Starting out in Newborn photography

[lblongs]

I am a newer photography who wants to branch into newborn photography, and am thinking I need to invest in some props. I'm sure some of you are in the business of doing newborn portraits so I would like suggestions on what items you have in your bag that you bring along to a photo shoot. I love all the hats, blankets, baskets, etc that I see and always assume the photographer plans out the shoot and this isn't supplied by the parents.

[SusanH1970]

Beanbag, basket, waterproof pads, space heater, heating pad, blankets, hats, fleece, flokati rug, wooden bowl, other props, backdrop stand, seamless paper, lighting, etc.....takes me about 4 trips to bring all the stuff into the client's house, LOL!

[private]

And before that - a good book about the business. If you are the best photographer in the world, you will not succeed if you do not know/understand the ins and outs of the business world. Marketing is key. Taking portraits and "developing them" and shopping for props will take up about 10% of your time. The rest is ALL grunt work!

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by private

And before that - a good book about the business. If you are the best photographer in the world, you will not succeed if you do not know/understand the ins and outs of the business world. Marketing is key. Taking portraits and "developing them" and shopping for props will take up about 10% of your time. The rest is ALL grunt work!

That too.

[lputman]

Here's some good reading...

The Newborn Session – How to work with a newborn – tips, tricks and ideas to make your session a success | MCP Actions Blog

Styles of Newborns { part of the newborn photography series by Alisha Robertson } | MCP Actions Blog

Newborn Photography: How to Use Light When Shooting Newborns | MCP Actions Blog

[lblongs]

Thank you both for your input.

I am building my portfolio as of now so I can can seek actual clientele later. I have done quite a bit of children and teens and have thought there would be no reason to start experiencing newborns as well.

[idb]

Originally Posted by lblongs

I am a newer photography who wants to branch into newborn photography, and am thinking I need to invest in some props. I'm sure some of you are in the business of doing newborn portraits so I would like suggestions on what items you have in your bag that you bring along to a photo shoot. I love all the hats, blankets, baskets, etc that I see and always assume the photographer plans out the shoot and this isn't supplied by the parents.

Hi, in addition to props, consider some close ups with none. Newborns are SO tiny and it lasts such a short time. Get their ears, nose, pinkies, toes, eyes (open if possible), mouth, knees, ankles, heels, hands ( especially with a parent's hand or finger), hair - if any.
Good close ups are hard for parents to get because they don't have the right equipment.
For these I would AVOID flash & use only available light or diffuse the flash to make it as soft as possible.
Good luck and have fun.
idb