In My Father’s Arms: Favorite Newborn Photos with Dad

Photographing newborns is always a heartwarming experience, but capturing the bond between a newborn and their father is truly special. New fathers are often overlooked in the early days when all of the attention is on mom and the new baby, but dads and support partners deserve beautiful photos with their new babies too!

Over the years, I’ve discovered some favorite poses that not only highlight the delicate beauty of the newborn but also the tender connection between father and child. Below are a handful of my favorite newborn photos with dad!

The Cradle Hold

My first favorite newborn photo with dad is a classic cradle hold. This pose truly highlights how small babies are compared to their dad’s large frame. This pose is easy for new dads to be comfortable with performing, and helps get them a bit more comfortable in front of the camera. It’s pretty normal for dads to feel nervous holding their babies in complicated poses, so starting with an easy pose helps to ease the tension. Just look at how tiny this sweet boy looks in his daddy’s arms!

The Doting Dad

My next favorite – and next easiest for dad – is to lift baby up and hold them cheek to cheek. For safety reasons I always have dad support baby’s head and neck from behind, while holding them sweetly close to their face. It’s always fun to see just how much a new baby looks just like their dad in this pose! This is always a favorite for both mom and dad during the Ordering Appointment!

The next photo with dad just requires dad to turn baby towards his face and admire his sweet new baby. Looking into baby’s sleeping face usually evokes strong emotions from dad – sometimes tears or big smiles that stretch across his whole face. This pose is also typically a favorite for both parents!

Daddy’s Hands

My most favorite pose of dad’s with their newborn baby is one I call Daddy’s Hands. It involves dad facing baby’s back to their chest and supporting them upright with his left hand across baby’s tummy. This allows the camera to see dad’s wedding ring and baby’s face, and note how tiny baby is in contrast to dad’s large hands. This is always a favorite for parents, and typically brings about a few tears as well.

Skin to Skin

For an extra touch of closeness, sometimes I will ask dad to remove his shirt for a few photos. This skin to skin contact makes for a precious photo, and really highlights the bond between dad and baby. Of course, this pose depends on how sleepy baby is as well as how comfortable dad is in front of the camera without his shirt!

There truly is no bond quite like a father has with his baby, and it’s so important to me that we document that during your newborn photoshoot! There are so many options when it comes to newborn photos with dad – these are just a few of my favorites!

Based in Oklahoma City, Photos by Ashleigh is a luxury newborn photographer serving clients in OKC, Moore, Norman, Mustang, Yukon, Edmond and surrounding areas. With over 9 years experience in newborn photography, you can rest assured that your baby is in the safest of hands. If you’re expecting a little one soon, I would be thrilled to talk with you. Click the button below, fill out the form and let the adventure begin!