Beanbag Poses for Newborn Photography


Mastering Newborn Photography Beanbag Poses: Creating Timeless, Dreamy Shots

Newborn photography is all about capturing the beauty and innocence of your little one’s early days, and beanbag poses are one of my favorite ways to create those timeless, dreamy images. Whether it’s the Froggy Pose, Tummy Pose (aka the Tushy Pose), or the sweet Womb Pose, these classic beanbag shots allow me to highlight your baby’s delicate features in a soft, intimate way. In this post, I’ll walk you through some of my favorite newborn beanbag poses, share how I create a comfortable space for your baby, and explain the setup I use to ensure your little one is safe, relaxed, and looking their best.

What is a Beanbag Pose?

A beanbag pose refers to newborn photography where the baby is posed on a soft, supportive surface—traditionally, a beanbag—designed to cushion their body while I capture those perfect, peaceful moments. These poses are ideal for showcasing your baby’s tiny features in a relaxed, natural way. The beauty of beanbag poses is that they allow for flexibility in positioning the baby while also keeping them safe and comfortable throughout the session.

Traditional Beanbag Setup

In the past, many photographers used a large, plush beanbag filled with soft beans or foam to cushion babies during their photoshoots. While this setup is still popular, I’ve recently switched to a more refined approach for even better results.

The New Setup: Wooden Table with Paloma Schell Metal Frame

While the traditional beanbag setup works wonderfully, I now use a wooden table with a Paloma Schell metal frame to clip blankets securely in place. The table provides a solid, stable base, and the metal frame allows me to clip soft blankets over the surface, creating a smooth and customizable backdrop. This setup is ideal for keeping your baby comfortable and safe while giving me full control over the look of each shot.

Why the Paloma Schell Metal Frame?

The metal frame is incredibly useful. It clips soft fabrics or blankets tightly, creating a seamless and secure base for your baby. This helps ensure that the blankets won’t shift or bunch up during the shoot, giving your baby a clean, smooth surface to rest on. It also helps maintain a safe, steady posing area, which is important when working with such delicate little ones. The result is a refined, professional setup that creates the perfect environment for newborn photography.

Dressing Your Newborn for Beanbag Poses: From Bare to Draped

Traditional Naked Beanbag Poses

Traditionally, newborns are photographed naked during beanbag poses. The softness of their skin and the natural beauty of their tiny bodies often shine through best when they're free from clothing. This is a classic look that emphasizes their delicate features, like their soft cheeks, tiny hands, and little feet.

However, over the years, the style of newborn photography has evolved, and many parents now prefer a more covered look for their baby’s photoshoot. While naked shots are still a beautiful and timeless option, draping or wrapping your baby in soft fabrics is becoming increasingly popular.

Draping and Wrapping for a Soft, Covered Look

For those who want a more modest look or simply prefer their baby wrapped up in cozy fabrics, I offer a range of soft, breathable wraps and blankets to drape your baby. These wraps create a soft, dreamy feel while still showcasing your baby’s tiny features. Whether it’s a natural look with a simple neutral wrap or a more textured fabric with delicate lace, I can use a variety of wraps to create the perfect composition for each shot.

Tiny Baby Clothes for Added Charm

In addition to wraps, I also have a collection of adorable tiny clothes in my studio. From knitted onesies to soft dresses and cozy hats, these little outfits are perfect for adding a touch of personality to your baby’s photos. Whether you prefer a more minimalist look or something with a bit more charm, the clothes in my studio can help create a look that reflects your family’s style.

1. Froggy Pose

The Froggy Pose is one of my absolute favorites. In this pose, your baby’s body is curled up with their hands tucked under their chin, creating a shape that mimics a little frog. This is a peaceful and adorable shot that captures all of your baby’s tiny features, like their hands and toes, while keeping them cozy and secure.This pose is done as a composite and requires an assistant or parent to help hold the baby between two shots that will later be combined in photoshop.

2. Tummy Pose (Tushy Pose)

The Tummy Pose (or "Tushy Pose") focuses on your baby’s sweet bottom and back. In this pose, your baby’s body is positioned on their tummy, with their hands tucked under. This creates a rounded, peaceful shape that’s perfect for capturing the soft curves of your baby’s body. This is my favourite beanbag pose.


3.Side Laying Pose

The Side Laying Pose is perfect for those natural, soft images. In this pose, your baby is gently laid on their side in a fetal position, which looks so peaceful and relaxed. This is a great pose to add a stuffed animal in your babies arms.


4. Huck Finn Pose

Inspired by the carefree, laid-back vibe of Huck Finn, this pose has your baby lying on their back with their arms bent behind their head. It’s a relaxed and adorable shot, showcasing your baby’s tiny body and peaceful expressions.


5. Womb Pose

The Womb Pose is one of the most tender and intimate shots you can do with your newborn. In this pose, your baby is curled up in a fetal position, much like they were in the womb. This pose highlights the natural comfort and security babies still crave in their early days. This is another of my favourite poses because it shows just how tiny your baby is.


6. Tucked-In Pose

The Tucked-In Pose is another cozy option that’s perfect for capturing your baby’s sweetness. In this pose, your baby is laying on their back tucked under a blanket.


Final Thoughts

Beanbag poses are a wonderful way to capture the beauty and innocence of your newborn in those precious first weeks. Whether it’s the Froggy Pose, Tummy Pose, or one of the other sweet options, these poses allow me to create timeless images that showcase your baby’s tiny features in the most beautiful way.

With my new wooden table setup, the Paloma Schell metal frame, and the option for draping, wrapping, or dressing your baby in soft fabrics or adorable tiny clothes, I can create a safe, comfortable environment for your newborn while capturing stunning, natural moments.

If you’re planning a newborn photoshoot and want to explore these beanbag poses, I’d love to help you make these timeless memories. Reach out with any questions or special requests—I’m here to ensure your session goes smoothly and that we capture the perfect moments!


YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION WITH ELIZABETH LANG PHOTOGRAPHY