Understanding the Different Types of Images in Your Newborn Session

Posing Bag, Prop, and Family Portraits at New Joy Photography – Gilmer, Texas

When you look through newborn galleries, you’ll probably notice a mix of cozy blanket poses, tiny babies curled up in baskets, and heart-melting family images. Each type of image is created in a different way and serves a special purpose in telling your baby’s story.

At New Joy Photography, I offer two types of newborn sessions: a Full Session or Mini Session. The full session is designed to include a balanced variety of posing bag, prop, and family images so that your gallery feels full, meaningful, and unique to your baby. A mini session allows clients to select one of the options from a full session if they prefer something smaller than the full session.

Posing Bag Images

What they are These are the soft, classic, blanket-style poses where baby is carefully positioned on a padded posing bag or table. Think of those timeless close-ups that show off tiny fingers, eyelashes, and squishy cheeks.

The goal Posing bag images are all about simplicity, detail, and connection. They focus entirely on your baby, using gentle angles, wraps, and neutral backgrounds to highlight their delicate features.

How it works The posing bag is designed to keep baby comfortable and supported while I adjust their position with rolled cloths and soft fabrics. You’ll see setups like:

• Potato Sack

• Side-lying

• Womb Wraps

• Wrapped close-up shots showing face and toes

These images are perfect for wall art and classic albums because they never go out of style.

Prop Images

What they are Prop images feature your baby in small, styled setups such as baskets, bowls, crates, or beds surrounded by coordinated textures and colors. They’re often what clients describe as “storybook” or “artistic” newborn portraits.

The goal Prop setups bring a creative and storytelling element to your session. They show scale (just how tiny your baby is!) and often reflect your personal preferences or the overall theme of your gallery.

How it works Each setup is safely padded, weighted, and tested before baby is gently placed inside. I use natural posing and wrapping techniques to keep baby secure and supported. A few examples include:

• A baby snuggled in a wooden bowl with soft layers

• A delicate basket setup with floral or seasonal touches

• Themed storytelling setups that feel magical and custom-designed

Family and Sibling Images

What they are These portraits include parents, siblings, or even pets (if you’ve arranged that ahead of time). They capture the emotional connection and joy of welcoming a new baby into your family.

The goal Family images show love, scale, and togetherness. They’re not just about how everyone looks — they’re about the story of becoming a family.

How it works We usually do family photos near the end of the session once baby is settled and content. I’ll guide everyone into natural, comfortable poses that focus on connection. I will clearly direct you on how to hold baby safely. These images are often the ones families treasure the most.

How They All Come Together

Each session is carefully planned to include a little of everything — soft posing bag portraits, creative prop setups, and heartfelt family moments. Together, they create a complete story of your baby’s first days and your family’s love for them.

Your final gallery will flow naturally between these styles, giving you a beautiful variety to choose from when selecting wall art, albums, or keepsakes.

Final Thoughts

Every type of image has its own magic.

• Posing bag portraits capture purity and detail.

• Prop setups showcase artistry and storytelling.

• Family images preserve connection and emotion.

Together, they create the timeless newborn collection that New Joy Photography is known for — filled with warmth, love, and the gentle wonder of new life.