While my studio is packed full of all kinds of goodies you can borrow (yes, you never need to bring a thing along unless you want to), there are some times when parents like to bring along their own outfits/props to incorporate into sessions, and that is perfectly okay with me. Maybe it is just because you thought it was cute (and you like to shop like me) or you have a specific theme in mind, bringing along your own items can further personalize your session, plus you have a forever keepsake from the session, too.

The biggest problem I have when parents bring along items is an ill-fit - whether it be too big of an outfit, a prop that is oversized and overwhelms the baby, or a posing prop that just is unsafe because it isn’t a good size to use; parents are not experts when it comes to shopping for posing props, and nobody expects you to be! Amazon can be a great place to shop for kids, but NOT for newborns. Most “newborn” items actually fit about a 3 month old when purchased from a bulk supplier instead of handmade goods made by someone who specializes in making actual newborn outfits and props sized specifically for photoshoots. I strongly urge parents who wish to bring along their own props to make sure they fit properly. Shopping handmade from quality makers ensures a good fit for an actual newborn (up to 14 days). Fair warning, there are LOTS of “prop vendors” out there. Like with most things, you get what you pay for. Quality goods with a proper fit come with a pricetag.

Anytime you are shopping for props, think about the size, for example….my stuffed animal “lovies” fit in the palm of an adult hand so that the baby can hold them and cuddle them like a normal stuffed animal. If you bring in a full sized stuffed animal that is the size of the baby or larger, the photo quickly becomes about the item and not the baby, and posing can also be difficult with oversized items as well. Making sure that real life items are sized down to miniature scale makes the photos “cuter”.

When it comes to shopping, Etsy is my go to. Some of my favorite vendors to shop at on there are (click on each for links):

Olga Baby Photo Props: great for outfits

Propsly: general props and outfits

Springpea Props: general props and goods

PaturiciPentruPitici: high quality knitted goods

SK Originals: high quality props and outfits

Mokumba: general outfits and props

Itsy Bitsy Blooms: general props and outfits

Lovely Baby Photo Props: general outfits and props

Ada Photoprops: general outfits and props

MerrieKnits: basic knit hats and outfits, simple and clean

Little Rarities: knit goods

Darling Desirae: novelty outfits

Polkadots and Sunshine: outfits and various props

MamaMada: props and posing buckets

Spring Pea Props: outfits

Verdi Props: headbands and floral crowns

Happy Hippo Baby: headbands

Baby Birdie Boutique: headbands and wraps

Blooming Floret: handsewn outfits and bonnets

Propy: basic knits

Fairy Dreams: felted goods and lovies

JLS Creation Corner: felted goods and lovies