Cypress Medical Center

The Magic of Froggy Position | Step by Step & How to Safely Pose

Located in Houston, Sarah Borchgrevink shares newborn posing tips on how to safely composite the popular & precious "froggy" pose.

Sarah is AMAZING! The time and care she takes setting up everything for the newborn session to be perfect is great. She was so patient and careful with our son like he was her own. You can tell she has so much fun doing her job and loves what she does. Dont waste your time calling other photographers, Sarah is the person to go to document you little one. What Sarah does is truly a gift! She is outstanding!!
— Deborah

Please note the following: This post is intended to show parents how we safely creating this classic newborn pose that is commonly requested. 

See Behind the scenes images of newborn posing in a studio atmosphere 

Greetings and welcome! Today's blog post topic is an overview on the popular froggy pose. This is the most requested pose by parents and one that I truly enjoy doing. There's something super sweet & special about baby's chubby cheeks being showcased and seeing their darling little tootsies! However, this pose is very advanced and requires special training.

Moreover, parents typically ask, "What do you mean by training?" Newborn safety and training, for instance, is mentoring and taking hands on workshops in which you learn how to safely handle and pose a newborn baby. While newborn photography should look effortless, as if baby posed themselves even, it is anything but. It requires much safety, skill and time.

As one of the best newborn photographers in Houston, I do pride myself on always being respectful of my most petite clients. Part of this is creating beautiful fine art images of brand new cherubs through the use of safety techniques. 

A few things to note:

  • Not every baby likes froggy pose. If baby resists, we move on.
  • This is best achived with a new baby who is 5-8 days new 
  • If baby is not flexible enough, we do not force this pose
  • This pose is ALWAYS a composite. 
  • Do not EVER try to do this on your own. It is not worth the risk of hurting a new baby.

What is a composite?

Froggy pose is always done as a composite. A composite image is when two or more images are merged together in post processing software, such as Photoshop. It's sort of like building an image: you take multiple photos in which baby is fully supported and then through the magic of editing, a beautiful image is created in which we're able to truly showcase the stunning aspects of a new baby. 

Hands on Baby at all times

Once baby is in a very deep sleep, I place baby on my bean bag. I ensure baby is completely supported through the use of posing beans, which are the must have safety tool for all photographers.

Tips to ensure baby is sleepy:

  • White noise machine playing (mimicking the sound of the womb)
  • Warm environment - typically around 77 - 80 degrees 
  • Lots of patience and soothing
  • Pacifier is a huge help

Step One: Hands supporting baby's chin from beneath

Baby Froggy Pose Photography
How to Pose Froggy in Newborn Photography

The baby you see here is Sebastian. He was very laid back and easy to work with; because he was also very new and flexible, we were able to quickly pose him into the froggy pose perfectly. As you can see, he is sleeping peacefully and my hand is holding him in place. At no point did I ever remove my hand from the baby. I took two images here. He is supported on my bean bag and then has posing beans beneath and behind him to ensure he does not slide forwards or backwards.

Step Two: Hands Supporting Head From Above

Houston Newborn Photographer

After baby is in a very deep sleep, I place my hand on his head from above. I am holding his weight and he is supported beneath through the posing beans I linked in an earlier paragraph (above). 

Merge your images in processing through photoshop composite

Newborn Photography Houston
Newborn Safety & Posing

Switch up the angles for more interest

When working with a newborn baby, it's fun to do a profile angle of baby during froggy. If they're very laid back, I am often able to  do more than one angle, such as straight on or side view. I like side view, however, because it shows off baby's face better and is more interesting, in my opinion. However, I do like front on, too, and this is the preference of most parents so I include both if possible. 

Check out other recent froggy poses that I've done in studio.

Houston Newborn Photographer
Newborn Photography Houston
Newborn Photographer Houston TX
Houston Baby Photographer
Newborn Photography The Woodlands TX
Newborn Photography Spring TX

Thanks for stopping by the blog to read how to safely pose a newborn baby in the perfectly precious froggy pose! I hope you enjoyed reading a little bit about the magic of Photoshop and how we achieve these fine art looks! While froggy is a stunning image and makes for gorgeous portrait of your baby, please remember this is an advanced pose and should never be attempted without taking a workshop and hands on training. Parents: also remember this looks easy when you see behind the scenes photos, but it's not anything you should attempt at home. Do not ever risk your baby's safety for a DIY photo shoot. Always trust professionals like myself! :-) 

If you liked reading about newborn safety, these posts may pique your interest, too!

