Behind the Scenes: The Newborn Photography Studio

As a newborn prop designer I am absolutely fascinated with photographers and how they "shoot" babies.  There's just something about the way they are able to calm a baby, dress it in adorable little hand knit goods and get it perfectly positioned to capture that precious first shot.  I like to think of newborn photographers as "baby whisperers", they're amazing at what they do and I admire them greatly.  I'm also fascinated by their studios and all that is involved with having the perfect one.

photo via Melissa J Photos

photo via Flickr

photo via Purest Light Photography

photo via Confessions of a Prop Junkie

photo via Katherine Vess Photography

As you can see, there are a TON of things that go into having the perfect newborn studio.  Here are a few things that every newborn photographer should consider having on hand for a well stocked studio:

1. A variety of backdrops
2. A sturdy backdrop stand
3. Posing bean bag
4. Space heater
5. Electric blanket
6. Lots of hats, headbands, fur rugs, definitely a cool bird nest
7. Some cute baskets, bowls and other props to place the baby SAFELY in (safety first people, and always have someone with you to keep hands on the baby at all times!)
8. Plenty of towels and washcloths for propping the baby (cloth diapers work great!)
9. A hamper to store away any "accidents"
10. Studio lighting for days when you can't get the perfect natural light shot
11. Plenty of seating for the parents
12. Water and soda stocked fridge for the parents 
13. A children's play area for big sisters/brothers to stay occupied

What things do you have in your studio?  Any suggestions for other photogs who are just starting out?  We'd love to hear your ideas and suggestions!

Beautiful Photo Prop Giveaway!

It's time for another giveaway (we LOVE doing giveaways!).  Who wouldn't like a Newborn Cocoon to add to their prop collection?  All you have to do to enter is use the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the simple instructions, that's it!  Ready?  Let's get this giveaway started!

 Giveaway ends next Sunday night at midnight :)  Remember, you MUST complete each of the steps that are mandatory to complete your entry.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mongolian Faux Fur Giveaway!

 Congrats to Whitney O., our lucky winner chosen by Random.org!  And thanks to all who participated!

It's time for another great giveaway!  This week we are giving away one Mongolian Faux Fur Posing Rug of the winner's choice!  Our faux fur posing rugs are so luxurious! They are nice and thick and are the perfect touch for your newborn baby photography session! Our furs fit perfectly in baskets, trench bowls or layed flat...the sweet little babies just snuggle right down into them!  You can view our entire line of fur posing rugs here.

Also, we are offering our blog and Facebook friends 15% off all orders (no order limit size) simply by using coupon code BLOG15 at our website which you can find here :)

Okay, so let's get this giveaway started!  All you have to do is use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter, it's so easy!  Giveaway ends at midnight EST Sunday night and a winner will chosen Monday, good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Has It Really Been 25 Years?!

Today I celebrate my 25th anniversary with the love of my life!  I can honestly say it doesn't feel like it's been 25 years but when I look back and reflect on everything we've accomplished...raising a family, building our business, buying a home...we've really come a long way!

To celebrate our 25th anniversary I've decided to hold a giveaway for 25 newborn headbands here on the blog!  All you have to do to enter is follow the prompts on the Rafflecopter widget below, that's it!  Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations to our February Customer Appreciation Winner!

Thank you to all who submitted photos in February, we love them so much!  We received 26 photos and used Random.org to choose a winner, and the lucky winner of the $30 gift certificate is....{drumroll please}....

Jacqui White of Jacqui White Photography

......the winning submission....

Congratulations Jacqui, I will be contacting you shortly with details on how to redeem your code! 

Remember everyone, all you have to do to enter is email your photos using our props to kimberly@beautifulphotoprops, it's as easy as that!  Now let's see those photos!!

It's FREE Photo Prop Weekend!

Congratulations to our lucky winner, Amber P., chosen by Random.org!

Thanks to all who participated, stay tuned for our next giveaway and be sure to join our newsletter here so you don't miss out on our giveaways and sale coupons!

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 This weekend we are holding another wonderful giveaway!  This weekend we are giving away a FREE baby hat from our Prop Shop!  The lucky winner will receive one of our beautiful newborn handspun handdyed merino newborn hats similar the ones shown below!  

 

 

 

 

 

All you have to do to enter is follow the steps on the Rafflecopter widget below, easy peasy!  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Product Review and Giveaway: Modern Rag Quilts

Congratulations to our two lucky winners, Diane Keller Wyatt and Kathy Odam, both chosen by Random.org!  Ladies, I'll be emailing you soon so watch your inboxes!  And thanks to all who participated! 

It's time for another fun review and giveaway and this week it's courtesy of Jennifer from Modern Rag Quilts.  Jennifer creates THE most beautiful blankets I have ever seen, they are truly stunning (this one is my personal fave, look at all that gorgeous color)!

Here's a little more about Jennifer and Modern Rag Quilts:  Welcome to Modern Rag Quilts. Quilting has been around for centuries and the final product is a cornerstone to make any home feel warm and cozy. Whether your style is contemporary, country or shabby chic, I will tailor make your luxury Rag Quilt from scratch to suit your design style. All quilts are 100% one of kind and custom made.   My goal is to bring a unique one of a kind quilt that you and your family will enjoy and LOVE!

How adorable are these?  And guess what?  She's giving away TWO of these gorgeous crib sized blankets (one each to TWO lucky winners!) 

Awesome right?  Okay, so here is how you can enter to win…just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget…that's all there is to it!  You must follow each step to be entered to win.

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It's FREE Photo Prop Weekend!

Please click here to enter the current giveaway:

http://beautifulphotoprops.blogspot.com/2013/02/its-free-photo-prop-weekend_22.html

Freebie Friday

Congratulations to Tami Thomson, our lucky winner chosen by Random.org!

 

It's Freebie Friday time once again!  This week we are giving away one newborn aviator of the winner's choice!  All you have to do is use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter, it's so easy!  Giveaway ends at midnight and a winner will chosen by tomorrow, good luck!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway