There are different styles and methods of posing newborn for a photography session. This should be a caution for amateurs and parents that the final photographs are highly edited and usually a composite of different shots. Anyone not trained or experienced in newborn photography should not try to copy the poses in anyway because it is a potential safety risk for the baby.
Compositing has been proven to be the safest and widely used technique in Newborn Photography. A composite image is created by combining more than one image as a single photo using Photoshop. The pictures are layered on top one another, and the unwanted parts are masked. Composite shots can be achieved by working with the parents or assistant through the sessions. The baby should be supported and looked after by the parents or the assistance all the time.
Here are some of the poses and details how they are finally achieved.
Composite Newborn Poses
Newborn head in hand/chin pose (also called “froggy pose”)
- A helper should assist you in holding the baby.
- A bean bag or a soft cushion should be used as a surface for the baby to lie on.
- The helper holds the baby’s wrists and the back of the head from the right side to keep it stable.
- Take a series of shots.
- Repeat the process but this time helper should support from the left side, and then you take your shots.
The multiple shots allows you select the perfect one for editing.
Multiple shots are finally edited to show baby in a cute froggy style pose.
Newborn hold in the air pose
It is important to note here that the baby is not held in the air. Just like other composite images, it is a combination of different images merged to create one final image. To achieve this:
- Baby is placed on a soft bean bag and the hands of the helper wrapped around the child.
- Photographer then takes the shot from the top.
- Final image is rotated and edited to make it like baby was held in the air by hands.
Newborn with siblings pose
Sometimes it’s a bit risky to leave siblings with the baby so a composite shot is done for baby and siblings photo. This pose can be done by first taking an image of the elder brother or sister close to where the baby will lie for his or her shot. Then taking another photograph of the baby alone while being supported by the helper. Both images can then be composited to give a final picture that shows the siblings together with the newborn baby.
Finally, all of the above newborn poses are engineered and shouldn’t be tried by any non-professional newborn photographer. If as a parent you feel uncomfortable with any pose of your baby, raise your voice. It’s a matter of baby safety and should be dealt with a lot of care.