Newborn Photography: Posing, Safety, and the Art of Natural Newborn Portraits
Welcoming a newborn into the world is one of life’s most tender and fleeting experiences. As a Wisconsin newborn photographer, my goal is to preserve these precious moments in a way that feels real, timeless, and full of emotion. While there is an art and a beauty to traditional poses newborn photos, it’s not where my heart lies. My photo sessions are about showing the beauty in our natural moments and everyday life connections.
Unlike traditional posed newborn photography, which often involves intricate setups and props, my approach focuses on authentic connections—capturing the love, warmth, and unique details of your growing family. I don’t put babies into unrealistic poses. Instead, just like my other sessions, I gently guide them into natural poses and help capture the true essence of what these newborn days looked and felt like so you can revisit these photos to remind yourself when it goes by so quick.
The Heart of My Newborn Sessions
Every newborn session I photograph is designed to tell the story of your family as it is in this moment—raw, beautiful, and deeply personal. Rather than rigid posing, I guide you into natural interactions, allowing me to document your baby’s delicate details, your quiet exchanges, and the way your family instinctively nurtures this new life.
Expect snuggles, soft kisses, and the wonder of new parenthood shining through every frame. Whether it’s the way your baby curls perfectly into your arms, the gentle way a sibling leans in for a kiss, or the quiet moments of feeding and rocking, my goal is to capture the heart of your family’s love.
Safety Always Comes First
Newborn safety is my top priority in every session. While I avoid overly complex poses, I ensure that every environment is safe, warm, and comfortable for your baby. I use natural, relaxed positions that support your newborn’s delicate body, and I always prioritize their comfort over any shot. Our sessions is guided by your newborn’s pace. If we need to break for a feeding, changing, or comfort - there is no time limit to my sessions. I never want anyone worrying we area running out of time or rushing.
Your baby will never be forced into unnatural positions. Instead, I work with their natural movements and ensure that every moment is captured with care, gentleness, and attention to detail.
*Please note that that for posed newborn photography is done with a tremendous amount of knowledge and photoshop. It truly is an incredible skill that takes patience and training. The baby should never be holding their own weight or balancing themselves (ie: propped up holding their head in their hands). For poses like this there should be a hand on your baby for safety and stability that the photographer will edit and combine with other shots to get the seamless look. If you choose a photographer with this style of photography please ensure your photographer has this knowledge and training, and that your baby is always supported through these poses.
Why Choose This Style of Newborn Photography?
Authenticity Over Perfection – Your baby is already perfect just as they are. My photography style honors their natural beauty and your real-life connection.
Emotional Storytelling – Rather than posed perfection, I focus on the emotions, warmth, and intimacy of this new chapter in your life.
Stress-Free Experience – No stiff posing, no fussy props—just your family, in your element, loving your baby as you naturally would.
What Clients Have Said About Their Newborn Session With Kelly Jacobi Photography:
“Every session that we have had with Kelly has been memorable not only due to the photos that she brings to life but by the experience that we have with her. As a mom trying to hassle the husband and children together for family photos the scene is always chaos but Kelly truly brings a sense of calm and understanding. She cultivates the session to meet us where we are at and with young children, the emotions are ever changing. We will always recommend her, my favorite sessions and photos have been with her.” - Wasana
“Kelly took the first pictures of our family when we had our 4th baby. I am so happy we have these pictures! I always loved those days with the newest little one...learning about them and studying every inch of them. Even now a year later, I get all the feels when I look back at those newborn pictures of our last baby. She makes taking pictures fun and stress free, which is not an easy task! And in the end, I get pictures that show my kids’ true personalities and real smiles. She makes it hard to chose which pictures to hang on the wall because they are all that good! I highly recommend Kelly for any type of pictures you are looking for!” - Jackie
“We hired Kelly for maternity, birth, and newborn shoots. She was FANTASTIC with my 3 yo, who was less than enthusiastic about having photos done. She was also super great with my 5 yo, who was overly enthusiastic about the sessions. Newborn photos were wonderful, as well. She was patient when baby needed breaks, didn't try to contort the baby into a bunch of bendy positions, and from the photos, you couldn't even tell that he was having a fussy afternoon. Kelly is a master at utilizing natural light, had fantastic rapport with us as well as the kids, her photographs were stunning, she was VERY responsive to emails and text messages, and is overall a lovely human being. I would highly recommend Kelly.” - Andria
Booking Your Newborn Session
If you’re drawn to a more natural and meaningful approach to newborn photography—one that truly reflects your family’s love and connection—I would be honored to capture these first moments for you. Let’s create images that will bring you back to these fleeting days, years down the road.
Ready to book? Get in touch to schedule your newborn session!
