Welcoming a newborn into your family brings a whirlwind of change, love, and—let’s be honest—a lot of unpredictability. For many new parents, the idea of a photo session during these early weeks can feel daunting. What if the baby cries the entire time? What if your toddler won’t sit still? What if you don’t feel quite like yourself yet?

I get it. As a mom and a professional photographer, I’ve been on both sides of the camera. And the truth is, those “what ifs” are often where the most real and beautiful moments happen.

At a recent in-home session, we paused for a feeding break, and just as I was adjusting my settings, the family’s first child—their dog—jumped up on the bed and gave dad a proud high five. It was completely unplanned, and such a full-hearted expression of this family’s new chapter. These are the moments I live for behind the lens.

Your newborn photography session doesn’t need to chase perfection. It needs to reflect love, connection, and story—and that’s exactly what we’ll talk about today.

WHY CONNECTION MATTERS MORE THAN PERFECTION

It’s easy to fall into the scroll of clean white rooms and perfectly swaddled babies in stylized props, but that’s not what I’m drawn to—or what I believe creates lasting, meaningful photographs.

Newborns aren’t props. They’re tiny, raw, miraculous humans undergoing their very first days in the world. That little stretch of fingers, the sleepy smile right before they doze off in your arms, the way an older sibling curiously leans in to kiss their forehead—these aren’t staged. They’re lived. They’re real.

My goal is for your baby to be held, snuggled, or gently kissed for the majority of our session. I do include solo newborn shots too, of course—but I focus more on natural positioning, showing their hands and feet, their skin and tiny, sometimes jerky, movements. As long as your baby is warm and comfortable, there’s no need for tight swaddles or perfectly folded poses.

The heart of it? I want you to feel something when you look back at these photos.

TIPS FOR FAMILY-FOCUSED NEWBORN POSES THAT FEEL LIKE YOU

1. Hold Your Baby Often—And Close

Most of your baby’s portraits will be in your arms. This is intentional.

• I gently guide families through natural, close poses—like cradling baby on your chest or snuggling cheek to cheek.
• Light posing ensures you feel relaxed and supported, but never stiff.
• I softly direct where the light is best, while allowing room for natural interaction (like a spontaneous kiss or glance).

Let your hands rest softly on your baby. Let your partner and/or siblings quietly stroke a cheek or play with baby’s toes while you hold them.

2. Siblings Are Welcome—On Their Own Terms

If this isn’t your first child, I always take time to make siblings feel seen and included.

• There’s no pressure to “perform.” Toddlers get breaks when they need them.
• I often start with solo stories: big brother reading a book beside baby or bringing their favorite stuffed animal to “help.”
• Older siblings are welcome to come and go throughout the session. We follow their energy, not fight it.

We even include pets when it’s safe and appropriate. They’re family too!

3. Don’t Worry About the Not-So-Perfect Moments

Babies cry, toddlers get wiggly, and dads sometimes feel unsure about where to stand. All of these things are not only expected—they’re normal.

• I embrace the pauses for diaper changes, feedings, and toddler snack breaks.
• That unpredictable energy often yields the sweetest surprises—from a quiet glance to a belly laugh.
• When everyone stops worrying about the camera and settles into just being present, that’s when the good stuff happens.

My biggest advice? Try to forget I’m there.

4. Let Go of the Pressure to Look Perfect

Especially for moms, I know it’s hard to step in front of the camera in those postpartum weeks. Weight changes, emotional ups and downs, and exhaustion all play a part.

But your children see you.

I often softly suggest this during a session with more children: whisper each child’s birth story to them. Just a few sweet or funny lines, quietly shared during a moment together. It’s simple, but transformative. It brings out memories, connection, even laughter and tears—and truly poignant moments that can’t be staged.

WHY THESE POSES ARE WORTH HONORING

Years from now, these photos won’t just show what your newborn looked like—they’ll show how you loved them.

I’ve seen sessions turn into legacy gifts. One family created a custom photo book with images of all nine grandchildren. When they gifted it to their grandfather, he cried. Not because the outfits were perfect or everyone said “cheese,” but because the book showed who his family truly is.

So as you prepare for your newborn session, remember this: your baby doesn’t need to “behave,” your home doesn’t need to look like a showroom, and you don’t need to feel like you’re at your most “photo-ready.”

You just need to show up, share love, and trust the process.

READY TO TELL YOUR FAMILY’S STORY?

If you’re looking for a relaxed, connection-first newborn photography session that gently guides your family while honoring real life moments, I’d love to be part of that story.

I offer in-home newborn photography in Westchester, NY, Rye, and surrounding areas—and I plan every session with your family’s comfort in mind.

Visit Jo Bryan Photography to learn more, or reach out for a candid phone chat about your session goals.

Whether you’re booking your first family photos or adding a new chapter to your story, I’m here to help you celebrate the moments that matter.