10 Must Have Items to Consider For Your Dream Newborn Photography Studio
Building and designing a Newborn Studio is a huge massive undertaking. Especially if you want to do it right! It requires a ton of items, and maybe some items you haven’t thought about!
Here is a list of 10 must-have items for your DREAM Newborn Photography Studio. Everything on this list is something that will help you to create a comfortable and safe environment for newborns, ensure a smooth workflow, and also provide a pleasant experience for the parents.
1. Camera and Lenses
One of the first items you will need to ensure you have are a camera and a good lens. I do most of my Newborn Photoshoots with my 35mm 1.4L Canon lens, my 50mm 1.2L Canon and my Canon R5 body. I also highly recommend a Macro Lens for all of those close up details of your clients newborn. See my blog post here on How to Capture Tiny Details with Macro Photography
Having the right equipment is crucial to starting your Newborn Photography business, and your studio.
Equipment I use:
2. ProperLighting
One of the first things you will need to decide is if you will be using natural light or studio lighting for your newborn photoshoots. Not all studios will offer natural light as an option, so it will be something you need to access first if you want to use natural light. I personally have used both, and I prefer to use studio light for a hundred different reasons, but the biggest reason is because it produces consistency in your work. Makes editing a dream!
I currently use the Einstein with the 86” PLM for all my work. I have also used the 64” PLM, but prefer the 86” just barely.
Paul C. Buff Einstein Lighting Flash Unit
You will also need a light stand for your lighting equipment! I absolutely love my light stand, and highly recommend it. It has a sliding hand that makes it so easy to move your light up and down. It also has a large wide base for safety, and is easy to move around.
3. Backdrops and Props
Having a variety of backdrops, outfits, and headbands for your newborn photography sessions is essential for creating diverse and visually captivating images that appeal to a wide range of client preferences.
Different backdrop/blankets will allow you to tailor each session to the unique style and vision of the parents. A selection of outfits and headbands provides numerous options for clients. Some clients love tiny little headbands, some love larger. Some clients love bonnets, some dont. SO having this variety not only enhances your creative possibilities but also demonstrates your versatility and professionalism, making your services more attractive to potential clients.
Ultimately, a well-stocked collection of props and accessories ensures that you can deliver high-quality, personalized photos that exceed client expectations and create cherished memories.
It has taken me a lot of years to build up my collection of props, backdrops, wraps, and outfits/headbands. But really you only need a few things of each item to get started.
You will need:
- Variety of backdrops (neutral & Solid colors, textures, knits etc. )
- Wooden crates, baskets, and bowls
- Faux fur rugs and blankets
- Wraps, hats, headbands, and outfits
And here are my favorite Vendors:
Backdrops/Wraps - One Sheep Two Sheep
Headbands - Created by Carli
Props - Rozzi Rayne
4. Furniture
Providing comfortable seating for parents during a newborn photography session is crucial for ensuring a positive and relaxed experience for everyone involved.
Sessions can be lengthy, often lasting 2-3 hours, and parents need a cozy place to rest while they wait. Keep in mind that mama just had an baby, and typically no one is getting any sleep. So having comfortable seating helps parents stay calm and patient, which in turn fosters a peaceful environment for your session. When parents are at ease, they are more likely to enjoy the session, making it a pleasant experience for everyone.
I also always include a coffee, table, hand sanitizer, plants for decorations, and a couple drink coasters.
5. Heating and White Noise
Heater: A space heater is an essential tool for newborn photographers because it ensures a warm and comfortable environment for the baby during the photo session. Baby’s comfort is always the most important thing to consider. Newborns are particularly sensitive to temperature changes, and keeping them warm helps maintain their comfort and calm, reducing the likelihood of them being fussy. A warm setting also allows the baby to be more relaxed and peaceful, enabling you to work faster and more efficient to get clients home as soon as possible! Ensuring a cozy atmosphere not only contributes to the baby’s well-being but also enhances the overall quality of the photographs. It is
White noise machine (to help soothe the baby):
Did you know that it sounds like a loud vacuum in mamas womb and that is exactly what baby is used to? White noise is crucial during a newborn photography session because it helps create a soothing and familiar auditory environment for the baby, which can significantly reduce stress and promote relaxation. The gentle hum of white noise mimics the sounds that the baby heard in the womb, providing a sense of comfort and security. It is also important to ensure that your white noise is not TOO loud but is a calming level that can help the baby remain asleep or in a peaceful state, allowing the photographer to work more efficiently and capture a variety of poses and expressions without interruptions. It also helps to mask sudden noises that might startle the baby.
