If you want to take some stunning newborn photos that will last your clients a lifetime, but you aren’t sure what newborn photography props to use, then you have come to the right place!
We all know that it isn’t the camera equipment or studio backdrops that make your newborn shoots shine. It’s all about the props and details that can bring each newborn session to life and create magical moments that families will cherish for years.
Let’s be honest…
Photographing newborns has become a massive trend in recent years. According to industry sources, newborn photography services make up a whopping 16.6% of all professional photographers. There are more newborn photographers than ever, and a lot of competition out there.
Parents are happy to spend serious money to make sure their babies’ first precious months are captured in the most beautiful way possible. But you need to provide your newborn photography clients with a great experience and set your photoshoots apart from the crowd.
In this article, you will discover
- The essential newborn photography props that every pro should have in their collection
- What homemade DIY props work best, and what you can purchase from prop stores
- Guidelines and rules to make sure all your newborn props are safe to use
- A comprehensive list of creative prop ideas that will wow your clients
- My top tips for styling your newborn photography props to achieve professional results
Let’s dive in!
Essential Props Every Newborn Photographer Needs
Before you jump in and start buying every newborn prop you can get your hands on, it is important to note that building your collection doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Truth is, newborn photography is all about simplicity. Many of the most beautiful newborn photos don’t even require props at all. Seasoned newborn photographer services know the key to success is having a great selection of neutral, timeless props that can be used in multiple different ways.
Your newborn prop essentials should include:
- Blankets and wraps in various sizes and neutral colors like cream, beige, and white
- Baskets, bowls, and containers in a range of sizes
- Simple headbands, hats, and other head props
- A variety of textured fabrics and faux furs
- Wooden crates or vintage boxes for rustic-inspired themes
The best news of all?
You don’t need to rush out and buy every newborn prop you need. Many of the above pieces can be sourced from thrift stores, craft shops, or from your own home. The key is finding props that photograph well and match your personal style.
DIY vs Store-Bought: What Works Best
OK, so here is something you don’t hear many photographers tell you:
Handmade DIY newborn photography props can be even better than anything you can buy.
Sure, pre-made props from newborn prop shops are convenient, but the fact is, homemade props are often more affordable and allow you to fully customize every detail to match your newborn photography style.
Plus, when you make the props yourself, you know the quality is top-notch and they are safe to use.
Here are some great homemade newborn photography props:
- Hand-knitted blankets, wraps, and hats
- Painted and decorated wooden crates and boxes
- Fabric flowers, bows, and embellishments
- Backdrops made from canvas and paint
- Vintage items found and repurposed by you
But don’t stress out if you don’t want to make everything yourself. In all honesty, many newborn props are better purchased from prop shops because they are already made with the highest safety standards in mind.
Mix up your approach and have some fun creating your own unique collection of newborn props.
Safety First: Prop Guidelines That Keep Babies Safe
Look, here’s the one thing you should never compromise on…
Baby safety is the number one priority in newborn photography. Babies are tiny and delicate, and even props that look completely harmless to you and me can pose serious safety risks.
Make sure to follow these key safety guidelines:
- Props must easily support the weight of an adult. They can’t break or collapse during a session.
- Check every prop for sharp edges or splinters that could hurt the baby. Sand or wrap any sharp areas.
- Avoid props with small parts that could break off and become choking hazards.
- Props can’t be too cold. Cold metal or wood can shock and startle the baby. Warm everything up before a session.
- Never pose a baby in a way that you can’t have your hands on them to catch them at any moment.
Also, remember to use composite photography whenever possible. You can create the illusion of a dangerous prop or pose while keeping the baby completely safe by editing together multiple images.
Creative Prop Ideas That Parents Love
Props photography is always changing, and newborn photography trends come and go with every new year.
Today’s parents love props that are authentic and personal to their families. Simple themed props have become more popular than elaborate fantasy scenes.
Here are the newborn prop categories that are trending right now:
Nature-Inspired Props
- Wooden bowls, boxes, and logs
- Floral crowns, headbands, and wreaths
- Moss and greenery (use artificial for safety)
- Organic fabrics like linen, cotton, and burlap
Vintage and Antique
- Old suitcases and trunks
- Vintage cribs or cradles
- Antique books and typewriters
- Classic toys and teddy bears
Personal and Meaningful
- Dad’s work helmet or uniform
- Mom’s wedding dress or veil
- Family heirloom blankets
- Cultural or religious symbols and items
Seasonal and Holidays
- Pumpkins and autumn leaves
- Christmas ornaments, stockings, and snow
- Easter baskets, chicks, and spring flowers
- Beach themes with shells, sand, and starfish
Try to match props to your clients’ personalities and the story they want to share in their newborn photos.
How To Style Props for Maximum Impact
Here’s the secret to what separates the amateurs from the pros…
The best newborn photographers don’t necessarily have the biggest prop collections. What they do have is a wealth of knowledge about how to style their props to create a cohesive and beautiful set of images.
The top tips for styling your newborn photography props like a pro are:
- Use a simple color palette of 2-3 complementary colors max.
- Neutral colors are the best choice to keep the focus on the baby.
- Layer different textures to add interest.
- Mix soft and smooth fabrics with rough wood or wicker.
- Play with different scales and proportions of props.
- Make sure the props in the foreground relate to the background.
Budget-Friendly Prop Shopping Tips
So you have seen some newborn props online, and you want to buy them all…right now. Trust me, I get it.
We all want the biggest and best prop collection right out of the gate, but the reality is building your collection is a marathon, not a sprint.
Here are some smart ways to stretch your dollars:
- Thrift stores and garage sales are gold mines for vintage pieces.
- Craft stores have sales and coupons. Buy the supplies to make your own!
- Search “newborn photography props” online for deals.
- Look in fabric stores’ remnant bins for little wraps and blankets.
- Dollar stores are great for basic baskets and containers.
Pro tip: Start with a few versatile pieces and grow your collection slowly. Better to have 5 amazing props than 20 junky ones.
Seasonal Prop Rotation Strategy
Seasoned newborn photographers have this one little trick to keep their newborn portfolios fresh and give their returning clients more variety for second and third child shoots.
Smart pros rotate their newborn props with each new season:
- Spring = soft pastels and floral themes, Easter
- Summer = beachy themes and bright colors, outdoorsy textures
- Fall = warm oranges and browns, rustic props, pumpkins
- Winter = cool blues and whites, holiday themes, cozy fabrics
This keeps your work current and offers sibling clients more options to choose from.
Wrapping It All Together
Creating stunning newborn photos isn’t about the fanciest props or the most expensive newborn photo studio backdrops.
The newborn photography business is growing with potential market growth of 4.4% each year. Photographers who know how to take beautiful newborn photos that give parents everything they want are the ones who will thrive.
Don’t sweat it if you don’t have all the latest newborn photography props. Build slowly and intentionally, make sure everything is safe for the little ones, and choose props that speak to your newborn photography style.