What is the Potato Sack Pose for Newborns?

Potato Sack Pose is a funny name for one of the classic newborn poses in newborn photography. Many clients love this pose because you can get beautiful images of baby’s face, and it looks magical, having baby propped up like a little egg. When you are hiring a newborn photographer, you want to find someone with experience working with newborns and training in newborn safety. In this pose for example, baby is wrapped with three wraps to provide appropriate support. Additional support is placed around baby’s body and under baby’s elbows, and I always use a spotter (usually a parent) to be just out of camera range watching baby’s head closely. In addition to supports in this newborn pose, care has to be taken to make sure baby is not wrapped too tightly, that baby’s airway is not constricted in any way, and that baby does not get too warm. These are among the things I look for when I am working with babies during their newborn session and doing this pose. I’m going into my 7th year photographing babies, and newborn safety has always been of the utmost importance to me, followed by creating gorgeous images. :)

Best Newborn Session Props

An experienced newborn photographer will know what props to use during your session to maximize and capture your baby’s fresh newborn cuteness. Props, in my opinion, are mostly there to support your baby in sweet poses, however they can also add to the aesthetic beauty of the overall image. If there are specific props that you want included, mention them to your newborn photographer so they can tailor the session for you.

My go to props are a shallow, wide bucket and a tiny baby bed. I’m partial to neutrals, so I love a white prop, or a natural or dark wood. You cannot go wrong with neutral colors, as they are timeless. I can get a wide variety of poses and angles using both of these props. They are also adorable additions to any session. Here are a few images using my favorite newborn posing props. The addition of different colors, layers and textures on top of the props completely changes the look of the images, and is a beautiful way to tailor the session to your client’s desires.

My newborn studio is stocked with a full inventory of layers, textures, colors, and props, and my clients are welcome to use anything they see during their session!

Newborn Hospital Sessions are Adorable!

I had never heard of “newborn photography” until I gave birth to my twins in a hospital in New York. The day after delivery, a photographer employed by the hospital knocked on the door to our room and asked if I wanted some photos of my new babies. I was delighted and agreed. The photographer took very simple, natural photos of my newborns. She placed them together, lightly swaddled by the white hospital sheets, and photographed them leaning into each other. Somehow, just a day after birth, she captured marvelous hints of their personalities, like my daughter’s sweetness and my son’s playfulness.

Those simple, natural, beautiful images are still some of my most favorite photographs, and I have them framed decorating my home. Looking at those photos, I remember how little my babies were when they were born. I remember the pumping and nursing, the sleeplessness, the magic and awe of holding them in my arms. It’s hard to believe they were once so tiny!

Because I treasure those photographs from my own hospital newborn session, I particularly enjoy capturing the day after birth for clients. Newborn sessions at the hospital are called “Fresh 48” sessions, because they capture your baby in the first 48 hours after birth. I focus on capturing the feel of those early hours, the closeness, the love, the tiredness and the beauty of those early moments. I like to focus on snuggles and tiny details like toes, fingers, and eyes. I capture your family together, including any visiting grandparents or siblings. I of course capture lots of parent/baby images.

I love Fresh 48 sessions so much! They last about 45 minutes to an hour, and I usually provide my clients between 50-90 unique images edited for exposure, color and contrast. If you are thinking of doing a Fresh 48 session, and have questions, feel free to reach out! Here are a few images from my most recent hospital newborn session. This gives clients an idea of what to expect in terms of style during my newborn sessions. As you can see, I keep things simple, organic, natural and beautiful during hospital newborn sessions — just like my clients.

10 New Baby Essentials

It is exciting, magical, overwhelming, scary and incredible to be expecting a new baby! One of the big questions is what are the essential baby items a new parent needs. With tons of baby boutiques and new items coming on the market all the time, it can be confusing and exhausting to wade through all the available options. From one mama to another, here is my list of 10 new baby essentials:

1. BASSINET/CRIB: As you will soon find out, sleep is everything! A baby needs a safe, quiet, dark place to sleep. This can be a crib in nursery or a bassinet in your room. Keeping baby close can help with peace of mind, and make night feedings more convenient. I have friends who swear by the Snoo, but it wasn’t available when I had my babies so I can’t speak from personal experience.

2. SOUND MACHINE: Opinions differ on this, as they do on many things related to babies sand parenting, but I’m a fan of soft white noise. I used it for my babies and I use it in my newborn studio. I love the Dohm Sleep Machine, and used it long after my babies grew out of needing white noise. I also like the Baby Shusher, and all my clients know it’s a staple in my studio for newborn photoshoots. One of my favorites, was this sweet ocean themed sound machine by Baby Einstein that attached to baby’s crib.

