By Bethany Kandel
Your baby is finally here and you’re quickly filling up the memory on your cellphone with photos of the little darling. Or maybe you’ve called in a professional to capture the beginning of your baby’s life in images that you will cherish forever.
You’ve taken all the basic shots of your newborn in the bassinette and being held by mom, dad, and all the grandparents, aunts and uncles. But what are you missing? Of course your newborn is precious all by him or herself, but it’s also fun to use props
to show just how tiny baby is at this moment.
Here are some ideas from newborn photographer Christina Rae of Christina Rae Photography that may give you the perfect photo for your birth announcement, or at least a bunch that will look great framed
on your fridge and grandma’s mantle.
- It’s a wrap:
Most babies love to be wrapped and swaddled because it gives them a feeling of warmth and security. Use a beautiful piece of fabric, a textured throw blanket or a favorite scarf which will highlight baby’s newborn skin.
- Top it off:
Simple knit hats or bonnets are a great way to add some color and style to a newborn portrait. Did you get any hand-knit beanies as gifts? Or how about one with cute bunny ears or that looks like the top of a strawberry?
Have fun with different toppers that show off baby’s beautiful face.
- A girly touch:
A stretchy or decorative headband adds a little something special and is a pretty touch for a baby girl.
- Furry friend:
Taking an image with baby’s arm around a small stuffed animal is always super sweet.
- Doll baby:
Similarly, position baby in a sturdy old-fashioned cradle for a cute photo op.
- My name is:
Lie baby next to wooden blocks that spell out his or her name.
- Just the facts:
Announce all the details that everyone wants to know by photographing your newborn next to a ruler, a clock showing the time of birth and a calendar with the date circled
- Current events:
Place the birth in context by posing him or her next to the front page of the day’s newspaper or the current cover of a favorite news or fashion magazine.
In general, Rae says, “When choosing a prop, the simpler the better. You never want it to take over and distract from the baby, who should be the center of attention in a portrait. Neutral and soft colors will help ensure the images captured are timeless.”
And remember, safety is key, she says. “Choose fabrics that are soft and won’t scratch baby. Never place a newborn in or near anything made of glass and watch for any sharp edges. Never leave a newborn unattended with a prop and always keep baby within
arm’s reach. All of these props should only be used during the photo op and removed immediately afterward.
Image : Getty