Starting Your Newborn Photography Journey: Essential Tips and Props

Understanding My Perspective

To begin with, it's important to know that I am not a newborn photographer nor a professional photographer. The photos on my site are mainly product photos I've taken myself. However, I've had the pleasure of attending several newborn photo sessions. These experiences have been incredibly inspiring and have given me valuable insights into how the props I create perform in real-world settings.

The Essential Wrap - Your Key to Success

Let’s dive into the essential props you should consider for your very first session. One critical factor in newborn photography is ensuring the baby is asleep. While setting the right external conditions (temperature, tranquility, a full belly, etc.) is crucial, swaddling the baby can significantly help in lulling them to sleep.

Swaddling techniques can be learned through various courses available locally or by studying online videos. On my website, you might have noticed different types of wraps. The primary difference lies in their elasticity. For beginners, I always recommend the most flexible, easy-to-use stretch wraps. Once you’ve mastered using these (you can practice at home with a doll), try using them as an underlayer. Then, add a more textured, rustic, or natural fabric like a gauze wrap or a knitted wrap over the top.

Choosing Colors Wisely

When making your initial purchases, think carefully about color choices. Consider this question: Are you planning to specialize in newborn photography seriously, or are you just looking to cater to occasional requests and need some basic props?

If frequent newborn photo sessions are not anticipated—perhaps because it’s not your primary focus or you’re just testing the waters—consider putting together a starter kit with props that are all coordinated (style, color) and predominantly in neutral tones. Why? White, off-white, beige, and brown can be used for both girls and boys and mix well with each other.

If you are committed to becoming a newborn photographer, know that parents of boys will request boyish colors and parents of girls will naturally prefer girlish colors. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

Unisex colors: White, off-white, beige, brown, cream, mint, sage
Girlish colors: Pink, mauve, peach, purple
Boyish colors: Blue, green, and their various shades

Check out my video tutorial on perfectly coordinating colors for more inspiration!

Accessories for a Versatile Gallery

When making your first purchases, it’s also worth getting a few accessories. Hats (teddy bear styles are very popular) that match the wrap in color can be a great addition. Headbands are also incredibly useful and can make a gallery more varied. Choose colors that complement the rest of your props.

If you plan to photograph babies in bowls, baskets, or little beds, you’ll need some sort of base or blanket. If you don’t want to buy multiple pieces, go for an off-white one—it’s a true all-rounder that pairs beautifully with any color!

Practical Considerations: Can You Carry It All?

If you’re not shooting in your own studio, remember that you’ll need to transport all these lovely props to your session location. This might involve climbing several flights of stairs. When preparing your props, consider their weight!

Wishing You Success!

I hope this blog post helps you make informed decisions. I wish you great success and perseverance with your budding business! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me through any of my provided contact details.

If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of the homepage to be the first to hear about my most popular blog posts and news! You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook.