The “poses” I don’t do in my newborn sessions and why.

I see a phrase in the newborn photography industry that keeps popping up more and more frequently, and that is of “unposed newborn photos.”  I’m glad to see that either parents or artists are leaning in a direction that doesn’t necessarily follow trends. Because, after all, Newborn portraits are NOT about the pose- they’re about the newborn! 

However, “posing” newborns can mean a lot of different things depending on the person. And it can mean different things to different photographers that work with newborn clients!

And so therefore, there are some important distinctions to make in regards to whether posing newborns is safe and approrpriate. So, let’s talk about them!

First of all, is posing newborns dangerous? 

Positioning baby in a way to create a properly lit and well-composed image (AND most importantly) that baby is comfortable and supported in a natural way at all times is not dangerous. It might be turning baby’s cheek toward the light. Tucking their hands gently under their chin or on their tummies. Laying them on their back or side.

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This gentle moving and guiding is what “posing” newborns means to me, and how I do it in my sessions!

HOWEVER, “posing” newborns in a manner in which they can’t naturally support themselves IS POTENTIALLY dangerous. And even POTENTIAL danger should be enough reason to avoid these poses.

“Poses” I don’t do in my newborn sessions and why

FROGGY POSE

The ever-popular “froggy” pose is, unfortunately, a good example of posing baby in a way in which their body isn’t naturally supported. Creating the image involves taking two different photos that must be later composited in photoshop. The first shot involves lifting baby’s head upright in the air by holding the crown of their head. For the second shot, baby’s hands are placed on their cheeks, and the adult then grips their wrists together- again attempting to balance their head upright. (Some photographers will even do this with their left hand while shooting with their right- in my opinion something that should NEVER be done!)

Now don’t get me wrong…I personally know a lot of photographers that love doing this pose for their tiny clients, and they do so with great care and caution. Most are aware of the risks and take great responsibility in doing this pose in the “safe” manner described above.

However, even if a photographer creates this image safely (and thankfully most do) there is STILL A POTENTIAL RISK FOR INJURY to baby any time they’re held in an unnatural position. If baby’s head isn’t properly supported, they can have head or neck injuries. If their hands put too much pressure on their throat (under their chins) it can restrict their airway. True, these things are unlikely to happen, but still could happen if the utmost care isn’t taken. So why even do this pose at all?

I mean, aren’t babies cute enough without making them sit like frogs?

That’s why, I believe, we need to challenge what has always been done by asking what SHOULD be done.

POTATO SACK POSE

Another “pose” that isn’t necessary to do in the popular way is what’s known as the “potato sack” pose.  Also done by composite, it involves wrapping baby with multiple layers of fabric, and sometimes even thick padding, in order to keep their body rigid enough to sit upright- sort of like a sack of potatoes on the floor.

The problem is, though, that there are multiple ways that baby can be put at risk of injury. First of all, babies wrapped with multiple layers- especially in studios that are kept warm already- can easily get overheated. And if the layers are too tight, baby’s breathing can be impeded. Furthermore, if their heads are resting on their hands in such a way that puts pressure under their chins/necks- this risk increases further.

Now, the “safe’ way to create this image is to have an adult hold baby’s head upright in a way that lifts its weight up slightly- to support it- and then for the second shot, hold their body upright. But again, I can’t help but think: MUST that little baby be sitting vertically in order to make an adorable portrait of them while they’re swaddled? Of course not.

Now, I love a baby swaddled like a little baby burrito- and I do it for nearly every one of my sessions! Most babies love it, and it allows me to easily capture their sweet face while they’re safe and secure. There’s just no reason to position baby upright while they’re swaddled, in my opinion.

Instead, we can simply lay baby on a soft surface that supports their entire body and head- just like when we hold them in our arms- and capture them in nearly the exact same adorable way! 

Safety is always priority #1

The safest way to photograph a newborn is: the SAFEST way. That means, if there are POTENTIAL risks of injury to a baby by attempting certain popular poses, those potential risks are reason enough to not attempt those poses at all! The SAFEST way is the safest way: so that means photographing baby where he or she is lying comfortably, with his or her head and neck supported naturally (i.e. NOT not being held upright by an adult’s hand or fingers), and if lying above the ground (like on a posing bean bag), within reach at all times. 

Resources dedicated to promoting safety in newborn photography

I am proud to be a member of the Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International (APNPI). I learned about APNPI from one of the many continuing education workshops that I’ve particiapted in througout my career. They’re dedicated to educating newborn photographers about business, artistry, and most importantly, safety while giving recognition to photographers who excel at these in their work.

One thing that APNPI does so well is to strive to educate photographers and parents alike about the most important considerations when it comes to newborn safety. To view their resources and learn more details about safe newborn posing, visit them here!