What to think about when deciding to bring props from home, for your newborn session.


First let's define when I say “prop”. In my studio, I have all kinds of container newborn props from buckets to beds. Those you don’t need to worry about or bring. I have the perfect size prop to fit your tiny newborn, and all the setups will be ready when you arrive. What I’m talking about are items you bring from home.



Don't Bring

Amazon animal outfits ect. Most of the time silly newborn outfits on amazon, while the idea is cute, will arrive way too big and they usually don’t work out as cute as you’d want. Mass production newborn outfits are usually size 0-3m and your tiny fresh newborn will be swimming in it!


Do Bring

Things that are important to you as a family. I’ve had people bring a wide variety of things to the studio from golf clubs to racing tires, fireman gear to wedding dresses. And every item meant something to the whole family. Whether it something you like to do together, a family business, or a grandparents heirloom-these are the things you’ll want to remember.


Things to think about 3 "s"


Safety:  Is the prop safe for the baby to be around? I’ve had a few firefighters come into the studio with firman gear. There can be lots of chemicals etc, so it’s always important that its a new clean turnout gear. You never want to put the baby in something that glass or that could easily be broken. Maybe times I’ll line items with a soft blanket so it’s safe for baby.


Size: You’re going to want to avoid thing that are very large. Partly because I wont’t have a backdrop setup big enough and partly because the bigger the item gets the less focus there is on the baby. But I have used a toy tractor, a wedding, dress, and a fishing pole. Really use your best discretion.


Share: Please, Please, Please let me know your bringing something! I would love to plan ahead an accommodate your special item and I don’t want to try to add it last minute. Also try to keep it to 1 or 2 special items-the really really important ones.



PS. If you're wondering about the blog cover image. That's my youngest daughter Molly, and while she is wearing what I would consider kinda a ridiculous prop, it's the first newborn prop I ever bought. I remember how excited I was to start this journey and that made it incredibly important to me.

Sleeping baby wearing a white US Navy officer's cap rests peacefully on white background.
Newborn baby sleeping peacefully on wooden surface next to white decorative pom poms and string.
Sleeping newborn nestled in wooden crate surrounded by fresh green artichokes on dark background.
A series of four photos showing a newborn baby lying on white fabric with two small dogs snuggled close by.
Vintage car toy with worn patina sits against a dark background creating a moody nostalgic scene.
Adorable newborn baby sleeping peacefully on soft gray fur blanket in black and white photography.
A white and brown Jack Russell terrier performs a series of playful jumps against a rustic brown wall.
Newborn baby rests on white blanket against colorful geometric patterned background in purple and teal.
A collage of soft pink baby photos featuring a sleeping newborn wrapped in delicate fabric and lace textures.
A sleeping baby wearing a colorful floral crown lies peacefully on a cream-colored background.
A baby nestled in a wooden crate surrounded by green apples and rustic decor against a dark backdrop.
A baby sits in a white vintage wicker bassinet wearing white clothing against a bright white background.
A colorful street art mural serves as a backdrop for someone sitting against the wall.
A newborn baby sleeps peacefully while wearing U.S. Army military camouflage uniform and American flag patch.
Newborn photography setup with wooden props, white fabrics, and red raspberries arranged on rustic wooden floor.
A series of seven similar photographs showing a person in naval uniform holding and posing with a baby in white clothing.
A collection of plush toys and dolls arranged on a soft gray textured carpet background.
A series of firefighter gear and equipment laid out on wooden flooring including reflective vests and helmets.
A series of six similar photos showing hands in police uniform holding or manipulating small objects.
A sleeping newborn wrapped in white swaddle lies among delicate white dahlias and eucalyptus leaves on white backdrop.
Baby lying on blue and white star-patterned blanket with patriotic American flag themed decorations.
Newborn baby sleeping peacefully on white fur with plush deer toy and wooden name sign.
Military service members in dress uniforms stand at attention displaying medals and decorations during a formal ceremony.
A sleeping newborn rests peacefully next to a small white snowman decoration on a light background.
A sleeping newborn baby wearing a knit cap lies next to military camouflage uniforms with American flag patches.
Sleeping newborn baby wearing pink knit hat rests peacefully on white blanket during professional photo session.