What is the froggy pose?

If you Google "froggy" or "frog pose," you'll come across images of newborns sitting with their chin resting on their hands, with their legs straddled out. This pose is typically achieved by merging two photographs in Photoshop. Throughout the entire process, the newborn should be fully supported by a parent or an assistant, ensuring their safety. Once the images are merged, any supporting hands will disappear, giving the appearance of the pose.

This pose is generally tackled by an experienced newborn photographer and should always be done with the utmost care and safety.

Although I have done this pose just a couple of times many many years ago, I haven’t included an image here, but feel free to Google it if you’re curious to see more.

Why I prefer not to do the Froggy pose

I’m incredibly grateful to photograph families, babies, and children because I genuinely love what I do. Becoming a Newborn, Baby, and Family Photographer felt like the perfect path for me 12 years ago.

Throughout the years, I’ve always tried to follow my heart, staying mindful of what truly resonates with me. This approach allows me to create work that I’m passionate about and to connect with wonderful people along the way. That’s why I choose to focus on creating images that feel right for me.

My journey as a photographer has always been about staying true to what matters most, which is why I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do work I love with families who share that same connection.

In truth, the main reason I choose not to do the froggy pose is that I naturally gravitate towards a more natural, soulful, and minimal style of newborn photography. While my traditional newborn sessions have focused entirely on newborn posing, I also enjoy my newborn lifestyle sessions, which ultimately incorporate less of the traditional posing.

I’ll gently and safely pose babies, and I’m happy to swaddle and wrap them if that’s something Mum and Dad like. However, I strive for authenticity in my posing as much as possible, which is why I’ve chosen not to include certain poses, styles, or backgrounds.

That being said, many talented newborn photographers do offer the froggy pose. If it’s something you’d like for your baby, I encourage you to choose a photographer with the right experience who prioritizes safety, ensuring your baby is supported and comfortable at all times.

For me, the decision not to do the froggy pose is entirely intentional.

It’s simply about staying true to myself in my work and connecting with families who resonate with that approach. I find that I truly connect with families who appreciate that my work has this particular look and feel. This is what makes my heart sing, and I love creating images knowing that they resonate deeply with Mum and Dad. 😊

Keeping it real

In all honesty, I find myself increasingly drawn to a more natural look and feel in my newborn photography. However, I still have a deep appreciation for many aspects of posed newborn photography, and I intend to continue offering my traditional sessions just as I always have.

So, which style suits you best—Traditional Newborn Session or Newborn Lifestyle Session?

I’ve outlined the differences below:

Traditional Newborn Session

If you prefer the look of posed shots with a peacefully sleeping baby, whether with or without props and swaddles, then the Traditional Newborn Session is the way to go. I shoot these sessions primarily with natural light.

Newborn Lifestyle session

Newborn Lifestyle Sessions involve little to no posing, focusing instead on natural moments and emotional connections. Like my traditional sessions, these are also shot primarily with natural light.

I'm Samantha, a London-based Newborn, Family and Portrait Photographer and Educator. I've been capturing the essence of adults, children, and babies since 2012.

My goal is to help individuals, families, and brands forge meaningful connections with themselves and their audiences.

I'm a soulful, creative, and purposeful storyteller. My art is an extension of who I am, rooted in values of connection and creativity.

And yes, I'm always up for a bit of worldwide adventuring with my work so feel free to ask!

SEE MORE OF MY NEWBORN WORK