If you are reading this, you might be researching newborn photography to find out more about what options you have for when your little love has arrived. Are you wondering what natural newborn photography and baby-led posing are and how these differ to other styles?

The arrival of a newborn baby is a life-changing event, and capturing those first precious moments through photography is a beautiful way to preserve the memories and tell your family’s unique story. Parents are increasingly drawn to a more natural, unscripted style of newborn photography, which emphasises more baby-led posing to showcase the unique personality of your tiny baby.

In this article I share some insights into what this style of newborn photography is, why this is the only style I adopt in my newborn sessions and how this approach delivers the most personal, natural and emotive photographs of you and your growing family.

What is natural newborn photography?

London newborn photographers differ not just in their style but also in their approach to posing. Broadly, there are two approaches: posed studio photography and natural newborn photography, or lifestyle photography. You might have seen studio photography before where baby is put into specific poses, usually in the earliest (and sleepiest!) days of their lives. Usually an array of props, blankets and backdrops are used to create a specific aesthetic.

On the other hand, natural newborn photography is an approach to newborn photography that focuses on the baby’s natural movements and expressions, rather than relying on traditional, staged poses.

You may have also come across the term “baby-led posing” which means that baby takes the lead in the session and – whenever they’re not in your arms, I will just capture them as they are stretching, for example on your bed, the cot, or sofa. Otherwise parents will typically hold the baby for the majority of the time and I gently guide you into comfortable positions, resulting in natural lifestyle images. This provides you with what I consider much more natural newborn photography and is the only style I follow during my sessions.

Why I love natural newborn photography

During a newborn shoot with me, there will be a little bit of gentle direction but I am completely led by your littlest love. I aim to capture authenitc, natural and emotive photos of your beautiful baby and, by doing so, I will never force any particular pose. Your newborn may be happy being on a bed or crib for a few moments but otherwise they will spend the majority of the time safely snuggled into your arms. This approach creates a relaxed atmosphere, and the resulting images capture the baby’s personality and early expressions in a way that traditional posing often cannot.

Additionally, I find that natural newborn photography has very timeless appeal: this style has a timeless quality that transcends trends and fads. The focus on authenticity and genuine moments ensures that your images will remain relevant and cherished for years to come.

Finally, for the reasons above, this type of newborn photography also creates the most stress free experience for you. The early days can be hazy and challenging, and in addition to providing you with beautiful images, I want to ensure the experience is as relaxed as possible for you. These lifestyle newborn photography sessions take place in the comfort of your home, where you have everything you need at hand. You don’t have to worry about cleaning up your house – I only need a small area and window with natural light – or shopping for newborn outfits, as we can use what you already have, such as simple onesies.

What images can I expect from a natural newborn photo session?

In addition to baby being in your arms, other captions usually include close ups of all the cute details: their little hands, feet and other tiny features, as well as siblings if they’re happy to be involved. Don’t worry if your baby is a little unsettled; I will always allow for extra time during newborn sessions for baby to feed, be changed or comforted. This is all part of your story during these precious early days.

Because we focus on your story, in your home, in your usual surroundings, I find that natural newborn photography and baby-led posing also create by far the most personal images for your family. Every baby is unique, and natural newborn photography celebrates this individuality. By allowing the baby to take the lead and approaching the session from a lifestyle photography aesthetic, I can capture the essence of your child’s developing personality, creating images that are one-of-a-kind. I want you to remember the early days exactly how they were – crazy but incredibly beautiful and full of love and connection which I believe can only be captured in these in-home, natural sessions.

What else do I need to know about natural newborn photography?

My sessions are timed around you and baby’s schedule. I don’t have a fixed time limit so we can accommodate any breaks as needed. On average I spend around 90 minutes with your family but will always ensure the session length works for your family!

I love supporting with outfit choices for your baby and the rest of your little family. Take a look at this blog post on what to wear for an in-home newborn photoshoot or this post on how to prepare.

In conclusion…

Natural newborn photography (and baby led posing) offer a fresh and authentic approach to capturing the first precious moments of your baby’s life. By prioritising the comfort and individuality of your newborn, this style of photography creates images that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful and personal.

If you enjoyed reading about natural newborn photography, you might also like this post about natural lifestyle family photography.

About me

I am a London newborn photographer specialising in timeless and natural newborn photography. In addition to newborn photography, I also provide maternity and family photography in and around West & Central London. Do get in touch even if you live outside these areas and we can arrange something. If you’d like to capture your motherhood journey through photography, please don’t hesitate to contact me here. Not quite ready to book? Follow me on Instagram and let’s stay in touch.

Over the next few weeks, I am featuring the work of some other photographer friends around the world. This week, I’d like to introduce Ashlie from Portland, Oregon, who shares a great post about baby milestone photography and why this is a wonderful way to capture baby’s first year.