new little human, running on very little sleep, and putting everyone else's needs before your own. Being the one in front of the camera probably feels like the last thing you want to do.
But I promise you...these are the images you'll treasure most. So I will lovely say, “Suck it up, and let me work my magic.” :)
A Simple Prompt to Try
Hold baby close up next to your face.
Relax your shoulders and let baby settle naturally like your burping them.
Instead of smiling at the camera, look down at your baby.
Gently kiss baby’s forehead, or brush your nose against theirs.
Take a slow, deep breath and simply enjoy the moment together.
My job is simply to make a few small adjustments, find beautiful light, and photograph what already exists between the two of you.
SEE THESE PROMPTS IN ACTION
Obviously you can’t exactly get a newborn to look at you on command, but you can mom! And sometimes the stars will align, and you will get a magical image like this one. Moms love images where they are looking at the camera. I always make sure to have them look upwards and relax their foreheads. (we all scrunch our foreheads when we look up!)
This is one of my favorite newborn photography prompts because it creates such a natural reaction.
Instead of asking Mom to smile, I simply asked her to hold baby up and kiss either baby’s forehead or cheek. That's it.
Notice how everything else falls into place naturally. Her shoulders soften, her eyes close, and the entire portrait feels quiet and intimate without looking overly posed.
Here's another example using almost no direction at all.
You can simply ask Mom to close her eyes and smile…Sometimes that's all it takes.
You don't have to manufacture emotion when it's already sitting right there in your arms.
Looking for more ideas featuring dads and their newborns? You might also enjoy my favorite 5 Beautiful Mom and Baby Poses for Your Upcoming Newborn Photoshoot
4. Dad & Newborn Pose: And some simple and easy prompts to help
One thing I've heard from so many dads over the years is that they didn't fully understand the importance of newborn photographs until their baby was a little older.
When your baby is just a few days old, everything happens so fast. You're adjusting to a new routine, running on very little sleep, and just trying to make it through each day.
Then suddenly they're sitting up.
They're crawling.
They're taking their first steps.
And somewhere around that first birthday, dads often tell me they finally understand.
They'll look back at these photographs and say, "I can't believe they were ever that tiny” and “ I am SO glad we took those photos”
That's one of the reasons I love creating these portraits.
They're not just for today. They are for tomorrow and the years to come.
How I Guide Them
Hold baby close to your chest or face.
Relax your shoulders and let your arms support baby naturally.
Pretend you’re burping baby on your shoulder
Look at your baby instead of the camera for a few frames.
Gently touch baby's hand, cheek, or tiny feet.
Lay baby on your chest
One thing I love about photographing dads is that they almost always relax much faster than they expect to once they realize their job is just to do what I say. Ha! My job isn't to force a pose, but it IS to guide it. Some parents have little to no experience holding newborns, and my job is to not only help them pose, and hold baby, but I also factor in their comfortability while holding baby when I decide what poses to do.
SEE THESE PROMPTS IN ACTION
One thing I notice over and over again is how peaceful babies look in their dad's arms. It’s interesting, but I get more smiles of Dad and baby then any other family combination!
I have a feeling this is one of those images your child will love looking back on years from now.
Here's an example where the focus isn't really on Dad's face at all.
Instead, it's on the way his hand looks so large surrounded by those tiny little fingers. I love images like this because they quietly tell the story of just how small your baby was during those first few weeks.
This is one of my favorite newborn photography prompts for dads because it's so simple. Have dad touch his nose to baby’s nose. It’s just the cutest photo, and I can’t think of a single time this pose wasn’t picked! Mom’s usually are tearing up in the background :)
Looking for more ideas featuring dads and their newborns? You might also enjoy my favorite 5 Darling Dad And Baby Poses For Your Upcoming Newborn Photoshoot
5. Newborn with Both Parents: And prompts to help them relax.
A lot has happened over the last several months. You've prepared the nursery, counted down the days, packed the hospital bag, and finally met the tiny little person you've been dreaming about for so long.
