At Elizabeth Lang Photography, every newborn session is an opportunity to capture the tender, emotional connection between parents and their new baby. One of my favorite ways to emphasize this bond is by including mom and dad’s hands in the photos. Hands are powerful symbols of love, protection, and care, and incorporating them into your newborn photos adds a layer of intimacy and warmth that’s truly special.

Whether it’s a gentle hold or a soft caress, the touch of a parent’s hand on their baby speaks volumes. In this post, I’ll share some of the beautiful ways we can feature mom and dad's hands in your newborn photos, creating timeless images that capture both the fragility of your baby and the deep connection between your family.

A close-up photo of mom and dad’s hands gently holding their newborn’s tiny hands and feet, symbolizing love, protection, and care.

1. Hands Holding Newborn Hands

There’s something incredibly touching about a parent’s hands holding their newborn’s tiny fingers. Newborn hands are so delicate, often no bigger than a fingertip, and when captured in close-up, they highlight just how small and precious your baby is.

A shot of your hands gently cupping your baby’s hands can represent the protection and care you’re already providing, a beautiful moment frozen in time. This image is simple, yet powerful, and it can evoke deep emotions for years to come. It’s one of those shots you’ll cherish forever as you watch your child grow.

A close-up photo of mom and dad’s hands gently holding their newborn’s tiny hands and feet, symbolizing love, protection, and care.

2. Hands Holding Newborn Feet

Newborn feet are another detail that deserves special attention. Those tiny toes, soft skin, and delicate arches are part of what makes your baby unique. A photo of mom and dad’s hands cradling their baby’s feet is not only symbolic of love and protection, but it also captures the fragility of your baby in their earliest days.

The contrast between the smallness of their feet and the warmth of your hands is heartwarming. This shot works especially well in black and white for a timeless, classic feel, but it also shines in color when paired with soft, neutral fabrics. It’s one of my favorite ways to highlight the unique beauty of your newborn’s tiny features.

A close-up photo of mom and dad’s hands gently holding their newborn’s tiny hands and feet, symbolizing love, protection, and care.

3. Hands Holding Baby Curled Up on the Beanbag

When your baby is peacefully curled up on the beanbag, hands gently supporting their body can create a serene, intimate moment. Whether it’s mom or dad’s hands cradling the baby, this kind of shot represents the nurturing care of the parents as they guide their newborn into the world.

The soft, comforting touch of hands holding your baby in such a delicate pose adds a layer of emotional connection. It’s a peaceful moment that captures both the baby’s stillness and the parents’ tender care. This shot works especially well when paired with the calming textures of the beanbag and neutral-colored fabrics, allowing the focus to remain on the gentle interaction between your hands and your baby.

A close-up photo of mom and dad’s hands gently holding their newborn’s tiny hands and feet, symbolizing love, protection, and care.

4. Hands Holding Baby Curled Up in Black and White

Sometimes, simplicity is everything. In black and white photography, the focus shifts from color to texture, light, and contrast, allowing the softness of your hands and the baby’s fragile form to stand out even more. A black-and-white image of hands holding your baby as they curl up into a peaceful pose creates a timeless piece of art that emphasizes the purity and delicacy of the moment.

In black and white, the tender touch of your hands becomes even more poignant, symbolizing the deep love and devotion you feel for your newborn. These photos are emotional and can be some of the most meaningful portraits of your session.

A close-up photo of mom and dad’s hands gently holding their newborn’s tiny hands and feet, symbolizing love, protection, and care.

5. Hands Holding Baby in a Prop

Props are a wonderful addition to any newborn session, and when combined with your hands, they create even more intimate moments. Whether it’s a cozy basket, a soft blanket, or a beautiful wooden bowl, having mom or dad’s hands gently holding the baby within a prop brings a sense of security and love to the photo.

The combination of the soft prop and the parental touch creates a peaceful, nurturing environment, highlighting both the newborn's fragility and the warmth of their parents. These shots are also a great way to incorporate your personal style and add something extra special to your collection of newborn portraits.

A close-up photo of mom and dad’s hands gently holding their newborn’s tiny hands and feet, symbolizing love, protection, and care.

6. Hands Holding Baby for Parent Poses

Sometimes, it’s not just about the baby—it’s about capturing the relationship between the parents and their newborn. Shots of mom and dad holding their baby in a tender embrace can create some of the most emotional and cherished photos. Whether you’re gently supporting your baby in your arms, cradling them close, or simply resting your hand on their back, these images highlight the love, tenderness, and connection between parent and child. My favourite is holding baby against dad's chest or froggy pose in dad's hands.

These moments of closeness are perfect for showcasing the unspoken bond that exists between you and your baby. Whether we focus on hands, facial expressions, or the overall embrace, these portraits are an essential part of your newborn session, as they capture the emotions you’ll look back on for a lifetime.

A close-up photo of mom and dad’s hands gently holding their newborn’s tiny hands and feet, symbolizing love, protection, and care.

Why Include Hands in Your Newborn Photography Session?

Incorporating hands into your newborn photos is a way to make the image more personal, intimate, and meaningful. Hands are so expressive—they convey emotions, care, and protection. The size contrast between your hands and your baby’s tiny features creates a sense of wonder and reverence for the new life you’re holding in your arms.

These photos serve as a beautiful reminder of how small your baby was in those early days, while also honoring the love and devotion that parents give so freely.

Book Your Newborn Session at Elizabeth Lang Photography

If you’re expecting and would like to include these precious moments in your newborn photography session, I would love to work with you. Together, we can create images that showcase your baby’s fragility, your connection as a family, and the love that fills your home. Hands, hearts, and tiny feet—it’s all part of the journey.

Contact me today to schedule your newborn session and let’s capture the tender moments that will be treasured for a lifetime.


YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION WITH ELIZABETH LANG PHOTOGRAPHY


A close-up photo of mom and dad’s hands gently holding their newborn’s tiny hands and feet, symbolizing love, protection, and care.