Specializing in posed baby portraits, Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer serving the surrounding areas including Houston metro area, Cypress, Katy, Spring, The Heights, Sugar Land, West University, Bellaire, and The Woodlands, TX. In addition to breathtaking newborn images, Sarah also offers stylish natural light family photography as well as dynamic outdoor maternity sessions for expecting couples.

 

Tate’s Studio Session | 10 Pounds of Newborn Cuteness

Houston Newborn Photographer, Sarah Borchgrevink, offers a stylish full newborn collection showcasing all things classic, simple and timeless about a brand new baby.

Baby Boy Tate | 10 Pounds of Squishy Newborn Goodness 

Hi, friends! I'm glad to see you've stopped by my blog! If you're here, you may be interested in seeing a session preview of a super cute and chunky newborn lad! You're in luck. I had the honor of documenting Tate's full newborn session recently, and he was simply marvelous. In fact, I adore his family because they've done several sessions with me from outdoor maternity portraiture, natural light fall family photos, milestone sessions for a baby plan membership and a newborn session with their first kiddo. Seeing them again for their second kiddo was an absolute dream! I'm excited to share my favorite images from my time with Tate.

Houston Newborn Photographer

When designing your posed newborn sessions, I am often inspired by classic pieces and an array of colored textiles. While I do offer neutrals for the parents who love all things muted, I really enjoy using color and texture. This is a cornerstone to my newborn portraiture work, so if you're a fan of color, this session is just for you! Here you'll find grey, red, turquoise and navy blue for my time with this precious baby boy.

Newborn Photography Houston

Tate was a great sleeper! At 10 pounds, he has cheeks for days. He visited just at the 2 week mark, which is my preference for new babies. Sometimes parents are a little nervous how the session will go: have no fear. When booking, you're given a very detailed newborn prep guide so you know what to expect. I do not want you to be nervous. Just bring baby and their diaper bag essentials and leave the rest to me. It's important to me you have a great experience!

Newborn Photographer Houston TX

His little macro lip details are simply divine! Macro images, which are up close, sweet details of your baby's characteristics come with every newborn collection I offer.

The Woodlands Newborn Photographer

For his floor props, I used vintage pieces such as this rustic blue crate, shown above, and then an old, antique bucket. The more classic and item is, the more timeless the photos will be. Paired with a super sweet bonnet, your baby's chubby cheeks and sweet little face will be the highlight of this image. The styling is super important because we do not want any of the props to detract from baby; baby should always be the star. You spent 9 months growing your darling little love, dreaming of them in your arms, so the newborn gallery must evoke a sense of tender, unconditional love when you see the final copies.

Newborn Photography The Woodlands TX
Spring TX Newborn Photography

After the first two floor props, we used an adorable antique cradle I found at a shop. It's one of my favorite floor props! It looks lovely with baby girls or boys and is perfectly timeless. This vibrant red backdrop made the perfect cushion for his sweet little head. I wrapped him in one of my favorite wrapping styles called "tootsie" so his adorable little feet poke out - so precious! He is such a peaceful, serene baby. I loved my time with him. 

Cypress newborn Photography
Cypress Photo Studio

Following all of the floor props and flokati rug poses, which were showcased above, we did the naked bean bag posing portion of his full newborn collection. Here I pull stunning textiles that are classic, soulful and use my studio lights to ensure the light perfectly encompasses baby's face. The highlights, contours, and skin tones must be perfect so that every feature is defined. I personally like moody light and for the shadows to be on baby's outer face, but the triangle of light to be on their cheek. The royal navy blue and deep turquoise are amazing on him! His skin looks flawless and I cannot stress how much soul color adds to your newborn gallery.

Katy TX Newborn Photographer
Katy Newborn Photographer
Sugar Land Newborn Photography
Houston Newborn Baby Studio Photography
Houston Newborn Photography Packages

I'd love to have your sweet newborn on my calendar. Here are more details.

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer specializing in gorgeous posed newborn sessions. Her studio is located in Northwest Houston. In addition to breathtaking baby portraiture, Sarah also offers stylish natural light family photography as well as dynamic outdoor maternity sessions for expecting mothers and couples. Sarah joyfully serves the entire Harris and Montgomery county areas including North Houston, Cypress, Tomball, Spring, Jersey Village, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Conroe, Willis, Montgomery, Humble, Kingwood, Porter, New Caney, Waller, Memorial & West Houston, Katy, Fulshear, Sugar Land, Pearland, Hempstead, Richmond, West University, Rice Village and Porter TX. Sarah has also been ranked among the Best Houston TX Newborn Photographers on the criteria of reputation, credibility, experience, availability, professionalism and engagement. Connect to chat with Sarah today! Please consider booking your session at your earliest convenience in order to secure your appointments on the calendar.