3. SWADDLES: You will use swaddle blankets for everything, to swaddle baby for safe, cozy sleeping, as sun shades on strollers, as on-the-go blankets, as makeshift playmates, or burp clothes to wipe of spit up and spills. Swaddles also come in a variety of types, sizes, and materials depending on baby’s age, activity level, and environment.

4. ACTIVITY MAT: Before you know it, you will want to put baby down for some quality time on their back and maybe a little tummy time. Activity mats provide a clean surface for baby to lie on. I love the ones with arches with hanging objects above baby to interest and stimulate baby. Great for baby’s development, this will also hopefully give you a few minutes for you! Here’s a list of activity mat options for 2023.

5. BABY SWING: I remember looking around at my tiny Brooklyn apartment wondering where we were going to put the babies (I was expecting twins) and my husband said, “The couch?” I knew enough to know that wouldn’t work! I love a classic baby swing. Sweet, simple and works like a charm for some mommy hands free time, or even (gasp) for naps. I let my baby nap in her swing, even though all the books say not to because it will ruin a baby’s ability to sleep in her crib — may daughter was fine, but every baby is different. Here are some baby swing options.

6. BABY CARRIER: Some may not view this as essential but I loved carrying my babies, and found it super convenient. Babies love to be cuddly and close to you, and carrying baby allows you to be hands free. It’s a win-win for everyone. It can also be easier than lugging around a stroller. I loved my moby wrap and ergo carrier, but there are so many amazing options out there to choose from, so do your research and see which one appeals the most to you.

7. STROLLER: Even if you love carrying your baby, there are going to be tons of times you need a stroller as well. A stroller that incorporates a seat that can effortlessly pop out and go from the stroller to the car to the house — again, to preserve baby’s all important sleep — is super helpful. Some people also like jogging strollers as second stroller, and as baby ages, an umbrella stroller can be convenient on the go. There are so many great strollers on the market. Here’s Wirecutter’s list of best strollers.

8. BABY MONITOR: Every parent needs a baby monitor. You can set baby down for a nap, know when they wake up, hear them if they cry, and make sure they are safe and content. I like a baby monitor with a camera so that I can not only hear, but see, that my baby is safe. Baby monitors also come in handy as baby grows. I used mine well into toddlerhood and caught my twins when they first learned how to scale their cribs, confirming that it was time to switch to a toddler bed!

9. BABY AND PARENTING BOOKS: Books are important because, as every new parent knows, there is so much to learn. Parents and friends can be valuable resources, as can books written by experts. Reading or listening to different authors can help you learn what kind of parent you want to be, what your parenting style is, it can teach you tips for different situations, and help give you support and inspiration when you and your baby are struggling with something. Podcasts area also great, but as a quick reference guide or over-arching summary, nothing beats a great book. My favorite baby book, that I still swear by is “The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems” by Tracy Hogg.

10. HELP: Unfortunately, this is not something you can purchase in a baby boutique, but all new parents need help. It’s important to talk to your partner and decide together what type of help might be available to you, and what you might need. Although Dads are doing a lot more in terms of sharing parenting responsibilities, in the early infant stages most of the heavy lifting continues to fall on mothers, so mothers need support, understanding and love. They also need help with baby for baby’s sake, and also to give them a little time to take care of themselves. A happy healthy mother (and father) is the best thing for a happy and healthy baby. Help could mean a night nurse to help with infant feedings during those first few crazy months after birth, it could mean help with cleaning the house, watching baby for a few hours each week, or more extensive support. I was lucky enough to have one rotating parent stay with me for 3 months after the birth of my twins (I had a color coded chart with all the visits lined up before birth!). I remember my dad and stepmom sleeping on a single twin air mattress in my apartment, my mother in law making delicious and nourishing indian food, and my mom and I eating chocolates together as I nursed the babies. I couldn’t have done it without them!

11. BONUS: BABY PHOTOS! In the midst of the chaos, sometimes you just feel like you need to focus on surviving, but remember to take photos! The easiest thing is to hire a professional newborn photographer like me, who can take professional photos of your baby and capture all the beauty and preciousness of the newborn time. I have tons of iPhone images of my babies as newborns, as well as professional photos. Although I love them all, I’m glad I set aside a few hours to get professional photos done. I treasure them to this day.

