Capturing Precious Moments: Indianapolis Newborn Portraits


As an Indianapolis newborn photographer, every session and baby is different but there are some staple poses and styles I love to incorporate into most of my sessions. Booking a newborn session is a great opportunity to welcome your sweet bundle of joy into the world and capture those early days, tender moments with parents or siblings, and delicate details. In this blog, I'll share some of the different poses and styles that are incorporated into my newborn sessions.


BABY ONLY vs INCORPORATING FAMILY


BABY ONLY


Baby only sessions focus solely on your cute bundle of joy. From beautiful wrapped shots to adorable props and their tiniest details - freeze time and capture how tiny your baby is in those early days. Also perfect for parents that don't want to fuss with getting themselves ready for photos.


INCORPORATING FAMILY


I always regret not having any photos of myself or my husband with our first daughter as a newborn - so I am a big supporter of having parents and siblings incorporated into the session. These are some of my client's most favorite images as they capture how small their baby is, the joy of welcoming a new life, or those early interactions between big sister or big brother with their new sibling.

A loving family of four huddles together against a brown background. The mother cradles a newborn, while the father and daughter look lovely

POSED VS LIFESTYLE


There are two main styles of newborn photography: posed and lifestyle. Each offers a unique way to capture your baby’s first days.



POSED NEWBORN SESSIONS


These sessions take place in the studio with carefully arranged setups, props, and lighting. The baby is placed in specific poses to create timeless, artistic images. These sessions typically require more time and patience to ensure the baby is comfortable and safely positioned.



LIFESTYLE NEWBORN SESSIONS


I also offer lifestyle sessions in my studio which feature a beautiful boho bed set up that incorporates neutral tones. These sessions are more cozy and a relaxed style posing with your baby and also focus on the interactions between you and your little one. Lifestyle sessions are also great for older newborns as they don't require your baby to be as sleepy or curled up into the traditional poses.

A woman gently cradles a peacefully sleeping baby in a knitted outfit against a cozy, neutral-toned background, evoking love

EXAMPLES OF NEWBORN POSES


When booking a newborn session, parents often wonder about the different types of poses available. Here are some of the classic poses I incorporate into my sessions:


Froggy POSE


This pose features the baby with their chin resting on their hands while their legs are tucked underneath. It creates an adorable, squishy look and highlights their tiny facial features. This pose is always achieved with the help of composite editing to ensure safety.

Sleeping newborn with dark hair rests with cheeks on hands, set against a soft, dark green background. The scene conveys peace and innocence
A serene newborn baby, eyes closed, rests chin on hands. Dressed in a soft pink wrap with a matching headband, lies on a textured pink blank
Sleeping newborn posed with head propped on hands, on a soft brown background. The serene scene conveys peacefulness and warmth.
Forward POse

In this position, the baby is placed on their tummy with their hands positioned under their chin. This pose captures a sweet and natural profile of their tiny face

A newborn baby sleeps peacefully on a soft, white blanket, wearing a cozy white bear hat. The serene setting conveys warmth and tranquility.
bum up

This curled-up pose has the baby lying on their stomach with their legs tucked under their body, emphasizing the the curliness of a newborn and often showing off some back rolls.

A peaceful baby sleeps on its side, wearing a soft blue onesie, against a light blue background. The pose conveys serenity and warmth.


Wrapped Poses


Swaddled snugly in soft wraps, babies feel secure and comfortable. These poses are perfect for showcasing their delicate features while keeping them cozy. Wrapped poses can be done on fabrics, fur, or in various props.


A peaceful newborn baby with a soft headband sleeps wrapped in a cozy, cream-colored blanket. The tone is serene and nurturing.
A sleeping newborn is cozily wrapped in a soft, blue blanket against a matching blue background. The baby appears peaceful and serene.
Bucket Pose


Who doesn't love a baby in bucket? The baby is gently placed in a small bucket,  with soft padding and support to ensure comfort. This setup provides a charming, artistic look. I offer a variety of different bucket colors and patterns.

A sleeping newborn baby rests peacefully in a bucket on a wooden floor, wrapped in a soft beige blanket.


BASKETS, BEDS, BOWLS, AND cRATES


My studio is fully stocked with a variety of props to use during your session. Incorporating props like baskets, tiny beds, and crates can add variety to the session and create timeless, styled images.

Two newborn babies peacefully sleep side by side in a wooden basket. They are swaddled in cream and beige wraps
Sleeping newborn wrapped in a soft green blanket, wearing a delicate headband with a flower.
A sleeping newborn swaddled in a white cloth, rests on a small white chair. The scene is peaceful, with soft lighting
A baby peacefully sleeping in a wooden cradle, wearing a cream-colored knit outfit and a delicate headband. The tone is warm and serene.
A sleeping baby with a headband rests peacefully on a wooden bed, covered with a purple knitted blanket. The scene is warm and serene
A sleeping newborn baby in a pink outfit lies curled up in a heart-shaped wooden bowl, on a wooden surface with soft, natural lighting.
A peaceful newborn baby sleeps in a woven basket, wrapped in a soft, white knitted blanket. The setting conveys warmth and coziness.
A newborn baby peacefully sleeps, swaddled in a soft white blanket and nestled in a round wicker basket lined with delicate lace fabric.
A newborn baby peacefully sleeps, wrapped in a soft gray blanket, nestled in a wooden crescent moon-shaped bowl against a dark background.
A serene baby sleeps peacefully on a small bed, wearing a brown knit outfit. The bed is adorned with soft fabric
A sleeping baby, wrapped in a green blanket, rests peacefully in a plaid-patterned wooden box on a rustic wooden floor.
A peaceful newborn baby sleeps in a round wooden basket lined with soft, cream-colored blankets. The setting conveys warmth and serenity.
A sleeping baby lies peacefully in a small wooden bed, wearing a knitted white hat and blanket. Soft natural light filters through a curtain
A sleeping newborn wrapped in a red blanket is nestled in a heart-shaped frame. The background is red, creating a warm, loving atmosphere.
DETAILS


Capturing close-ups of delicate newborn features, such as tiny fingers, curled toes, eyelashes, lips, and soft baby hair. These intimate shots highlight the precious details that parents want to remember forever.

Black and white photo of a baby's hand gently grasping an adult's finger, conveying warmth and tenderness against a white background.

STYLING A SESSION


When you book a newborn session with me, I make the process easy and personalized. Here’s how styling your session works:

  • Questionnaire: After booking, you’ll receive a questionnaire where you can share your color and style preferences. Whether you love neutrals, pastels, or bold colors, this helps me tailor the setups to your taste.
  • Custom Setups: Based on your responses, I design unique backgrounds, props, and wraps that align with your vision. My goal is to create a session that feels personal and timeless.
  • Prep Guide: You’ll also receive a prep guide with tips on how to get your baby ready for the session and outfit suggestions for family members. Coordinating colors and textures can enhance the overall look of your portraits.

Ready to book your session?


I would love to capture your little one! I recommend booking as early as your second trimester to ensure I have availability around your due date. Learn more about my newborn packages here.

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