The Best Ways to Pose Newborns with Parents During a Newborn Photoshoot in South East London


A newborn photoshoot is a precious opportunity to capture the love and connection between parents and their new baby. These moments are fleeting, and creating timeless images that showcase their bond is so important. As a newborn photographer in South East London, specifically in Bexley, I love capturing these special memories in a natural and relaxed way. Here are some of my favourite poses that highlight the love between newborns and their parents.


1. The Classic Parent Embrace

One of the most beautiful and intimate poses is simply having the parents hold their newborn close. This could be cradling the baby in their arms, gently kissing their forehead, or looking down at them with love. The key here is to focus on emotion—those tiny details like hands wrapped around the baby, soft kisses, and tender glances make for timeless images.

Intimate family portrait in soft tones showing tender moment with sleeping newborn baby swaddled in cream wrap. During a newborn photoshoot

2. Chest-to-Chest Snuggles

This pose works wonderfully for both mums and dads. Holding the newborn against their chest allows for a strong yet tender moment, emphasising the size difference and protective nature of a parent's love. Capturing the tiny baby resting peacefully on their parent's chest is always a heartwarming shot.

A loving couple snuggles close together while holding their sleeping newborn baby against a grey background. During a newborn photoshoot in

3. The Forehead-to-Forehead Connection or "The Intimate Family Embrace."

The backlit effect adds a dreamy, ethereal feel while focusing on the details of their faces and the baby's delicate features. The way the baby is cradled securely in their hands highlights the protective and nurturing bond between the parents and their newborn.

A tender intimate family moment silhouetted with backlighting as they gaze down at their newborn baby. During a newborn photoshoot in London

4. Sibling Connections

If siblings are involved, capturing a moment where they snuggle in with their baby brother or sister creates a beautiful family portrait. Encouraging gentle touches, kisses, or even a soft embrace ensures a natural and loving composition.

Two children in white clothing sitting together holding and posing with a newborn baby sibling on a neutral background.

4. Kissing the Baby

One of the simplest yet most emotional poses is when both parents lean in to kiss their newborn. Whether it’s a gentle forehead kiss or a sweet moment of affection on their tiny hands, this pose showcases love in its purest form.

Parents lovingly kiss their smiling baby's cheeks in heartwarming intimate portrait from both sides. During a newborn photoshoot in London

6. Black and White Close-Ups

Close-up shots of parents’ hands holding their newborn, gentle touches, and tiny facial expressions all work beautifully in black and white. This classic style removes distractions and highlights the raw emotions in the moment.

Black and white intimate family portrait showing tender moment with sleeping newborn baby and loving parents. During a photoshoot in Bexley

7. Natural Movements & Candid Moments

Sometimes, the best images are unposed. Encouraging parents to naturally interact with their baby—whether it’s whispering to them, stroking their little feet, or simply gazing at them—creates authentic and heartfelt photographs.

Family with newborn baby and young child wearing matching white outfits pose together against light grey backdrop.

Final Thoughts

Capturing newborns with their parents is all about showcasing love, connection, and those early moments of bonding. By using natural, relaxed posing and focusing on genuine emotions, you create timeless images that families will treasure forever. If you're looking for a newborn photographer in Bexley or South East London, I'd love to help you create these beautiful memories. Get in touch today to book your newborn photography session!


  • Maternity Sessions: Ideal between 30-34 weeks of pregnancy. Clients booking a maternity session receive a £50 discount on my standard newborn packages. Discover Maternity Packages
  • Newborn Sessions: Best conducted when your baby is 5-14 days old to capture those fleeting early days. View Newborn Packages
  • Sitter Sessions: Perfect for babies aged 6-9 months, capturing their emerging personalities. View Sitter session packages here
  • Cake Smash Sessions: Celebrate your baby's first birthday with a fun and memorable cake smash photoshoot. Explore Cake Smash Packages

A tender black and white portrait of mother and newborn baby sharing an intimate moment together. During a newborn shoot in Bexley
Kind Words

We absolutely love and adore the photos from our newborn photoshoot with Jo. The process of receiving the photos was also very smooth and timely! Jo Cove Photography was an absolute pleasure to work with and gave us memories that we will cherish forever. She really does have baby whispering skills as she managed to calm and relaxation her and get some smiles too!

We can't thank Jo enough and would not hesitate to recommend or use her amazing services in Bexley again!

Sabrina

@jocovephotography
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