One of the most common things parents say to me before a newborn photo session is,
“I love all the classic poses… but what if my baby doesn’t like them?”
And the honest answer is — not all newborn babies love every pose, and that is completely normal.
Every baby is unique, with their own personality, comfort levels, and preferences, even in those very early days. A successful newborn photography session isn’t about forcing poses — it’s about listening to your baby and working with them, not against them.
Every Baby Is Different
Some babies are naturally very sleepy and flexible, happily curling into womb-like poses. Others are more alert, like to stretch out, or prefer to stay wrapped and secure.
Things that can influence how a baby responds to posing include:
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Their age at the session
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How alert they are on the day
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Their temperament
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Feeding patterns and comfort
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Reflux, gas, or sensitivity
None of these are “good” or “bad” — they’re simply part of who your baby is.
Poses Are Always Baby-Led
While I specialise in classic, timeless newborn poses, I never force a baby into a position they’re not comfortable with. Your baby’s safety and wellbeing always come first.
If your baby doesn’t settle into a certain pose, we gently move on to something that feels more natural for them. Often, babies will show us what they’re happiest doing — whether that’s lying on their side, being wrapped snugly, or resting peacefully in a simple, natural position.
Beautiful images come from comfort and calm, not perfection.
Why Wrapped & Natural Poses Are Sometimes Best
Some newborns feel most secure when they’re wrapped. Wrapped poses can be incredibly soothing and are perfect for babies who:
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Prefer to feel contained
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Are more alert
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Don’t love being unwrapped for long periods
Natural poses — with baby lying comfortably, hands relaxed, and features softly visible — are just as timeless and meaningful. These images often capture your baby exactly as they are in this moment, and parents absolutely love them.
Trust the Process (and Your Baby)
As a parent, it can be hard not to worry if your baby doesn’t settle straight away. Please know this — it’s completely normal, and nothing to stress about.
With experience, patience, and a calm environment, I adapt each session to suit your baby. The goal is never to “tick off” poses, but to create a collection of images that feel peaceful, natural, and true to your baby.
Often, the images parents end up loving the most are the ones they never expected.
A Beautiful Result, No Matter the Poses
Whether your baby loves curled-up poses, prefers being wrapped, or enjoys stretching out and being awake, the result will always be beautiful, timeless images that tell your baby’s story.
Your newborn doesn’t need to do every pose to create meaningful photographs — they just need to be themselves.
If you’re expecting and would love a gentle, baby-led newborn photography experience, I’d be honoured to capture these precious early moments for you 🤍
