Five basic props for your newborn photography

When I shot newborns, I went crazy with props. I hit up Etsy and every thrift store I could find. Looking back, I wished that I had sat back and thought about what I actually needed.

If you want to get into newborn photography, you really don't need tons of props (unless you want to!). You really just need some basic prop/items to make it work.

1. Blankets: I got real crazy with the blankets. When I was at Target (my favorite store-ever), or Walmart, I would pick up a new blanket just about visit. Now I have so many, I change up the blankets on my couches or all the beds just so I get my money's worth.
Simple blankets in a variety of colors and textures work best. I have found that Target and Gordman's have great choices.

2. Wraps: Gauze wraps are perfect to add to the session. It's probably good to have one per each blanket you have.

 

3. Faux Furs: Parents love fur with their newborn. That was the most asked for shot by the parents. You can use it in baskets, or on the floor. Make sure you at least have a white fur if you only get one.

You can find faux fur at your local fabric store sold by yard.



 4. Hats: I probably was just as bad with hats and head bands as I was with blankets. Hats are a definite must for newborn photography-parents will ask and probably bring their own as well. Etsy is a great source for hats.

5. Baskets/Crates:  You can do a lot with baskets and crates. Many poses can be done and incorporate the blankets and furs in them. You can find them at thrift stores, garage sales and Etsy.

7. Bean Bag: Bean bags are not rally a prop, but a prop helper. They can be handy for blankets and for those signature sleepy poses. Bean bags can be found at Walmart and other stores.

Building your prop supplies can be fun and inexpensive. Get creative and just remember to buy only safe props and think of baby first!

Do you need to take 100's of photos during a shoot?

Should a photographer shoot a zillion photos at a photo shoot?

Yes, and no. My session lists 'unlimited photo taking' as part of the package. To me, it means that I don't just take 10 shots and then I'm done. It also, allows me the chance to have lots of poses to choose from with backups. I am one of those photographers that likes to take lots of photos no matter what I'm shooting.

Now, does this mean that I shoot on a whim without taking my time to frame the subject to get the perfect shot? Not at all. In fact, I plan every session to the tee. I go to the location shoot an hour early, or even the day before and plan in my head every shot I want to do. I bring a pose book so I don't forget a shot, and if I am at a location that I've done lots of sessions at already, I do the same session that I've done on other clients.

So, why do I need to take so many? While I a have a system to how I do my sessions, something may catch my eye that I didn't plan, or maybe I'm not so sure which angle that I want from a pose. Besides, you have a digital camera, so why not?

While some photographers may be cringing at the fact that I said it's ok to go overboard with photos, I think that it's safe to say so. I do understand that there are drawbacks to doing this, the biggest being the client.

When I first started, I probably took twice as many photos as I do now (I have toned down quite alot). I used to let the artist in me come out and treated the client as my canvas-not to get too dorky-and clicked away.

I didn't have too many problems until one day, when a client was looking at their gallery and asked about a shot that I took that wasn't there. I thought back and realized that it was an experimental pose and it ended up not turning out like I had wanted, so I chucked it.

I quickly explained to her that while I take unlimited photos, I have to limit the amount to put in the gallery so it doesn't get overwhelming for the client to choose from. I also assured them that I choose the best ones so they aren't missing out on anything.

You can come up with your own reason if you think of something more clever( and please let me know too! :))

So, just keep in mind that you are the artist and if you feel better having "backups" or experimenting while shooting, then do it. What works for one photographer may not be best for another.