What’s In My Studio Newborn Session Kit?

Newborns are adorable, especially when they are positioned just-so in a way that shows off all of their tiny features and swoon-worthy baby rolls! BUT it would be a huge lie if I told you that it was an easy job. I absolutely love it, but it is certainly hard work to capture these beautiful portraits for my clients. With the right tools, it is certainly made more manageable, and having it all at-the-ready is the most important part.

This is why I have created a newborn session kit that I keep in my studio, in a trolley with wheels so that is is easily maneuvered to wherever I’ve got my setup, and always within arm’s reach.

 

 

My Studio Newborn Session Kit

 

If you’ve ever seen my kit at the end of a newborn session, it’s looking pretty sparse. Sometimes the only things left in the trolley are the bottles because everything else gets used up, or needs to be washed before it can be returned to its place. Over the years I have learned a few tricks, found great dual-purpose products, and have tried to cut back on one-time-use items as much as possible. These are the basics of my studio newborn session kit, and I would not start a session without them!

• hand sanitizer
• baby wipes & kleenex (for the messes)
• puppy pee pads (for the poser)
• receiving blankets, wash cloths & blanket scraps (used for adjusting baby’s pose from underneath the backdrop)
• baby lotion
• basic swaddle (used as a base layer for all of the others during the session)
• clamps & clips (for smoothing fabric backdrops on the poser, and cinching dresses on mom)
• non-slip pad for the poser
• custom changing pad for the poser
• weighted items (for putting in the bottom of props, for safety)
• lint remover brush (a few different types for various fabrics)
• dog brush (for fluffing up my flokati rugs + faux furs)
• headband, hair elastics, and bobby pins (you never know when mom needs one, just in case)
• deodorant (for me! it’s almost like 4 hours of hot yoga during a newborn session)

 

 

These items do not fit IN my trolley, but they are items I use in every single newborn session, and are absolutely considered part of my must-haves:

• poser (giant puck-like beanbag designed explicitly for newborn photography)
• space heater (the not-hot-to-the-touch kind that auto-shuts off if it gets tipped over)
• spotter (whether it be a parent or an assistant, for safety)

 

While these things are not mandatory if you are just starting out, they make your life wayyyyy easier and cut out a lot of do-it-yourself-ish projects at the studio, and I would absolutely consider them part of my newborn session kit at this point:

• backdrop stand
• multi-purpose reflector
• professional studio lights (I use the Einstein strobe) [especially since it gets dark so soon during our Canadian winters!]
• large PLM (diffuses the strobe so you get that nice even lighting on baby)

 

 

And since this article is meant to highlight the actual studio newborn session kit, rather than the must-haves for a newborn session, I have left out the seemingly obvious CAMERA requirement. Other important items like backdrops, props, outfits and accessories are not mandatory for great newborn photos, but they certainly help add variety to the mix.

 

 

HOW DO I BOOK A PHOTO SESSION?

I’d love to capture your family as they are in the moment, and help you create art for your home. Go ahead and give me a call at 613-371-4594, or use the contact page to send a message to set up a phone consultation, so we can discuss details and customize your experience. While I may specialize in baby’s first year, family sessions are available with children of all ages. Let’s create ART together.

 

Want to learn more about the trade? Check out these other tips & tricks for newborn photographers.