And now they are here, and you are both exhausted, maybe slightly cranky with each other, lol, but also know that this season won’t be forever.
So instead of asking you to look at me, (although we will get that one too!) I'll usually ask you to look at your baby, then at each other, or simply lean in close together. I always direct parents to have no “gaps” between them.
Try These Easy Prompts
Tell them “Act like you’ve both just gotten the best sleep of your lives!” This always makes them laugh and loosen up.
Stand close enough that your shoulders naturally touch, or tilt your heads towards each other while looking down at baby.
Hold baby comfortably right in between your heads and kiss baby toward the BACK of baby’s head so that I can still see baby’s face.
Take turns looking at baby, then at each other.
Lean your heads together naturally. NO GAPS I always remind them!
SEE THESE PROMPTS IN ACTION
This is a great example where I asked Mom and Dad to look at each other for just a second.
I always tell couples not to overthink it. You're not trying to create a perfect pose—you're simply sharing a quiet moment together while holding your baby.
(And don't worry...I won't make you stand there forever. I know it can feel a little awkward at first. 😂)
This is an example of when I told them “kiss baby toward the BACK of baby’s head so that I can still see baby’s face.” If they had naturally kissed baby on her cheeks I wouldve lost baby’s cute face in the photo. (This family is actually about to come back and see me with their second baby!)
When your child looks back at these images someday, they won't just see themselves as a newborn. They'll see the two people who were completely in love with them from the very beginning.
That's a pretty incredible story that I get to preserve for generations to come.
This is an example of where I prompted the parents to make sure their heads are all touching! See how connected this image feels vs having space between them? Its small adjustments like this that can sometimes make ALL the difference!
6. Classic Newborn Poses: Simple Prop Setups That Never Go Out of Style
Once we've finished all of the family portraits, it's usually time for the toddler to have a break. So usually dad takes them off to have an adventure while we finish up the session with just mom & baby. Plus this gives mom a chance to enjoy some silence. If you have a toddler you know what I mean! :)
This is when I move into the prop portion of the session.
One thing I love about using simple buckets, bowls, baskets, and beds is that they never distract from what matters most...your baby. Also, using these props, baby is typically wrapped up, and that is a great way to encourage baby to go to sleep. I love when baby is awake for family photos, but do need baby to be asleep for some of the next portion of the session.
Over the years, my style has become much simpler. I find myself choosing soft, neutral colors and timeless setups that will still look beautiful twenty years from now.
How I Style These Poses
Choose simple props that complement baby instead of competing for attention.
Keep colors soft and timeless.
Wrap baby securely so they feel comfortable and cozy.
Don't be afraid to simplify. Often, less really is more.
Tiny details make a huge difference, and taking an extra few seconds to straighten out a blanket or a wrap is always worth it.
(PSA: Make sure you have your lighting and camera settings ready to go, and that you have taken the time to learn proper and safe posing!)
If you are a photographer and would like to learn how to pose, wrap, lighting, or anything other related to newborn photography, I do offer Newborn Photography Mentoring and Training. So be sure to take a peek and if you are interested please reach out!
SEE THESE PROMPTS IN ACTION
In this example of a prop image, notice how there isn't much competing for your attention here. It is all about baby with soft textures, neutral tones, and beautiful light.
Sometimes simplicity really is what makes an image timeless. (Also wrapping baby up and tucking them in a basket like this calms them down immediately and helps them drift off to sleep!)
This is another prop image that I adore! And I always wrap baby securely with a stretchy wrap so they feel comfortable and cozy.
There are about 3-4 solid completely different images I can get from this one pose. I love how the light highlights her face and details. That sweet little profile that you never want to forget.
7. Macro Photography Prompt: Don't Forget the Tiny Details
By this point in the session, and especially after the wrapped prop images, baby is usually sleeping soundly, Parents are relaxing on the couch,and the studio has gotten wonderfully quiet. After all of the family portraits and individual poses are finished, I like to slow things down and spend a few minutes photographing the tiny details that change so incredibly fast during those first few weeks.