I hope this list helps you prepare! What did I miss?

Note: I do not get anything from any of the products referenced above, they are simply ones I like. I am not a doctor or expert and recommend you do your own research to find out what will work best for you!

Blush Pink Girlie Newborn Session in Austin

I love when families come back! This beautiful family has been my client for many years. I have had the privilege of photographing their family, maternity, newborn and baby milestone sessions. I just love seeing newborns grow into little walking, talking, personality-filled humans. This newborn photography session with this sweet baby girl in my Austin studio came out beautifully. We did girlie, sweet details, with a tiny tutu, delicate tie-backs with pearls and blossoms, and used soft colors like pale pink and white. The parents were thrilled with the results and one of the images was published in Tinies Magazine! That was such a cool honor to be featured as a photographer, and a lot of fun for my clients. Newborn sessions are all about capturing the magical beauty of your new baby, and all the love surrounding it. They are hands down one of my most favorite sessions. If you are interested in learning more, contact Snow Pixie Photography!

March 2018 (Newborn)

Studio Newborn Session - Two Week Old Baby

I loved everything about this newborn session!  The baby was a perfect doll and slept the entire photography session (I have been on a roll in 2018 with soundly sleeping babies!).  The parents were the sweetest and an absolute joy to work with.  I also loved the colors, mixtures of grey, pinks, and whites.  It is always hard to choose my favorite images from newborn session galleries, but here are a few of the ones I loved.  Look how radiant this beautiful mommy is!

Austin Newborn Photographer

February 2018 (Newborn)

Studio Session

I first met these lovely clients when I did their maternity photography session.  A short time later, their beautiful baby boy arrived, and I got to work with them again for his newborn session.  I held the newborn session in my studio, and like every baby of 2018 (so far!) he slept the entire session. I am on a sleeping newborn streak!  Some of my favorite images from the newborn session are of baby in the box, as well as the family images.  I used a natural flokati that I recently purchased from Rugs USA, and loved it!  

Austin Newborn Photographer

February 2018 (Newborn)

In-Home Newborn Session

I recently photographed this beautiful baby boy for his newborn session.  The newborn session was an in-home newborn session in my clients' home.  My clients and their beautiful new baby were all incredibly sweet, and the such a pleasure to photograph.  I loved so many of the images from this in-home newborn photography session.  Here are a few of my favorite photos of this beautiful baby boy, and his lovely parents:

January 2018 (Newborn)

Studio Newborn Session / Two Weeks

I had the sweetest couple and their new baby girl in my studio for a newborn session.  In the last few months I have switched to holding all newborn sessions in my studio and I love it!   I have different sets ready for clients and clients get a choice of all of the props in my studio.  For this little baby girl, we styled her newborn session with pinks and whites, and because her mommy is a hair stylist we did one special fun set-up.  Can you guess which one?  Here are some of my favorite photos from their studio newborn photography session:

January 2018 (Newborn)

In-Home Newborn Session / Baby Boy

This in-home newborn session was so much fun and very special to me, because it was my nephew! I photographed this beautiful baby boy for his newborn session when he was just under two weeks of age.  The baby slept almost the entire newborn session.  I love so many of the images, but some of my favorites are the photos of the newborn against the charcoal background. I also love how the family photos turned out!  As a family photographer, I often hold family portrait sessions outdoors. However, I always include a few family photos as part of my newborn sessions, as I believe it is so special and beautiful to capture images of mom, dad, and baby during those first few weeks after birth.  Here are a few of my favorite photos from this newborn session:

Austin Newborn Photographer

October 2017 (Newborn)

I recently had the honor of doing this baby boy's newborn session in my home studio!  He was such a sweet heart, and slept nearly the entire session.  Here are some of my favorite images from his newborn session:  

June 2017 (Newborn)

I had such a lovely experience photographing this beautiful new family.  They requested half their gallery to be images of their new baby and half to be images of them together with their baby.  As much as I love the images of their four week old baby boy from their Newborn Session, I am obsessed with their family photos. I love how they turned out!  Here are a few of my favorite images from their Newborn Session:

Austin Newborn Photographer

May 2017 (Newborn)

I was delighted to come back and photograph this beautiful family for their baby boy's newborn session.  I had done their maternity session just a month before.  The baby was an angel.  He slept nearly the entire session, and I was able to capture beautiful posed images as well as sibling and family images.  His older sister was a rock star!  Patient, so loving with her new baby brother, and so sweet to work with.  Here are a few of my favorite images from their Newborn Session: