Outside Photography Posing Ideas for a Newborn

Baskets

• Baskets and babies work well together in photographs. Put soft material like bedding or towels in the bottom of the basket, and place it in an outdoor setting like a garden or near a tree. Wait until the baby is asleep, then position him lying down with his stomach on the bedding or towels and his head turned toward the camera. You might photograph him discreetly without clothes if it's warm enough. Position his feet and legs to curl up beneath him and his hands to prop up his head so you can see his fingers and his whole face.

With Parents

• Photograph the newborn being held by a parent or both parents outside. You might choose a location at the parents̵7; home, because it will be convenient for them to care for the baby. Have parents hold the baby close to their chest, curled up. You might also take a picture of both parents holding the baby at the same time. Choose black, white or neutral clothing to keep the focus on the baby and to emphasize the outdoor colors.

Blankets

• Lay some blankets on the ground in a level, grassy area. Blankets should be simple in pattern and in colors that don't clash with the color of the grass. Put the baby on the blanket on her back. Take photographs when she is asleep or awake. On her back is a natural pose for a newborn and is unlikely to cause stress for her. Take photographs outside around dawn or dusk to avoid too-bright sun for the baby.

Sky

• Ask one parent or both to hold the baby up toward the blue sky on a clear or partly cloudy day. The baby could be asleep and curled up on one hand of each parent, or one parent can hold him up with both hands. You might also have a parent hold the baby under the arms and lift him. The baby can either face the parent or face away.

Hammock

• Put the newborn in a hammock outside to create a relaxing image. Put some padding underneath the hammock to protect the baby should she fall. This pose works well when the baby is asleep. Take close shots of the baby in this pose to get the details of her small face, hands and feet.