Vintage Meets Classic for Timeless Results | Newborn Studio Props

Full Time Newborn Portrait Artist, Sarah Borchgrevink, shares her favorite studio props that are vintage, classic and timeless. Check out the list for parents to view for session styling!

The Cutest Baby Props for Houston Newborn Portraits

Good morning, gang, and welcome to my blog! This post is a preview of my studio space so potential clients may see the sort of props I have on hand. If this is your first time here, welcome! As a professional photographer, I exclusively photograph precious newborn babies in the first 14 days of life. I take 15-18 due dates per month with most of my clients booking in the second trimester. My preference to have you in studio is between 5-8 days, however, for the most squishy, darling posing. The earlier the better! This is when baby is most curly and still flexible enough to move  through many poses.

Let's get started, shall we?

My studio serves the Greater Houston Area and is located in Northwest Harris County. Many parents travel to me from locations such as The Woodlands, Galveston, Sugar Land, College Station and Brenham, as well as West University or Montrose.

In my experience, clients select me based on the type of newborn photography work I offer and the unique style I provide. I am fully vaccinated and insured while running a completely legal and tax paying business. Unfortunately, there are many "photographers" who are not running legal businesses, so this is why you see the rates you see on my pricing guide. My newborn profession is how I feed my little ones and take care of my family. 

I'm often asked if I offer in home newborn sessions. Many parents do not understand that I would have to close my studio for the day and would be unable to take any other sessions, ordering appointments or consultations. I do not offer in home photography sessions, however, because as you can see in the photos below, the type of equipment I use is huge. My lights, for example, are 86" and I have three of them. My wood wall is 8'x10' - it is not able to travel as it is mounted into the studs on my studio wall for baby safety. Moreover, I do not like natural light or use any natural light in my baby portraiture, so this is why they all take place in studio.

My studio is extremely cozy and is around 400 square feet. I've done by best to utilize the small space. I've even watched episodes of "Tiny House" for ideas and inspiration on how to use my square footage and make the most of what I have. Inside my space, you'll find everything you need for the best Houston newborn photography. I have every color of wrap, backdrop, numerous antique floor props, a custom wood wall, classic white bed, and lovely light just for you. :-) I also have a huge array of hand made headbands and newborn baby accessories likes caps, bonnets, hats, tiebacks and the most dainty little items to adorn your precious baby! 

I provide everything for your session. I request parents do not bring props, however, I will add 1 personal item into your session if you wish. :-) 

Organic Wraps | Inspired by Texture and Color

Wrapping newborn babies is a huge cornerstone to the type of work I do with my most petite and precious little clients. I pull inspiration from an array of color and hues as well as textures. I like to use organic and wispy items for a soft, feminine look but also chunky knits for a more robust session tone. Babies loved to be wrapped - it's cozy and sweet. The wrapping keeps little one content and allows us to come up with a variety of gorgeous newborn images in a short time. My typical session lasts around 1-2 hours, very rarely do I go to three hours.

I also use the wraps for lovely layering pieces during naked bean bag posing, too. 

Antique Floor Props for a Classic and Timeless Baby Session| Inspired by a love for all things vintage

All of my floor props are hand picked and selected so they're classic, timeless and inspired by my love of vintage newborn photos. I have everything you could possibly need for our floor prop session from buckets, pails, baskets, crates, boxes, etc. If there is a certain prop you love, be sure to let me know so I may pull the item for you. :-) 

Precious Classic Knit Bonnets for Your Cherub plus dainty, feminine and girly newborn girl accessories such as headbands and tieback pieces 

Below is just a small sample of the type of newborn hats, bonnets, caps and other accessories I have on hand for your little one. I also have a huge stash of newborn girl tiebacks and headbands to adorn your sweet little girl! I have nearly 100 bonnets and close to 200 headbands so I assure you there is something for every taste and preference. Whether you like muted pastels, vibrant jewel tones, or laid back neutrals there is the perfect piece to style your baby's first professional portraiture session with Sarah Borchgrevink Photography.

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer specializing in gorgeous posed newborn sessions. Her studio is located in Northwest Harris County. In addition to breathtaking baby portraiture, Sarah also offers stylish natural light family photography as well as dynamic outdoor maternity sessions for expecting mothers and couples. Sarah joyfully serves the entire Harris and Montgomery county areas including Houston, Cypress, Tomball, Spring, The Woodlands, Kingwood, Memorial & West Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Richmond, West University and Rice Village.

 

Must Haves for Hospital Bag when delivering at Cy-Fair Medical Center

Houston Newborn Photographer and Mom, Sarah Borchgrevink Photography, shares the ultimate hospital bag checklist when delivering at Cy Fair Hospital in Northwest Harris County.

Hi, fellow mothers! Thanks for stopping by! Today's blog post is an overview of the top things you might have when packing for a hospital stay at Cy-Fair hospital. This caters to Cypress Medical Center because I am currently pregnant with my fourth baby, who is due any day, and this is the only hospital I have experience delivering at. As a professional newborn photographer based in Houston, TX I am also a mommy to three little girls and so I like to think I've learned a few things about packing for the hospital. Before we get started, here's a little preview of my family. If you've visited my blog before, nonetheless, you may recognize Emma, Lucy and Amelia, who my husband, Kevin, and I like to call The Tiny Tribe of Wild Women. My beautiful friend, Brittney, of Us Plus Love Photography, did these photos for us and she's my go to for family photography! 