6. Sanitization Products
Maintaining sanitized hands around newborns is crucial for their health and safety during a photography session. Newborns have delicate immune systems that are still developing, making them more susceptible to infections and illnesses. By thoroughly sanitizing your hands before handling the baby or any of their belongings, you significantly reduce the risk of transferring harmful germs and bacteria. This practice not only protects the baby but also provides peace of mind to parents, showing them that you prioritize their child's well-being. I always wash my hands after parents arrive so that they do not have any questions about me having washed my hands, and it gives them a peace of mind to know without having to ask. I also keep hand sanitizer available for clients use as well.
7. Posing Pillows
There are a lot of options out there for posing tools and what its commonly called posing beans or posing pillows. There are a hundred options, but whatever you choose, utilizing posing tools/beans/pillows for your newborn photography sessions is essential for achieving a wide range of safe and visually appealing poses.
These tools, such as posing pillows, supports, and beanbags, help position the baby comfortably and securely, ensuring that they remain stable while you capture the perfect shot.
I have used a lot of posing tools over the years, but my favorites are the Shape Shifters from Hello Little Props. Fantastic and worth every penny!
8. Comfort Items For Baby
We all know, baby’s need a LOT of products. And while your client is only with you for a couple hours, I always make it a point to ensure that they feel welcomed and safe in my space with their brand new baby, and try to have on hand any item they might need!
This includes:
A Changing Table
Diapers (all sizes)
Wipes
Lotions & Creams
Diaper Genie
Having these items accessible gives parents a peace of mind that you know what you are doing, and that you have thought of everything for them. It also helps to build their trust in me that I have thought of everything and am comfortable knowing my way around newborns!
9. Studio Organization
It is so crucial to ensure your space is clean, organized, and ultimately safe for your clients. This includes your prop organization, your blankets or backdrops, and your headbands/hats items all being organized and put away.
And organized studio is vital for maintaining a professional and efficient environment, which directly impacts the quality of your newborn photography sessions and your referrals. No one will refer you if your studio is a mess. An orderly studio ensures that all equipment, props, and comfort items are easily accessible but also safely put away, especially for when for example toddlers siblings visits. (Visit my blog post here for ways to succeed at toddlers sibling images!)
A tidy space also enhances safety, reducing the risk of accidents or misplaced items that could disrupt the session or pose a hazard to the baby.
Remember, your client may not always remember everything you say, but they will remember how they felt!
10. Client Amenities & Luxury
Including client amenities such as coffee, tea, snacks, and water in your studio is important for enhancing the overall client experience and demonstrating thoughtful hospitality.
These small comforts help parents feel welcome and relaxed during their session. Providing refreshments shows that you value their time and comfort, making the session more enjoyable and reducing stress for everyone. Happy, well-cared-for parents are more likely to be patient and cooperative, contributing to a smoother and more successful photo session, which is of course our ultimate goal!
Additionally, these amenities can set your studio apart from others, building a positive reputation and encouraging word-of-mouth referrals, ultimately benefiting your business.
It is wildly important to also keep a clean dedicated restroom facilities. I include women sanitation products, along with breast pads, and extra toilet paper, wet wipes etc! I also thoroughly clean my client bathroom prior to every single session.
If you are just starting your journey and are planing to create and build a Newborn Photography Studio, these are 10 great items to ensure you have on hand and to think through!
Owning and designing a Newborn Photography Studio can be overwhelming, but I hope this list helps you get started!
Here are more pictures of my home Newborn Photography Studio, located in Salem Oregon!
I am happy to help answer any questions! I own and run my Newborn Photography business in Salem, Oregon for the last 11 years. Be sure to follow me on social media!
