10 Must-Haves for Every Newborn Photographer:

The needs of every newborn photography studio will vary somewhat depending on the type of studio. But a few essential tools are necessary in just about every studio. Today I am sharing the newborn photography studio essentials I could not live without.

1. Posing Beanbag and Stand

First up is a posing beanbag (or other similar surface) and beanbag stand. I use this about 50% of the time for each newborn session. It is a safe and comfortable place to perfect your newborn poses. My stand is the adjustable aluminum backdrop stand from Newborn Studio Props. I love how sturdy this stand is and it is the perfect height for how I use the beanbag. Some photographers prefer a low table or dog bed.  The beanbag I use is from the Original Photoblocks Props. My favorite thing is it has pockets! Everything is better with pockets.

2. Hardware Store Clips

The next newborn photography studio essential tool are these handy clamps (affiliate link). You can find these at any hardware store in multiple sizes or use my Amazon link above. I use these in so many ways. I use the larger two to pull fabric tight over the beanbag and clip it snuggly to the beanbag stand (these also work for backdrop stands!). The smallest ones I use to clip back fabric on outfits that are a bit too large. These are great for maternity gowns that don’t fit quite right. I also use them to keep our backdrops rolled up. I have them screwed into a board along the wall for easy storage as seen in the photo above.

Some hardware stores sell a plastic version of these clamps. I highly recommend that you do NOT purchase these for your studio. These clamps have the tendency over time to wear down and can snap unexpectedly. When they do so they can fly across a room at an incredible speed and are quite dangerous.

3. Posers – Newborn Photography Studio Essentials

Posers are the next important tool we use during every newborn session. I have all kinds of posers in different shapes and sizes that I use for the various poses we achieve during a newborn session. I love this deep donut poser. I use this one every session for some of our favorite poses. I also have a smaller version for other specific poses. And when in a pinch I sometimes use a rolled up towel to achieve the same desired effect. Photos of the donut poser and then the donut poser in use. This poser I purchased used and am uncertain of the brand. But I found this one on Amazon (affiliate link) that looks similar. It also comes with posing beans which I’ll talk about next.

This amazing rolling cart contains the bulk of my posers. The multicolored ones I call posing beans and these are from The Original Photoblocks Props shop. I have a large variety of these beans and use them in nearly every image we capture to perfect the pose. I also use the hard form beans from Hello Little Props for most of my beanbag posing. Also a note about the rolling stand. While it may not be one of our newborn photography studio essentials it definitely is a convenient one. In addition to the posing beans, we keep extra towels, wipes, clamps, etc. all on this handy rolling stand. I keep two in my studio, one for all the things I need during a newborn session and the other to hold all of my camera equipment.

4. Quality Light Source for Newborn Photography Studio Essentials

Every newborn photographer needs a good light source. Whether it is natural or artificial light you want to be certain you have beautiful quality light that can be shaped to create stunning images your clients will love. While I love shooting with natural light, when in studio I prefer to use strobes. The options for artificial light are numerous so the things I looked at when deciding on what to use in my studio was the color consistency of the light as well as the flexibility of the power of the light. I love the Einstein system from Paul C Buff. I love it so much I have several! I pair one of the strobes with a massive 86″ PLM to create the beautiful soft light you see in most of my newborn images.

5. The Right Lens (or lenses)

At a minimum every newborn photographer will need at least one lens that has a relatively short focal length so you can stay close to baby while photographing them. Many zoom lenses will work fine but I prefer the clarity and sharpness of prime lenses so around here you will find me primarily shooting with a 35mm lens during my newborn sessions. If you shoot Canon mirrorless you must try this lens (affiliate link) for your newborn photography.

At some point in every session I pull out the yummy Canon 100mm L series lens (affiliate link) so I can capture the baby’s sweet details with this dreamy macro lens. I love those sweet images of just baby’s toes or lips.

6. Pee Pads

This may seem like an odd one. But these pee pads save me so much in laundry and the wear and tear on my props. I use the large ones whenever I am holding baby without a diaper on. I place them under the layers of fabric on the beanbag and in props so if baby has an accident I only have to wash the layer they were directly laying on. I also cut small strips and will hide them under baby when we are photographing them on a surface that isn’t particularly fun to wash such as the large wool flokatis. I only use the adult pee pads you can find at a hospital. Be wary of using pee pads made for animals as those are often treated with chemicals that could be harmful for a baby. I order these from Amazon here (affiliate link).

7. Baby Care Essentials

In my studio, I keep newborn diapers, wipes, lotions, diaper cream, extra bottles, extra formula, hand sanitizer, pacifiers, and anything else I can think of to make the experience more convenient for my clients. While these items may not seem essential I guarantee you will think it is when a client realizes they forgot to pack something. I also have a convenient changing table with all of our supplies.

8. Step Stool

We have three step stools in our studio. The tallest we use when we need to be a bit taller than our clients. Normally when photographing parents or families. We avoid using the tall step stool when photographing baby for safety reasons. We have two short stools that my assistant and I both use. We sit on these during the session, it provides a little extra height when needed for a shot but we are still low enough to the ground that there is no risk to baby, and they are handy for reaching all of our props that are stored up high.

9. Space Heater

Among my most important newborn photography studio essentials is my space heater. It can be an extremely helpful tool for the newborn photographer but must be used cautiously. I never want a baby to overheat. I will use the heater to generally heat the studio area to make it more comfortable for the baby without needing to heat the entire studio. I also use it at the beginning of the session when I am undressing the baby. Anytime the heater is directed towards the baby though I make sure it is hitting me first so I can tell if it is getting too warm. Used properly the space heater is a newborn photographer’s best friend. Baby’s love being snug and warm. I use this one from Amazon (affiliate link).

10. Props

Not all newborn photographers use a lot of props. It really depends upon your style. At Lindsay Walden Photography I design my sessions specific to each. I love creating one of a kind, deeply meaningful artwork that our clients will cherish for generations. In order to do this, I have a continuously growing supply of gorgeous props.

Newborn Photography Mentoring

I hope you’ve found my article about newborn photography studio essentials helpful. If you are a newborn photographer and would like to learn more about mentoring with me click here.

If you are a potential client and would like to learn more about the art I can create for you click here.