IMPORTANT NOTE TO NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHERS
Before we begin with newborn photography props ideas few words I would like to say to all aspiring baby photographers, the first and foremost consideration you should have on your mind is the safety of baby, nothing is more important than the happy and safe baby.
You may get inspired by photos of other well-known photographers but remember most of the photos are composite images created by someone supporting the baby in the position. please don’t try these at the beginning of your career, it requires expertise, experience, and confidence to try those poses which you will learn over the period of time.
Here is a list of 15 newborn photography props ideas for beginners
1. PARENTS HAND/LAP
This is the most comfortable place for the baby to be in, amazing photos can be taken with the baby placed in parents hands/lap, which also creates an emotional angle to the pictures. New parents may not be comfortable to hold the baby, guide them to support the baby properly.
2. FABRIC BACKDROP AND BEAN BAG
Bean bag is one of the safe and comfortable props used to get proper poses of the baby, but make sure it is of appropriate size, in case baby moves it shouldn’t trip off the bean bag. Fabric backdrop spread over the bean bag gives a good background to the photo.
3. WRAPS
Babies like to stay warm hence covering babies with a wrap is a good idea to keep them warm and it also helps to create cute curly poses. Different fabrics can be used as wraps, best ones would be the stretchy ones which hold the baby well in the position.
4. FLOKATI, RUGS
Flokati and Rugs are considered as essentials in baby photography. They form a soft layer below the baby and also add texture. These are used as basket fillers also. Available in hundreds of colors and different materials we have endless choices and combinations to create stylish and dreamy poses.
5. POSING PILLOWS
Again an essential for newborn photography. These are tucked below flokati and fabric backdrop to create the desired baby poses, they come in different sizes and shapes .they are so useful to hold the head of baby or baby itself in position.
6. HEADBAND, BOW TIE, HAT
These props are so cute in themselves likewise they add the same to the photos. Headbands can be made by simple DIY and are inexpensive. there are many newborn propmakers create these beauties and sell online.
7. Baskets
Baskets are also essentials of newborn photography. There are varieties of baskets available in the market made up of wood, metal, cane, etc. Selecting appropriate size is important so as not to cramp the baby or obstruct the respiration, make sure it is big enough to place the baby comfortably into it. Baskets specially made for newborn photography can be brought from prop shops or you can get it custom designed from propmakers.
8. THEME BASED PROP
Parents do ask for theme based photos, you can keep a few theme based props. These can be either be trending themes like the game of thrones or evergreen ones like Batman. babies look adorable in these setups.
9. SOFT TOYS
Soft toys are one of the easily available props, babies love them , safe to use,they add volume and cuteness to the photos.
10. KIDS TENT
Kids tent helps to create good storytelling pics, these tents can be either created by DIY or you can rent them. There are many online prop shops where you can buy or rent these.
11. FLOWERS
These are another inexpensive way to add to the pictures. you can use real flowers based on availability, keep in mind to pick up fresh ones otherwise it may dull up photos in totality, disadvantage would be if the shoot is cancelled or delayed these may go for waste. Or you can keep collection of artificial flowers in the studio as they will be used more often.
12. SEASONAL PROPS
Festival based such as Christmas and Easter photos are in great demand by parents during the season. few collection of such sets can be added to props,which can be repeatedly used every year with little variations.
13. BEDS, BOXES
Bed and Boxes for newborn photography are manufactured and are custom designed by prop makers. Using appropriate size is important for babies comfortability. These props make a lot of difference to photographs, though they may turn out a little expensive but are worth it and will give service for years.
14. BACKGROUNDS AND FLOOR DROPS
Backgrounds are important elements of any photograph. photographers should have at least a few of them in their collection. Wooden/floral printed/rustic or solid color there are endless choices we have in them. another newborn photography props ideas are to use floor drops as background, available in different textures colors and materials they make a great backdrop.
15. DIGITAL BACKGROUNDS
Though these may not be considered as a physical prop they come as saviors for photographers, when they do not have time or baby is cranky and not in a mood to cooperate. In situations where baby cannot be brought to the studio or have to click pictures in the hospital, these digital backgrounds will help in creating amazing photos make sure your photoshop skills be good.
There are endless newborn photography props ideas depending on your creativity and budget. But the most important aspect remains how safe and comfortable these props are, this should be the topmost criteria to select any props.
Maintaining props is equally important, babies, as we know, are delicate even slightest of negligence may affect them, make sure the props are cleaned and sanitized before every use. Few props such as wraps and clothing have to be replaced after been used a number of times.
As much as newborn photography is fun it also comes with the responsibility to keep baby safe and happy.hope these newborn photography props ideas are helpful to start with your photography journey.
If you have any unique newborn photography props ideas do share with us in comment section below.
Keep clicking and creating beautiful memories.