Newborn Photography Essentials

I've had a few other photographers now ask me what starter items they need for their first newborn photography session. So I figured I would share the first few newborn photography essentials you need.

1) . Safety Education

The first and most important thing you need is safety education. You need to know what is and isn't safe for baby, and how to make sure you are keeping their safety at the forefront of your session at all times.

While it's easy to feel like this is a no-brainer, it is so, so easy to get distracted, especially the first few times you are working with a newborn. You have all these shots you want to get in your head, and you are worried about your lighting, and a hundred other different elements to get that perfect shot. If you need to start somewhere, I always suggest watching Kelly Brown's video (it's free!) to start with. https://newbornposing.com/product/the-safety-tips-free/

2). Bean bag & 2-3 Backdrops

Ah the bean bag, love it or hate it, the posing bag is one of the main newborn photography essentials. Yes, you'll need one of these if you want to do cute naked baby poses. You'll also want a few blankets to put on it. Start by limiting yourself to 3 colors , cream, a light grey, and a light, soft brown, you'd be amazed at what you can do with just that. You can add more later, but start with neutrals. You'll thank me later.

3). Posing beans or cloth diapers

I really like having posing beans, but if you are on a budget, small wash cloths, and a cheap set of cloth diaper inserts will work well here.

4). White noise machine.

The Baby Shusher is what I recommend to EVERYONE who has ever asked me about doing a newborn session. This thing is the bees knees! It perfectly simulates the sound of mom's heartbeat and blood pumping through her body. It is so much better than any app on any phone. Trust me, get the shusher.

5) . Space Heater.

Small and portable, you don't need anything fancy here.

6) . A backdrop stand, and extra clamps

If you are really working on a budget, you can skip the stand, and use dining room chairs, but this really does help. Spring for the extra clamps though. A tight wrinkle free backdrop is key!

7). A flokati rug or a fake one!

Real flokati is a dream to work with but they are expensive. If you are just starting out, you likely don't have the money to invest in flokati, and that's ok. A quick trip out to Home Goods or Target should help you find a nice cheap substitute. This is great for sibling shots, so stick with a basic white or cream to start.

8). A basket, a bowl, and a box or bucket

There are tons of on-line vendors for these. Stick with one of each to start with. Keep in mind that any lightweight props you put baby in will need to be weighted down so they don't tip over. Try JD Vintage Props, and Luneberry for some gorgeous but more expensive options that are truly made for newborn photography, or your local hobby and craft store for some cheaper alternatives.

9). Wraps and basket stuffers

You will need some wraps for baby and a few pieces that are small enough to use to stuff your basket, or bowl. Again start with neutrals and then slowly add in some variety of colors. White, cream, light pink, light blue, grey, and a soft brown will work well. Keep in mind using a mixture of texture. You also may be able to use the wrap as basket filler as well, so look for items that can do double duty.

I have yet to find vendor whose wraps I recommend above all others. I have found many wraps to be pretty hit or miss, depending on how you wrap, and the stretch and length needed of the fabric. But I do love basket stuffers from Little Moonlit Knits, and definitely recommend those.

10) . Hats and tiebacks

This is where it is easier and cheapest to add in color, so if you are chafing at the bit for some bigger pops of color this is the place to do it when you are first starting out. Go to Etsy and knock yourself out!

Do try to limit yourself though, because it is so incredibly easy to go overboard, and suddenly you've spent all your budget on cute little hats! And remember simplicity is fine. There's absolutely wrong with a beautifully posed naked baby on a plain cream or white blanket. The focus isn't on the cute props, it should always be about the baby.

That's it! That's all you need. Nope you don't need the cute onesies, a thousand different colors of tiebacks, and tons of bowls and baskets.