Setting up a newborn photography studio can be a daunting task!

Sure, you will probably remember the big things, like your camera, and studio lights, and a beanbag (hopefully!)

But the little touches are often overlooked, and only remembered when you’re in the middle of a session and you think, “It would’ve been great to have a snack to offer Mom!”

Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way, so let me take you on a little tour of my newborn photography studio. Along the way, you’ll see how I outfit my studio, with all the must-haves, but also the nice-to-haves!

1. Equipment and gear

Well, there are of course the few obvious tools of the trade:

• Camera
• Lenses
• Lighting (natural, strobes or continuous)
• Light modifier (softbox or umbrella)
• Trigger and Receiver
• Light stand
• Beanbag and beanbag stand
• Beanbag fabrics
• Backdrops

Not sure what gear you need to get started with your newborn photography studio? Check out our comprehensive guide here!

But often overlooked are the little extras, that could easily derail your entire session if you don’t have them. Like the Scouts … be prepared!

• An extra charged battery
• Lots of memory cards
• Spare bulbs for your studio lights
• Spare battery for trigger
• Lens wipes/lens cleaner
• Sandbags to weigh down stands
• A sync cord in case trigger/receiver fails

2. Props

Part of your preparation before a client comes in should be to pull out all the props that you will need for that session. Not only does it mean you won’t have to scramble around during your session, it also allows you to visually coordinate all the elements used in a session in order to produce a cohesive gallery.

As your prop collection grows, so will your storage needs. Guard against unsafely stacking up boxes and bowls and beds, especially anywhere close to where your client area. We have some great storage ideas on our Pinterest board here.

When selecting baskets, buckets and the like for your session, be mindful of the safety considerations when choosing props.

3. Bonnets, hats, tiebacks, headbands, outfits

Aah, I bet you don’t need much incentive to stock up on any of these! But always remember, your skill does not grow by shopping. It grows by practice.

Find a way of storing your accessories so you can see what you have available at a glance. It will make your sessions runs smoother, but also stop you from buying the same thing over and over again (as we all tend to do!)

4. Wraps and Blankets

Cubbies like these work well to store your blankets and posing fabrics, giving you quick access to them without making a mess looking for a specific colour or texture.

Not sure how to choose blankets for your beanbag? We wrote about that on this blog!

7. Posing Beans

There are many suppliers out there each offering different sizes and designs. While these are wonderful to have, I used rolled up blankets, cloths, and socks for the first 7 years of being in business, without a problem!

10. White Noise

One of the secrets to getting and keeping babies in a deep sleep is constant shushing. The Baby Shusher is a popular tool, or you can download one of several white noise phone apps, many of them free.

13. Outfits for mom+dad for family newborn pics

I have a selection of dresses (usually ones that double as maternity dresses) available for moms, and basic white t-shirts in various sizes available for dads, in case what they are wearing is not appropriate for family photos with their newborns. Parents will love having one less thing to think about before their newborn session!

15. Couch for parents

I can’t tell you how many parents have nodded off on my studio couch. Mix the sleep-deprivation with the balmy warm studio and a constant white noise, and chances are good they may take a nap while you are photographing their baby.

In the very least, it’s nice to provide mom a comfortable place to relax for the 2-4 hours it may take for the session.

16. Mini-fridge and microwave

Stock your fridge with water and juice for families and milk for coffee/tea. Parents will also be thankful to have a fridge and microwave available if they need to store and reheat any bottles or milk over the course of the few hours the session will take.

17. Coffee/tea/snacks

Because newborn sessions are usually held in the morning, many families will be rushing off to get ready and get to the studio, and may skip breakfast completely.

I like to pick up some muffins and a pastry or two, along with some prepackaged snacks, coffee, tea, and water for parents to snack on during the session. And I include a few snack options for little siblings too – some fruit gummies can work wonders as an incentive!

19. A chalkboard

A little chalkboard sign can welcome a little client by name, let parents know the wifi password, or ask them to tag you on social media. It’s just a small personal touch that can make a big difference!

The best way to set up your newborn photography studio is to put yourself into the tired shoes of new parents, and walk through what their needs could be during the session. Great photos are a given, but the little extra ways you can serve them takes your service levels up a notch.

Want to find this list later? Pin this image!