8 Ideas for Creating Sentimental Newborn Portraits

Need some inspiration when picking out props for your newborn session? Want to make it unique and personal? Check out these great ideas for adding sentiment to your photos.

1. Recreate a Parent or Sibling Photo

These types of photos show the same pose with different generations of your family. Show us a photo of you or your spouse when you were a newborn and let us create a similar photo with your child. If you have another child and want us to use one of their newborn photos to recreate instead, that would work too!

2. Blankets

Bringing blankets with sentimental value helps add interest and a story to the photo. Blankets add a wide variety of textures and colors to newborn portraits.

3. Your House

If we do a lifestyle session at your house, it may add sentimental value to your images. This is the house where you brought your baby home, the one where your newborn first lived. This is the nursery you decorated for your newborn. The possibilities are endless.

4. Something from Parents’ Childhood

We can also incorporate things from your childhood for example: stuffed animals, clothes, your bassinet, dolls, a wagon, basket, blanket, etc. Something that can be passed down to your child that meant something to you when you were younger.

5. Siblings’ Clothing

If you have another child and you have a favorite outfit that you used to put him or her in when they were this size, we could use it to recreate old memories.

6. Occupations/Hobbies

If you or your spouse love your job and want to add something from it or one of your hobbies, this will help add a personal touch. Some examples: dog tags, sports helmets, a baseball, guitar, football, briefcase, camera, jersey, or hat. Of course, we’re open to your ideas as well - this is just to get the ideas flowing.

7. Maternity photos

If you did a maternity session, you can do some similar poses with your baby and frame them side-by-side in your home or in an album. If you used an outfit or name blocks, ultrasound picture, etc. we can use those props again in these photos, too.

8. Wedding Rings

This is a classic shot. Having your child hold your wedding rings in their little hands or placing them between their toes is a good way to incorporate your rings - which signify family love and a strong bond - into the shot. Although this photo is somewhat common, it will be unique to you because they are your personal rings and they show the commitment and love that you and your spouse have for your family. Alternative idea; if you have a little girl, we could also use your wedding garter as a headpiece.

Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like beautiful portraits of your newborn baby, to update your child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today, call (412) 654-3367 or email [email protected]. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow us on Instagram and Facebook.