Stork Bites and Other Beautiful Birth Features – Capturing Your Baby’s Unique Marks at Elizabeth Lang Photography
At Elizabeth Lang Photography, I truly believe that every newborn is a little miracle, and each baby comes with their own unique features that make them one of a kind. One of the most common questions I receive from parents is about birthmarks, particularly stork bites—those tiny, delicate patches of pink or red skin often found on a newborn’s forehead, eyelids, or the back of their neck. These marks are perfectly natural, and they are just one example of the many beautiful birth features your baby may have.
As a photographer, I see these special marks as part of what makes your newborn uniquely yours. In this post, I’ll dive into what stork bites are, and share a few other common birthmarks and features that make your baby’s first portraits even more meaningful.

What Are Stork Bites?
Stork bites are a type of birthmark that many newborns are born with. They are small, red or pink patches of skin that typically appear on the baby’s forehead, eyelids, or the back of the neck. These marks are caused by the dilation of small blood vessels under the skin, which is completely normal. They often fade away in the first few months of life, but some babies may retain them for longer.
Interestingly, stork bites are also sometimes called "angel kisses", especially when they appear on the baby’s eyelids or the back of the neck. These marks are innocent and temporary, and for many parents, they become a beloved part of their baby’s appearance that they look back on fondly as their child grows. These marks do fade but can sometimes still be seen years later especially when they are upset.

Other Beautiful Birthmarks and Features
While stork bites are among the most common, there are several other birthmarks and features that are completely natural and beautiful in their own right. These marks are a part of your baby’s story, and they help make their portraits even more special and unique. Here are a few other birthmarks and features you may notice:
1. Mongolian Spots
Mongolian spots are bluish-grey marks that often appear on the lower back, buttocks, or back of the legs of babies, particularly those with darker skin tones. These marks are harmless and typically fade within the first 3 to 4 years of life. They’re often more prominent in the first few days after birth and are completely natural.
2. Milia
Milia are tiny, white bumps that can appear on your baby’s nose, chin, or forehead. These are clogged pores and are completely harmless. Milia are very common in newborns and usually disappear on their own after a few weeks. They’re often mistaken for baby acne, but they are different and in the newborn world are often seen as special unique newborn features.
3. Birthmarks (Hemangiomas)
Some babies are born with hemangiomas, which are raised, red birthmarks that can appear anywhere on the body. These marks are usually harmless and can range in size. While they may seem concerning at first, most hemangiomas fade over time, often without treatment.
4. Café-au-Lait Spots
These spots are light brown or coffee-colored patches that are often oval or irregular in shape. They’re generally harmless and common in babies.
5. Vernix and Lanugo
Although not technically birthmarks, vernix (a waxy, white coating) and lanugo (fine, soft hair) are features you might notice in your baby’s newborn photos. Vernix helps protect the baby’s skin in the womb and is often visible right after birth, especially on babies born a little earlier. Lanugo is the soft hair that covers your baby’s body in utero, and some babies are born with it, though it usually sheds within the first few weeks.
6. Red or Purple Birthmarks (Port Wine Stains)
Port wine stains are another type of birthmark, often larger and red or purple in appearance. These can appear on any part of the baby’s skin, but they’re usually present on the face or neck. While they are permanent, they are generally harmless and so pretty!

Why I Keep These Features in Your Newborn Photos
At Elizabeth Lang Photography, I believe in embracing every detail that makes your baby unique. While I may smooth out temporary imperfections like peeling skin or redness that is common in the first few days of life, I always make a point of keeping the natural features that are part of your baby’s journey into the world.
Birthmarks like stork bites, milia, or hemangiomas are a part of your baby’s story and reflect their individuality. These marks are temporary but serve as a reminder of your baby’s early days, and I love helping families preserve that authenticity in their newborn portraits.
Capturing the Magic of Newborns
One of the most magical aspects of newborn photography is the ability to freeze a moment in time that captures your baby as they truly are in the early days of life. This includes those beautiful birth features that make them uniquely yours. When you look back on these photos, you'll be able to see the tiny details that made your little one so special right from the start.
Whether your baby has stork bites, milia, or a birthmark that you want to remember, rest assured that these marks will be treated with care and respect in every photograph I take. These features are part of the charm of your newborn’s first days, and I’ll help you preserve them beautifully.

Book Your Newborn Session
If you’re expecting, I would love to help you capture your baby’s first moments, from their precious features to their tiniest details. Newborn sessions at Elizabeth Lang Photography are designed to be stress-free and relaxed, so you can enjoy these moments without worry.
Contact me today to schedule your newborn session, and let’s create timeless memories that will last a lifetime—marks, bumps, and all.
Preserve the beauty of your baby’s first moments—birth features included.
YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION WITH ELIZABETH LANG PHOTOGRAPHY