Oftentimes, I get questions from clients about newborn session props. “What do I have? What looks best for my baby? I want a long, blue hat, should I buy one? Where should I buy one? I have an important quilt from my grandmother, can you use it during the session? I don’t want any pink or purple stuff even though I have a girl, is that cool with you? ….”
In this post, I’d like to address those questions, and more!
While I always bring a bin of things with me to home shoots (hats, scarves, blankets, baskets, wraps), I tell clients that if you have something specific in mind, you should go on ahead and order it prior to the shoot. Chances are, you’ll fall in love with it (whether it’s a hat, headband, etc.), and you’ll treasure it for years to come.
That being said, it can be difficult finding really beautiful newborn things at typical box stores (like Target, Babies R Us. etc.), which is why I’ve compiled a list of my favorite etsy shops for you! If you haven’t heard of etsy yet, go make yourself a cup of coffee and come back to the computer because you’re going to be so impressed that you won’t be able to leave your seat for hours (ok, I’m exagerating a bit, but it’s totally awesome).
To Die For Newborn-Related Etsy Shops:
Adorable Props: This shop has, you guessed it, ADORABLE hats, and I hear they’re coming out with a new line of headbands soon.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/adorableprops
Adorable Headbands … same shop creator as the hats above.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/adorableheadbands
Elf Spun: Newborn hats from handspun yarn .. very cool!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElfSpun
Three Fish Shop: Really gorgeous organic newborn things
http://www.etsy.com/shop/threefishshop
Ellura Sage: Irresistible headbands, no really. They’re irresistible. You’ll be asking … do they come in adult size..?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElluraSage?ref=seller_info
I always bring an array of blankets to my newborn shoots, I love it when you are enthusiastic about using one of your own, and I’m happy to cater to the mom or dad who doesn’t want pink and fluffy girl-stuff for their newborn daughter. After perusing the etsy.com stuff, you might be thinking to yourself (especially related to the headbands), I think I can make this myself! Have a little DIY fever? Feeling inspired!? Here’s a link to a post I did related to just that: How to Make a Tutu, Yes, You!.
I hope this is helpful to you expectant parents out there! I love collaborating with people to get “the shot” they have in mind. I’m really looking forward to newborn shooting coming up that will involve pumpkins!! It’s fun getting creative, as long as the baby is safe, comfortable and snuggled. Take care, and happy prop hunting!
