Balancing and Posing a Newborn with Baby Hailey on the Blog

Sweet girl Hailey is the youngest of three sisters. She is the daughter of a fireman!

If you've seen much of my work you'll know that I don't shy away from unique posing of newborns. It is all done safely. To accomplish images of babies, seemingly, suspended in the air, perfectly propped up in a bucket or flying on an airplane we use a number of safety measures. 

First is being perfectly comfortable and experienced in handling newborns - understanding their movements - understanding how to safely manipulate their body into poses. Second is to always have at least one spotter - this person's role is to keep full focus on baby and often their hands are always on baby. Third is having an understanding of balance - how a prop needs to be balanced and how a baby needs to be supported and balanced within that prop for a secure and comfortable pose. Fourth is having the technical ability to take multiple images to create one 'flawless' image in post production {one image may have the assistant's hand on baby's back, while in a second image the assistant's hand is on their heads - merging them together creates one image with no hands on baby}. Fifth is being able to say no. This is a hard one. But we will never risk a baby's discomfort or safety over a pose. 

In many instances we have only a matter of a few seconds to capture an image before baby is done with the pose. I can never guarantee that a baby will pose in specific ways - I love requests from parents but we don't guarantee any pose for a session. Some babies simply hate being on their stomach, or having hands under their chin, or being on their back.

I always tell parents, baby is boss. It is true. We start with a game plan and we then adjust to baby's ability and comfort.

I will not use certain props or certain poses with fully alert or easily startled/upset babies. I think it is important for parents to know this up front.

Too often, I see hobby or new photographers attempting these intricate poses with babies without the experience or safety knowledge.  It is important to hire a professional who has experience and education in this area if you want such poses in your newborn's gallery. 

I think one of the things that surprises many parents as they watch us put together props/sets for their baby is the "balancing act"

Even in this image of sweet hailey laying in a very comfortable position under the wool filler are probably 10-15 little wash clothes perfectly balancing her body into the position I desired. Under her elbows, under her bum, under her legs, etc. All of which makes her comfortable, helps support her body properly and gives us a sweet pose. 

Newborn sessions are typically reserved by the 6th or 7th month of pregnancy, if not sooner, to ensure availability. Every session is thoughtfully planned and we only photograph one newborn a day - thus space is limited by month/due date.

After a spot is reserved with due date, we photograph baby within 20 days of their actual birth.

Below is a slideshow of images from Hailey's gallery - it might take a moment for it to load.