Don’t Skip These 5 Newborn Session Photos

Those first days with your newborn fly by faster than you expect. One minute they’re tiny and sleepy, the next they’re rolling over and outgrowing their bassinet. If you’re wondering which photos from your newborn session actually matter, here are the ones you’ll be glad you documented.

As an Indianapolis newborn photographer, I’ve guided hundreds of families through this experience. Over the years, I’ve noticed something interesting: certain photos consistently become the ones parents return to again and again. They’re the images that get framed, shared with grandparents, and looked at years later with misty eyes.

Planning a newborn session when you’re sleep deprived and adjusting to a growing belly can feel overwhelming. You might be scrolling through Pinterest, wondering if you need elaborate props or perfect setups. Here’s what I’ve learned: the photos that matter most aren’t the trendy ones. They’re the timeless captures of real moments and tiny details that you’ll want to remember forever.

Let me simplify it for you. These are the five types of photos that stand the test of time, and why you won’t want to skip them at your newborn session!

Baby Solo Portraits (Because These Details Don’t Last)

These portraits focus entirely on your baby, capturing all the tiny details that change so quickly. I’m talking about those impossibly small fingers and toes, the delicate eyelashes, the perfect little lips, and that brand new baby skin.

In my studio, I deliver multiple variations of solo baby pictures because each one tells a different part of the story. Close ups of tiny toes curled up. Hands wrapped around a parent’s finger. The peaceful expression of deep newborn sleep. That little button nose. The way their whole body still curls up naturally, just like it did in the womb.

These details don’t last. Within weeks, your baby will start stretching out. Their features will change. That newborn look begins to fade. Solo portraits preserve exactly how small and new they were in those precious first days.

I often hear from parents years later who tell me that the solo baby shots are the ones they find themselves looking at most. There’s something about seeing your child as a tiny newborn, completely peaceful and new to the world, that never gets old. These images help you remember just how small they once were when you’re chasing around a busy toddler or watching them head off to kindergarten.

This stage is so fleeting, and documenting it authentically is what makes these photos so meaningful!

Mom and Dad with Baby

Something I notice in nearly every newborn session? The way new parents look at their babies is different from anything else in the world. Moms often have this incredibly tender, protective energy. Dads frequently show this mixture of awe and wonder, like they can’t quite believe this tiny human is theirs.

I approach parent and baby photos by focusing on genuine connection rather than forced poses. Yes, we’ll do some classic shots, but the magic happens in the in between moments. When mom is naturally cradling her newborn close. When dad’s large hands gently hold his tiny baby. When parents are simply gazing at their child and each other with pure love.

My go to approaches work because they’re comfortable and natural. We might photograph mom in the nursing chair where she’ll spend countless hours feeding her baby. Or capture dad standing near the window with soft light falling on both of them. The goal is always to show the real relationship and emotion, not create something that feels staged.

I know many moms worry about being in photos, especially so soon after giving birth. If you’re concerned about not photographing well, please hear this: you are beautiful! Your baby needs photos with you in them. Years from now, your child won’t notice if your hair wasn’t perfect or your postpartum body differences. They’ll treasure having images of their mother holding them in those early days.

These parent and baby portraits become incredibly meaningful as time passes. They’re visual proof of how deeply loved your child was from day one. They document a specific moment in time when your baby was brand new and you were adjusting to being parents. That combination is worth documenting with a newborn session.

Full Family Photos with the New Baby

When a new baby joins your family, everything changes. Full family portraits with your newest addition capture this pivotal moment when your family became complete in a new way.

I approach these newborn sessions by keeping the focus on natural interactions rather than perfectly posed lineups. Maybe it’s everyone gathered on the bed together. Or parents sitting with their children in their arms. The key is showing your family as it really is in this moment, with all the love and connection that comes with welcoming a new member.

When siblings are involved, I work with their energy levels and attention spans. Younger children might need breaks, and that’s completely fine. Older siblings often surprise me with how gentle and interested they are in the new baby. Managing multiple kids during a newborn session takes patience and flexibility, but these complete family photos are absolutely worth it.

