Newborn photo shoot essentials

Behind the scenes: Newborn session essentials

I specialise in naturally posed newborn photography sessions in Cornwall, with a rustic style - full of textures and natural elements. This is different to traditional posed newborn photography which concentrates on newborn posing.

I have a Photo Studio in Truro, which contains all my props, fabrics, backdrops, and of course the shooting space. In sessions (and life!) I like things to be as simple as possible. I LOVE anything that is practical and effective, makes life easier in a straightforward way, and over the years I have come to depend on a few key items during my newborn sessions.

There are various other props and tools which I have when needed (beanbag, travel Paloma Schell beanbag & frame, pacifiers, cotton gloves) - sometimes these are essential but not in every shoot so I haven’t included them in the essentials list.

These are the things I will use in each and every newborn photo shoot in the studio, or at clients’ homes.

My newborn session essentials

1. Baby Shusher
   A godsend, which is put on as soon as babies arrive if they’re still asleep from the car. It does exactly what it says - emits a gentle ‘shhhhhh’ on repeat for 20 minutes or so. This is on for most of the session. I swear by it and still use it whenever I put my youngest down at night! Last time I checked, Amazon sells them (the pNeo Baby Shusher) for just under £30.

2. Posing beans
   These come in various sizes depending on what they’re needed for, and basically can be slid underneath the blankets where the baby is lying to give them support and shape how they lay.

3. Size 0 nappies
   When parents change their newborns during a session, I usually give them a size 0 to put on. Because I pretty much never photograph babies completely naked, the tiny nappies don’t have as much bulk as a size 1 and it’s easier to disguise.

4. Neutral nappy cover pants
   Parents always laugh but I ask them to pop these little pants over the nappy so that the white doesn’t show through wraps and outfits. Sounds crazy but it makes a big difference!

5. Muslin and/or water wipes
   I try to remember to have a muslin draped over my shoulder at all times. It’s there to catch sudden accidents, spit ups, dribble etc. There’s nothing worse than being caught unawares and everyone searching in a panic for a muslin!

It’s great when something new comes onto the market that makes life a bit easier. Now we just need some magic fairy dust that makes newborns sleep peacefully for an hour when needed :)