As you may notice, I am super pregnant! Our fourth is a little boy, named Jack, and he's due in just a few weeks. I feel like this pregnancy has gone by so quickly, so this week I am finishing up my hospital bag packing. Babies arrive when they arrive; sometimes it's early, sometimes fashionably late, and sometimes right on their due date. You never know. Let's gets started!

The Essentials: Photo ID, Insurance Information, and Your Birth Plan

If you're type A like me, you've probably already done all of your pre-registration for the hospital by around 30 weeks or so. However, even if you've done all of your paperwork and submitted your forms, ID, and insurance, for example, it's still best to have these things on you. I have copies of all them as well as the physical cards. Moreover, your birth plan is very important because it's acts as your autonomy. Every woman has her vision for how she'd like the birthing plan to occur; this will help make sure everything goes as smoothly as it can. 

Cell Phone, Charger, and DSLR Camera

Once you're checked in and at the hospital, you never know what will happen. You may sit for many hours before baby arrives or you may barely make it through the door. With my second baby, for example, named Lucy, I barely made it to the hospital and also missed my epidural! However, with my third baby, I did arrive early and made sure I had my cell phone so I could call the important people in my life, my charger so that my phone would not die, and of course my DSLR camera so that my husband could capture any moments. If you do not have a DSLR, make sure your camera is charged because once baby is earthside, I am sure you'll be really excited to snap a few photos of baby's first breaths! 

Toiletries

Giving birth, no matter your birth plan, is a huge feat! I promise you're going to want a hot shower at some point during the hospital stay. My favorite toiletries are a gentle shampoo and conditioner, luxurious body wash, exfoliating face wash, and then of course things like deodorant. It'll make you feel a little more human afterwards and help feel more normal. 

Comfortable Pillow for you and for Dad/Partner 

At Cy Fair Hospital, at least, the space for Dad or your partner to sleep in is not exactly inviting. Of course, your spouse or partner may not want to stay overnight, however, my husband likes to be with the new baby and myself. I always pack him an extra set of clothing, his favorite pillow, and also a comfortable blanket. While blankets/pillows are provided for Mom, not much is given to Dad. A small comfort, like a favorite pillow, is a nice way to relax as you get to know the new baby.

Snacks or Local Menus

Cy Fair does not provide meals for Dad, either. I have learned to pack snacks for my husband. Mom is given meals, of course, but Dad is left to his own devices. By bringing local menus that cater to eateries near the hospital, your husband can call in meals for delivery or to go orders. My husband liked the Chipotle near 290/Highway 6, ha! 

Comfortable Shoes for Walking

Believe it or not, a pair of walking shoes makes a world of difference! Before getting my epidural, just going for a short walk around the hospital room really helped me relax, breathe, and focus on getting through the contractions. They are pretty painful once you're in active labor, so just a comfortable pair of shoes, like Crocs, make walking easier.

2-3 Comfortable Nightgowns or Pajamas

Like shoes, you'll want a clean change of clothes for after delivery. Once you no longer need that pesky hospital gown, you'll be really happy to have fresh, clean, and new pajamas. I always purchase a new robe and super soft pair of socks, too. My feet are sometimes still swollen and your hormones are all over the place; one minute you're hot, then you're cold! Don't forget to focus on yourself a little bit. The first 48 hours of meeting baby are all about nursing/feeding/getting to know baby, but keep your own comfort in mind as you rest, heal, and get ready to go home with your newest bundle of joy. 

Breast Pump, Breast Pads and nursing bras and nursing tank tops

I always bring my breast pump to the hospital! With each of my children, I did exclusively pump. Because I'm self employed, I often go back to work very quickly (usually a week or less). Pumping is ideal for my family. It means baby can have breast milk, but that my husband, who is the stay at home parent, can also help feed baby since I'll be working full time. However, whether you choose to nurse or pump, the breast pads will help with leaky breasts as your milk will be coming in. The nursing bras and tank tops are a life saver because you *will* be cluster feeding often if you go the nursing route. Easy access makes your life more simple, I promise! Plus, the nursing bras are ideal for nursing and are more comfortable.

A notepad or journal

A notepad or journal is an excellent tool to have on hand in the hospital. You'll be filled with many emotions from excitement, joy, uncondirional love, and maybe a little apprehension. You may want to record your thoughts before labor and even as you welcome baby into your life. Meeting baby is one of the most exciting moments in life, becomming a mother is soul changing, and I have found writing my thoughts and preserving them has been really nice to read, especially on my kiddos birthdays. 

Going home outfit for baby

Of course, your going home outfit for baby is the final item you will love having on hand! I may have picked out 3-4 choices for our little one who will be arriving soon. You'll be so excited to dress baby and pack him or her up in their car seat as you head home. :-) 

Specializing in posed baby portraits, Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer serving the surrounding areas including Houston metro area, Cypress, Katy, Spring, The Heights, Sugar Land, West University, Bellaire, and The Woodlands, TX. In addition to breathtaking newborn images, Sarah also offers stylish natural light family photography as well as dynamic outdoor maternity sessions for expecting couples.