These images matter because they document your family exactly as it is right now. Before your baby gets bigger. Before your older children grow and change. Before life moves forward. It’s a snapshot of this specific chapter in your family’s story, and you’ll be so glad you have it.

Siblings with Baby

If you have older children, photos of them with their new sibling will become some of the most treasured images from your newborn session.

I’ve seen it time and time again! Siblings who were hesitant at first warming up to their new baby brother or sister. Toddlers who want to help hold the baby “correctly.” Older children who gently kiss their sibling’s forehead. These genuine interactions are gold, and documenting them authentically is always my goal.

Working with different age groups requires different approaches. Toddlers need engagement and patience. School age children often respond well to gentle direction. Teenagers can be wonderful with newborns but might need encouragement to show affection on camera. I adapt to each child’s personality and comfort level during newborn sessions.

Safety is always my priority when positioning siblings with newborns. I’m very hands on during these poses, ensuring the baby is secure and comfortable while also making sure older siblings feel confident. Parents are always close by, and we take our time to get it right.

These sibling photos become increasingly meaningful as your children grow up together. Years from now, your kids will love seeing themselves meeting their brother or sister for the first time. These images show the beginning of a lifelong relationship, and that’s incredibly special!

Pets with Baby

For many families, pets are beloved members of the household. Including them in your newborn session acknowledges their importance and documents this moment when they met the newest family member.

I’ve photographed countless newborn sessions with family dogs and cats, and these sessions always bring such joy. There’s something touching about seeing a pet who has been part of your family suddenly adjusting to a new tiny human. Many pets seem to understand that the baby is fragile and precious, showing surprising gentleness.

Safety is paramount during these photos. I carefully position pets near the baby while ensuring the newborn is secure. Parents are always right there, and we work quickly and calmly. I also recommend preparing your pet ahead of time by making sure they’re calm and comfortable on session day. If a pet is unable to remain calm, we can still get those images of them together with the magic of photoshop!

These photos matter more than many people realize. Your pet is part of your family story, and including them in your newborn session creates a complete picture of this moment in time. Plus, as your child grows up with their furry sibling, these early photos become cherished memories of their relationship from the very beginning.

Focus on What Actually Matters

Newborn sessions aren’t about Pinterest perfect setups or trendy props. They’re about documenting the real moments and tiny details that you’ll want to remember. These five types of newborn session photos have stood the test of time for a reason: they focus on what truly matters.

Solo portraits preserve those fleeting newborn details. Parent and baby images capture the depth of new love. Full family photos document your growing family. Sibling shots show the beginning of lifelong relationships. And including pets honors their place in your family story.

If you think you can just use your iPhone for newborn photos, consider this: these moments pass so quickly. Having a photographer who knows how to document authentic emotion, work with unpredictable babies, and create images you’ll treasure for decades makes all the difference. Professional newborn photography isn’t just about better camera quality. It’s about the experience, the guidance, and the intentional preservation of this fleeting stage.

Years from now, you won’t remember if your baby was fussy during the session or if everything went perfectly. You’ll simply be grateful you have these images. You’ll look at them and remember how tiny your baby was, how new everything felt, and how much love surrounded your growing family.

Ready to Document These Moments?

If you’re expecting or have recently welcomed your baby, now is the perfect time to plan your newborn session. These first weeks pass so quickly, and having these five types of photos will give you a complete visual story of this precious time.

I’d love to hear from you! Which of these five photos are you most excited to capture? Do you have your own newborn photo memories that you treasure?

If you’re planning a newborn session and want to learn more about timing and preparation, check out my guide on when to schedule your Indianapolis newborn session.

Ready to book your session? Contact me here to check availability and reserve your spot. I only take on a limited number of newborn sessions each month to ensure every family receives the personalized, unhurried experience they deserve.

Your baby will only be this tiny once. Let’s make sure you remember every precious detail.