[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]10 Must-Haves Items to start a Newborn Photography Business
Hi My name is Sissi Wang, the founder of JustKidi Photography Studio which is a multi-award winning baby photography studio based in Thornleigh. I am one of the most sought after photographers in the newborn photography industry. If you’ve been looking to get into newborn photography, Here is some advise on 10 things you must have to start a newborn photography business.
1. Professional DSLR
It doesn’t matter what brand or model but a decent DSLR is a must have! Any camera you feel comfortable with will suffice, but preferably something that falls somewhere between the midrange to high-end spectrum, with a bigger sensor that can capture clean, high-quality images without needing to use a flash.
I use Camera: 5D mark iii
2. Lenses: Prime and Macro
A standard lens is fine, but if you want to have a few extra options on hand, a prime lens is ideal for newborn photography, as it usually has larger apertures (which is helpful, again, in avoiding the use of flash) while still remaining fairly compact in size. With the prime lens, you get sharper, higher-quality images with less visible aberrations.
Apart from the prime lens, a macro is also a must-have in every newborn photographer’s kit. It is essential for taking extremely close, high-quality shots of the baby’s fingers, toes, eyelashes, lips, and all the other tiny details that parents would want to have captured during their newborn’s session.
Lense: Sigma Art 35mm 1.4
3. Lighting Modifier
There has been much debate on whether it is safe to use flashes and full studio lights on infants, so most photographers prefer to err on the side of caution and use natural light. Due to this, you will need a pop-up reflector and an optional light stand and reflector holder if you cannot get an assistant to hold it up for you. If you a natural light person, you need to get a diffuser panel/refector.
This one in the below link will do Get this diffuser
I use both natural and strobe light
For Strobe, I use：Einstein 640 –
4. Baby Shusher
Baby Shusher
Photographing a sleeping baby is a breeze. But what about when it starts to cry? Babies can be quite unpredictable, and being a newborn photographer means knowing how to deal with a fussy, crying baby. You will need something that can help calm them, and many photographers advise using a baby shusher. However, if you are on a budget, you can also download a white noise app called Sound Sleeper on your smartphone.
Babies are super-susceptible to germs. The thing to remember is that any type of illness can be dangerous for a newborn to get. What may seem like just a little head cold for you could be RSV for a newborn. So, if you’re going near someone else’s baby, hand-washing is an absolute must.
Proper hand-washing is 20 seconds of friction, warm water, and soap, and you should wash your hands before you come into contact with the baby. But then, during the session, hand sanitizer should also be used. For example, your phone is full of germs. When mom is nursing and you’re checking your messages or when you’re snapping a behind-the-scenes photo, you’re potentially transferring hundreds of germs back to your hands. You must use hand sanitizer before you touch the baby again.
6. Wraps and props
Invest yourself in some proper newborn friendly props. You don’t have to have everything to start with, but a good stretchy fabric will get your back! A nice well sized prop will make your workflow so much easier. I source all props internationally. For wraps and some hard props you can check out Swan Props.
7. Backdrops
If you are a minimalist photographer, fabric backdrop is the best way to go. You can also use some floor printed backdrops. Highly recommend the rubber mat from Graceland Designs Those floor mats are very realistic, foldable and heavy duty, winkle free. They will save you a lot of post production time. Invest yourself something premium that would last rather than those cheap Aliexpress dodgy items that you may end up wasting money and storage space.
8. Posing Pillows
My posing pillows are from the original photo blocks. They are quite pricey but you can get some similar ones on Etsy
Alternatively make your own posing pillows just like how you would make a small pillow. I made mine in various sizes.
9. Insurance
While this is an important topic for any business owner, newborn photographers have a heightened level of sensitivity due to the nature of the work. Selecting a certain structure can work for or against you if there should ever be any legal claims that arise against your business. For more help on business structures seek out a business consultant, local governing agency or attorney for advisement.
Find yourself some insurance from a list of providers like Aon Full Fram Just to make sure the policy covers specifically in your photography business.
10. In-person Workshop
JustKidi Newborn Photography Workshop
The best investment as a photographer is to invest in yourself. Some one shares their years if not decades of experience and skills with you for a couple of thousand bucks. Do the maths, the short cut may take you years to figure out isn’t it totally worth it! I’ve been mentoring in many different countries and I value each students willingness to step into their training.
My workshop details can be found here. It’s never too much to learn. Never touch a newborn unless you have been professionally trained. If you are starting out in newborn photography, we highly recommend you to get your training on handling newborns, as they are very fragile. Some of the footage in the videos may seem easy to Sissi, considering the years of experiences she had, it may not be the case to you. If you have any questions please feel free to post in the comments down below.
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