This is the pose where I stop to do all the macros! Toes are peaking out, and all her features are ready to capture.
One thing parents don't always realize is that many of these close-up images are actually photographed while baby is already in one of the poses we've just created. (see image before to see which one!) Before I gently move baby into the next setup on the beanbag, I'll often zoom in and capture tiny fingers, little eyelashes, flaky toes, wrinkly feet, or those sweet little lips. It only takes an extra minute or two, but these are some of the images families tell me they treasure the most years later.
They're the little details you see every day right now, but one day you'll find yourself trying to remember exactly how tiny those fingers were or how perfectly their little toes fit in the palm of your hand.
I do give my clients the option to include macro images or not, but 95% of the time they say “YES PLEASE”
A Few Details I Always Try to Capture
Tiny fingers wrapped around Mom or Dad's finger.
Little eyelashes (If they have them! Many newborns don’t yet!)
Tiny lips and nose (usually together in one image)
Curly feet and flaky little toes.
Delicate fingernails that are usually fairly long
Sweet profile images of the entire face
SEE THESE PROMPTS IN ACTION:
One of the things I love about these images is that they don't usually require a separate pose. Almost all of them are photographed while baby is already comfortably settled in one of the poses you've seen above. Before I move on, I'll simply step in a little closer and capture a few of these tiny details with my Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L
It's a simple part of my workflow, but one that adds so much to your final gallery.
This example is of baby’s tiny fingers wrapped around Dad's finger. I just think it is so incredibly special of a moment to have! And this pose is so simple. I always remind my clients to have clean fingernails when they come!
Macro Image of curly toes! Did you know that newborns feet only curl up like this for a short time? It’s one of the reasons I try to focus on how they curl up like this.
These images are a collage of a bunch of my favorite prompts above in action! See if you can guess which ones? :)
If you are interested in learning more in-depth how to take macro images, please check out my blog post Newborn Photography: How to Capture Tiny Details with Macro Photography
8. Classic Beanbag Poses: Where Timeless Newborn Portraits Come to Life
Once I've finished photographing baby in the prop setup & macros, it's time to move over to the beanbag where I have four different poses that I try to accomplish. If you've ever looked through my newborn portfolio, you've probably seen these images without even realizing they were photographed on a beanbag. These are the classic newborn portraits that never seem to go out of style. Soft, simple, and completely focused on your baby.
This is where I photograph many of the sleepy poses parents recognize most, but one thing I've learned over the years is that no two babies are ever the same.
Some babies settle into every pose with ease.
Others let me know pretty quickly that they have different plans. 😄
And honestly...that's perfectly okay.
One of the biggest lessons I've learned after photographing nearly 1,000 newborns is not to get emotionally attached to one particular pose. My goal isn't to recreate the exact same gallery for every family. It's to create a beautiful collection of images that reflects your baby while always keeping them safe, comfortable, and happy.
The Four Beanbag Poses
Huck Finn Pose -Wrapped and laying on back.
Side Laying Pose - This one is actually the hardest to accomplish because baby is not as wrapped.
Bum up Pose - This is when baby lays on their tummy with their bum up.
Chin on Hands - Probably the most classic of all newborn poses. This one has been a staple for years!
How I Guide These 4 Poses
Baby's comfort always comes before the pose.
I make small adjustments instead of constantly repositioning baby.
If baby settles beautifully into a pose, I'll photograph several angles before moving on.
If a pose isn't working naturally, I simply try something different.
Safety is always my first priority, and every pose is done with baby's comfort in mind.
This is an examole of the beanbag pose “Huck Finn” It is called that cause baby just looks like they are chillling and relaxing! If baby is more awake I will wrap a bit more.
This is an example of “bum up” pose. I have modified it over the years, so it’s more modest, but still shows their back wrinkles.
This is my next beanbag pose, the side laying! This looks like the easiest, but it is actually the hardest! Because baby isn’t wrapped up, or have their legs tucked under them, their startle reflexes are more active, and baby needs to be fully asleep for it.
