Because the Snuggle Really Is the Shot
If you’ve ever found yourself trying to coax your toddler to “just sit still for one more photo” while rocking a fussy baby, welcome… you’re in the right place. I’ve been in those shoes myself & have also watched it from behind the camera. And that’s why I would tell you to try an in-home session!
Newborn photos aren’t about perfection. They’re about connection.
That cozy photo of your partner cradling your newborn in the soft morning light? It probably didn’t start off relaxed. I’ve seen many new dads hold their babies like they’re made of glass, terrified they’ll do it wrong.
With a little encouragement, gentle guidance, and the quiet magic of being reminded that this is their baby… well, something shifts.
And that shift? It’s worth capturing.
I’ve built my approach as a Columbia, SC family photographer around moments like that – the real, sometimes-subtle moments where a new family settles in & comes to life right in front of the lens.
What Makes a Beautiful Family-Centered Newborn Pose?
Here’s what I know for sure: families want their newborn photos to feel joyful, beautiful, and real.
Most families have hesitations and questions about what to expect:
- Will the baby cooperate?
- Will we all look okay on camera?
- Will I know what to do with my hands?
(Yes to the first, absolutely to the second, and don’t worry at all about the third – you’ve hired someone who will take care of that part.)
My approach is guided, but never stiff. I’ll help you into poses that look beautiful and polished but still feel like you. That means you won’t find me using elaborate props or posing your baby on their hands like a tiny gymnast.
Instead, they stay nestled where they belong – in your arms, on your chest, or snuggled into a quiet moment on the family bed.
That’s where the magic lives.
Poses That Highlight the Heart of Your New Family
1. On the Big Bed Together
Your bed is often the coziest, most familiar place in your home – it’s also where real-life snuggles happen every day. That’s why I often begin or end newborn sessions with the whole family gathered on the bed.
- The baby cradled between parents
- Siblings nearby looking in awe (or being adorably wild – that’s okay too!)
- Sometimes even the family dog finds their way into the frame.
Yes, you’re dressed a bit nicer than usual. And yes, I may gently guide where hands rest or how you’re positioned (so we’re not photographing the bottoms of everyone’s feet).
But I’m not asking you to do anything you likely don’t already do.
This is your actual morning routine made artful – the shared blanket, the forehead kisses, the sleepy yawns.
2. Parents Against the Window Light
When I come into your home, rest assured I’m not noticing the clutter in the corner or the unmade toddler bed….I’m searching for natural light. It flatters beautifully and gives your photos that soft, luminous glow.
I love positioning parents near a window, holding their baby closely. I’ll help you lean into each other, looking softly at your baby… or even catch that candid laugh that happens when something funny breaks the serious moment.
This is a space where you don’t have to pose – just be present.
(Lacking window light at your house? That’s okay too….I bring my flash just in case we need to pop in a little extra light.)
3. That Classic Over-the-Shoulder Snuggle
This one gets me every time… you holding your baby close to your heart as you rock side-to-side.
But in these early newborn days, when the baby is impossibly small, this image carries a tenderness that feels entirely different.
Often, your hand gently cups the back of their head or back, and I’ll in close to frame that simple, powerful connection.
It’s not about smiling at the camera—it’s about capturing the way your hands instinctively know how to hold them.
4. The “In-Between” Moments
This is my favorite. Sometimes, the most memorable photos from a session aren’t the “smile here, stand like this” images. They’re the “in-between” moments that sneak up on all of us.
Maybe it’s your toddler suddenly bursting into giggles while bouncing on the bed or Dad tossing Big Brother in the air to keep him happy.
If I’m doing my job right, you might not notice these shots being taken. That’s intentional. I want you to be able to be in the moment – not managing it.
Why These Shots Matter
This isn’t about getting one frame-worthy portrait and calling it a day. It’s about capturing the beautiful story of your new family unfolding.
Your baby is going to grow fast – I know, everyone tells you this, but it’s also painfully true. (Ask me how I felt when my son outgrew me this year. 😩)
What feels like pure chaos now will one day be hard to remember.
These photographs become the way you circle back… the keepsakes that remind you not just what these days looked like, but how they felt.
And the beauty of doing these sessions in your own home? You’re already there.
No need to gather all the things and rush out downtown to a studio. Just your walls, your people, your story.
So let me do the thinking. You don’t have to come to your newborn session with Pinterest boards or a plan. Just bring the love – I’ll take care of the rest.
Ready for Photos That Feel Like Home?
If you’re dreaming of newborn photos that feel calm & natural, but still stunning, I hope you’ll take a look at what I offer.
I spend many of my mornings traveling to clients around Columbia, Lexington and Blythewood for in-home newborn sessions & I’d love to add you to my calendar!
Take a look at what an in-home newborn session includes on my Newborn Experience page or reach out through my contact form – I’ll walk you through everything you need to feel fully prepared and supported.
And remember… it’s okay if your toddler jumps on the bed. I might even ask them to. 😉
See more of my work & get details on how to work with me: https://emilyannphotos.com/
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