When we kick off a project, I often ask, “what type of newborn photography excites you?”—as we’re planning out their very own, custom newborn session for their soon-to-be-here babe. Most clients stumble. Ask for clarification. And, that’s ok, because I had no idea multiple “types” of newborn photography existed when I first became a newborn photographer.
I’m here to clarify and explain!
There are many types of newborn photography, and I’m sure new genres are emerging as I type this, however I’ll explain the types we offer here, at Blush Baby Photo, and then some—
Posed.
Wrapped.
Propped.
Mugshots.
Family.
Siblings.
(Lifestyle.) *there’s a reason for the parentheses here, read on…
Posed.
First up! Posed. Baby is posed, usually on a beanbag or a table covered with multiple blankets for baby’s utmost comfortability. Many professional newborn photographer use posing aids, like Hello Little Props’s Shape Shifters to strategically (and safely!) lift baby’s head to a perfect angle, rest their tiny bodies on or get their tiny bums to just the right height. Here are some poses you may have heard of: frog or froggy pose, egg pose, side laying pose, tucked in pose, bum up pose…just to name a few! Blush Baby has years worth of training on newborn posing safety and never forces baby into a pose that they aren’t comfortable doing. Every baby is different, and we honor that to the fullest!
Baby is naked during this type of newborn photography. Have no fear, we don’t let any private parts show. Wraps, camera angles, specific posing tactics ensure your baby is all covered up and only those scrumptious baby rolls, teeny tiny fingers, irresistible cheeks are highlighted to be a lasting memory to cherish forever. Baby is captured in its most natural state. Cute, cuddly, relaxed! So, send me all the sleepy vibes please—because these poses work best with baby is snoozing.
Please note: POSED NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY REQUIRES HEAT. Did you know? Baby’s don’t mind being naked, they just don’t like being cold. Therefore, we warm our “Baby Warm Room” very, very, very warm. The heat reads around 80-85° and additional space heaters are there for extra warmth. We suggest you dress in layers, sip on a light refreshment provided at our Sherborn, MA Studio and of course, step out for some fresh air when needed.
Wrapped.
Wrapped is another popular type of newborn photography. It’s exactly what it sounds like—baby is wrapped in a swaddle-like fabric and posed on a surface, such as a dog bed or tabletop. We are trained swaddlers! We have tips and tricks galore! (Parents often ask for tips on how to swaddle their babies back at home.) We have various newborn probs that allow us to swaddle where their tiny toes poke out. We even use a newborn prop called the “Fat Suit” from Newborn Nerds to give baby that round, irresistible shape. We mean business when it comes to creating the perfect potato!
Wrapped is also fabulous when baby must lose hand/arm privileges! Newborn photo sessions are a workout for us photographers. Those little 7-pounders are strong! …and when they want to party a bit too much, we must wrap to calm them back down into their beautiful, sleepy state.
Propped.
Newborn propped photos are a beautiful addition to your newborn’s gallery. Usually shot in a studio environment, with a wooden floor and background, baby is (always safely) propped in a prop! (Say that a few times…) Blush Baby Photo’s studio has a plethora of newborn props to choose from: bamboo beds, wicker basket, or how about a handcrafted wooden bowl shaped into a moon? I mean, who doesn’t love a baby in a bucket? Blush Baby Photo proudly utilizes Hello Little Props’ Everlasting Bucket with Bucket Huggers. I love showing clients this nifty invention. One bucket! Endless design options. Get this: you can even change the color / pattern out while baby is posed IN the bucket. Nifty, huh? Anything we can do to keep baby resting and calm—we do!
Mugshots.
I know “Mugshots” sound harsh, but they are just tooo cute to not love this type of Newborn photography. (If you really don’t love the name, they are also known as “Newborn Expressions”). This type of newborn photography is commonly styled on a simple white fabric backdrop with minimal to no newborn props and edited in black and white—creating a timeless portrait of your baby in their earliest stage. Baby’s arms are usually wrapped down by their sides with the focus shoulders up—capturing beautiful, sometimes hilarious expressions. Baby smiles, yawns, cross-eyes, cranky faces, and their big, promising eyes… these images are one of Blush Baby’s favorites to produce!
Family.
While your newborn session is mainly focused on new baby, Blush Baby strongly suggest capturing family portraits, too! It’s a time to celebrate! He/she just made a lovely addition to your growing family. Family Newborn Photography keeps baby the focal point, with it’s loving role models close by. This could include a variety of combinations such as: mom and baby, dad and baby, everyone and baby! We have special poses that bring the focus to baby, all while showing the family love that very moment brought.
Family Newborn Photography is often the type that is hung above the couch, or mantel—proudly showing, and then there was three, or four, or five…
Sibling.
Sibling photography are portraits of newborn + their proud big bother / big sister. Children are usually laying down on a soft, fluffy rug or posed around baby in a bucket. Sibling shots are always the ones that give Mom and Dad most worry. They want their new addition captured with big brother / big sister, however, they know this is such a transitional time for all and anticipate an uncooperative sibling or two. We have tricks for that (and will cover those in a blog post to come) but for now, don’t worry! We will make it an enjoyable experience for all involved…
Lifestyle.
There’s also a whole other type of newborn photography, Lifestyle Newborn Photography. This is often shot in an elaborate faux environment in or out of the studio. Lifestyle newborn photography can also be shot in your home, in baby’s nursery, on your bed, etc. It’s shot in a way that captures not just the subjects at hand, but their lifestyle in which they live in. It’s less posed, and more candid.
…and the reason we have it listed lastly here is because it’s not something Blush Baby offers at the moment. All of the above types of Newborn Photography are studio-based. Meaning they are all shot at our studio in Sherborn, Ma and included with all of our newborn sessions. All of the above are shot on simpler backgrounds in a variety of tones that compliment, but don’t take away from baby + their precious people. Not to say Lifestyle newborn photography isn’t LOVELY (because it really is!)— it’s just not in our offerings at this time.
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work with blush!
We specialize in newborns, children, and families. Newborn Sessions are perfect for babies 4 days to 4 weeks old! Our Newborn Sessions are all inclusive, meaning parent, sibling and newborn portraits alike! We can’t wait to work with you and your family! Contact us.
While you’re at it, take a peek at Blush Baby Photo’s Newborn Gallery.