And this is of course, the chin on hands pose! Which is probably what people think of when they think of newborn photography. It was the first posed that I worked hard to master, and it’s harder than it looks!
9. My Favorite and Last Newborn Photography Prompt? Let Baby Lead.
If you've made it this far, you've probably noticed a pattern.
Every pose, every prompt, and every part of my workflow has one thing in common...
I'm constantly paying attention to baby and their needs.
And sometimes one of those needs is to actually be wide awake! I'm always thrilled when this happens because it gives me the opportunity to capture beautiful, bright-eyed portraits that are every bit as meaningful as the sleepy ones.
Experience has taught me that babies are always communicating through their little movements and expressions. Rather than trying to work against those cues, I've learned to work with them.
For example, I can often tell when a sleepy smile is about to happen just by watching a baby's breathing and little facial movements. Sometimes I'll quietly hold my camera up for several minutes without taking a single photograph because I know it's coming.
The same goes for stretches, yawns, sneezes, or tiny fingers reaching for Mom or Dad. Those moments aren't accidents—they're moments I've learned to anticipate through years of experience, patience, and paying attention.
I think that's my favorite newborn photography prompt of all.
Not asking baby to do something.
Simply noticing what they're were already about to do, and being ready and prepared to capture it when it does.
How To Do It:
Have baby lying horizontal with a poser under their head. Wrap their arms down, to keep them from wiggling too much. They also are more comfortable like this.
Or optional outfit, or wrap under arms.
Have the light falling down their face at a diagonal top to bottoml
This baby led portion of the session usually provides some darling yawning, sneezing, and scrunchy face images! For me, these are some of my favorites of my twin boys, and I know other mamas feel the same!
And if you’re lucky enough to get the cutest little sneezes, give yourself a little pat on the back! These are so quick they are tricky to capture!
10. The Final Prompt: Trust Your Photographer
If you've read through all of these prompts and poses, you might be thinking...
"There's no way I'll remember all of this." 😄
The good news?
You don't have to.
One of the biggest misconceptions about newborn photography is that parents need to know how to pose or worry about whether their baby is "cooperating." In reality, my job is to guide you through every step of the session so you can simply relax and enjoy these first days with your little one.
Over the past 13 years, I've refined my workflow to create a calm, baby-led experience that allows me to adapt to whatever your little one needs that day. Whether baby sleeps through the entire session, wants extra snuggles, or decides to stay wide awake and check everything out, we'll adjust together.
All I ask is that you come ready to love on your baby.
I'll take care of the posing.
I'll watch for the little moments.
I'll make the tiny adjustments.
And I'll preserve this remarkable season in a way that feels natural, timeless, and true to your family.
Because at the end of the day, the best newborn portraits aren't created by perfectly following a shot list.
They're created when familes can simply be families...and trust me to take care of the rest.
This image is an example of when I helped to pose siblings, but baby Malia wanted to add her input, and looked directly at the camera! I was so thrilled to get this image. But it wouldnt have happened, had I not moved the siblings exactly where I wanted them. This is where experience comes out, and I knew what I was looking for in a final image.
This image ONLY happened because I saw 2 week old baby Zo starting to do her dream breathing! If you have kids, you might remember that the times that your newborn smiled was always right in between being awake and asleep. I saw her little breathing start to quicken and this is when smiles happen! So I held my 8 pound camera for what felt like forever, because I knew a smile would be coming!
Are You Ready to Capture Your Newborn’s First Moments?
If you live near Portland or Salem, I’d love to help you create beautiful, authentic newborn and family photos for a lifetime of memories. I recommend reaching out when you hit your second trimester to ensure a spot in my schedule.
~ Lindsay
Bonus: If you would like to know my go-to lenses for my Newborn sessions, here are the two I use. Here is the direct link to my Amazon Storefront where you can purchase them, along with the canon body I use, and adapters etc.
EF 50mm f/1.2L USM (family photos)
EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM (Newborn Only)
Rf 100mm f/2.8L (Macro Images)
