Props for newborns?

[JohnT]

I'm going to start adding newborns for 2011 so I'm looking for suggestions on basic props to get started. Just a few items that I can easily transport and work with in clients' homes.

[S-Man]

I'd say look at some great work that you like and see what they use. I personally like the tin washtub, maybe some fluffy pillows, furry blankets, various hats and stuff like that. You can pile it all into the wash tub for toting around.
I just shot a 2 week old yesterday and it wasn't easy. Posing her wasn't as easy as I thought it would be, as 1) I didn't want to wake her and 2) I didn't know how flexible she is.
I wouldn't mind doing more though. It's kind of fun.

[JohnT]

Thanks, Sam. I'll take a look at some web sites and see what I can come up with along with your suggestions.

[J Eddington]

Check out Topan by Anna Brandt
TAoPaN: The Art of Pregnancy and Newborn — Studio Aids

[suerenee]

I'm seriously considering buying this posing bean bag Purchase the Bella Bun - by Amanda Rachael Photography.

I have a regular bean bag but I think the couture will help.

Etsy has TONS of vendors who sell cute hats and props. I buy material on clearance at craft stores to use a both backdrops and to cover the bean bag--1-2 yards is more than enough. I bought a wicker dog bed from IKEA which is perfect to lay the babies in. I also check out resale shops for baby gear/hats/blankets.

Don't spend an arm and leg to get props, you can get stuff cheap that will look great!

[todd_a]

Etsy is a great source, but you can find local places, usually small, that make the little decorative head bands and croched little beanies, etc. and they are usually reasonably priced and you can get a unique piece that way too. My girlfriend said the other day that she is considering starting to make these. If that does happen I will post up for anyone interested.

I like vintage suit cases (ebay, etsy), bread baskets (you can get at Target), children sized bean bags work pretty good. You can get a piece of thick foam and you can build a posing base from that (cutting and gluing require for desired shape) which can be covered with plastic as a wetness barier, then whatever material you want to pose the baby on, on top of that. I like vintage looking stuff, so I look for things like old coca cola wooden cases that used to carry bottles, or vintage baby carraiges (or the smaller childrens vintage toy baby carraiges), Small woven baskets from art/craft stores, etc...

I was thinking that a trip to Pier 1 might yield some good finds also, but hitting something like Canton Trades Days on the first monday weekend of each month would probably be heaven for someone looking for these types of things.

[JohnT]

Thanks, Todd.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by J Eddington

Check out Topan by Anna Brandt
TAoPaN: The Art of Pregnancy and Newborn — Studio Aids

Thanks, Janice.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by suerenee

I'm seriously considering buying this posing bean bag Purchase the Bella Bun - by Amanda Rachael Photography.

I have a regular bean bag but I think the couture will help.

Etsy has TONS of vendors who sell cute hats and props. I buy material on clearance at craft stores to use a both backdrops and to cover the bean bag--1-2 yards is more than enough. I bought a wicker dog bed from IKEA which is perfect to lay the babies in. I also check out resale shops for baby gear/hats/blankets.

Don't spend an arm and leg to get props, you can get stuff cheap that will look great!

Thanks, Susan. There are a couple of stores I'm going to visit this week, Hobby Lobby being one of them. They should have something at a low price.

[JohnT]

There's an antiques mall that I'm going to visit this week to see what interesting things they might have. This could be fun. :)

[carrbowl]

John Hobby Lobby has ALOT of those cute little hats that you at bows and stuff too. Some people will add the bows and then sell them to you for $15...you can get them both ofr $5 at HL...

I've learned very quickly in doing newborns...they are a prop and time sucker....think on this one!! Of course they can be a money maker too!!

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by carrbowl

John Hobby Lobby has ALOT of those cute little hats that you at bows and stuff too. Some people will add the bows and then sell them to you for $15...you can get them both ofr $5 at HL...

I've learned very quickly in doing newborns...they are a prop and time sucker....think on this one!! Of course they can be a money maker too!!

That's o.k. I'm prepared to spend whatever time it takes to get the shots that will sell. One photog I know of, who has a very successful newborn/baby business, blocks out one and a half hours per session. She says that sometimes she doesn't have to work with one that long, and at other times she does. It just depends on the child. We'll see where it goes.

[LauraM]

I made like 20 headbands for under $5. Instead of the white "fur" that babies look so good posed on, I got a really fluffy white fitted sheet thingie from ross for $5 and I stuck some velcro on it and I can wrap it around pillows or beanbags. Plus at ross, you can find those big round baskets people put the babies in for $8. Beats the $100s that they're sold for online. Sheesh!

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by LauraM

I made like 20 headbands for under $5. Instead of the white "fur" that babies look so good posed on, I got a really fluffy white fitted sheet thingie from ross for $5 and I stuck some velcro on it and I can wrap it around pillows or beanbags. Plus at ross, you can find those big round baskets people put the babies in for $8. Beats the $100s that they're sold for online. Sheesh!

Thanks, Laura! I appreciate the feedback.

[Nena2007]

I have a local seamstress who just started making a "newborn nest" type bag. She just made one for me, its awesome! :) She only charges $40 (the newborn nest and shootbaby are over $80) I requested mine to be a tad smaller in diameter, but the height is the same as the others. Her email address is cressieallen@yahoo.com her facebook page is in the middle of some transition, but its here

I also use live.life.create for my newborn props :) She is local to Houston also. I love supporting local businesses!

And my "pod" isn't all the way stuffed yet, but there is a picture on my newborn photography facebook.