Newborn Boy Photography Prop Ideas | Houston Baby Photographer

Photography Prop Ideas with Newborn Boy

Welcome Vance at 18 days new

Greetings and happy Friday to you! Thanks for visiting my blog where I like to preview highlights from recent sessions. Today's blog post is going to give a few examples of newborn boy photography prop ideas that may inspire you. As a photographer, I am based in Houston TX and serve the entire surrounding areas. I am extremely blessed to call this my job in which I spend my days snuggling with brand new babies. My studio is located near Barker Cypress/290 and has everything you need for sessions! I am constantly coming up with new ideas for my newborn sessions and really like previewing fun combinations. Let's get started!

Vance came to visit when he was just over 2 weeks new. His parents book my wrapped newborn mini session which is perfect for those who like cozy, sweet newborn sessions. The wrapped mini includes the following: 

WRAPPED MINI NEWBORN COLLECTION | $450 + TAX

One hour studio session featuring cozy, beautifully wrapped newborn images with full styling provided by Sarah. Please note this session does not include naked bean bag posing. Includes (2) family poses,  (1) pose of Mom with Baby, (1) pose of Dad with baby, (3) unique styles of gorgeous wrapping, (2) floor props such as bucket/bowl/crate, flokati rug set up, and macro images up close details such as lips, eyelashes, toes, hands, etc. 20 retouched high resolution digital files are delivered to you via digital download + released printing rights, as well as (3) 5x7" deep matte professional prints of your choice. Black & white conversions of each image are also included.

Here's what this adorable newborn's parents had to say about their time at Sarah Borchgrevink Photography:

Sarah is a breeze to work with. She was extremely accommodating and her product is beautiful. We really enjoyed working with someone who is passionate about her craft. My daughter was one of her first newborns to be photographed and her work at the time was excellent. My son was photographed for his newborn shoot two years later and Sarah's work had noticeably improved even more. I also recommended her to family members for their babies. Get with Sarah if you want a smooth shoot, consistent product and speedy turnaround.

Flokati Rugs

Flokati rugs are a great prop idea for newborns because they provide texture. They also can be purchased in many different colors! For instance, for my time with V and his session, we used a white and brown rug.

This is the portion I also like to do macro images, too. Macro images are special because these are the sweet details that make your baby unique, from the top of their heads all the way down to their tootsie toes. I like to show off characteristics such as their lips, fingers, toes, chins, hairlines, etc. When baby is wrapped in a cozy manner, this is a wonderful time to photograph those detailed shots because baby is contained and content. 

Moroever, by using two different styles of wrapping and two different color of rugs you're able to achieve a completely different look in a short time. I paired the tootsie wrap, in chocolate, with a hand knit bonnet by one of my favorite vendors who makes the most precious baby hats! As always, all props are provided by me. Sometimes parents are nervous they're responsible for the style, but I want you to have no fear: just bring your baby and their diaper bag. Leave the rest of the prop ideas to me.

Hand Knit Classic Bonnet & Matching Wrap

A hand knitted classic bonnet or hat is a wonderful newborn prop because this showcases baby's precious little face! These bonnets are adorable and I have them in every color. I paired this bonnet with a matching olive back drop and wrap so baby is safe and secure during his session. You can also take the bonnet off for some of the shots, too, so you achieve two different looks without disturbing baby. The secret to a great newborn session is simple: keeping baby content and having a smooth flow. By ensuring the session runs smoothly, you're able to provide parents with gorgeous galleries of fine art newborn portraiture. 

Rustic Vintage Cradle

This cradle is super darling and I use it for many of my newborn sessions! This prop is a great addition to any newborn session because it's sized to fit new babies, can be used with any color, and also is really adorable since it's from an antique store. My newborn photography is inspired by all things texture, vintage and classic. Combining these elements makes for wonderful sessions that will forever be timeless!

I used several layers here for the floor prop shot. For example, there is chunky knit textures blanket, soft organic wrap, and a knit bonnet with these sweet little stings to add more interest to the images. Then, of course, the wood floors in my studio are showcased so baby has a rustic backdrop surrounding him. The wood floors add so much character and soul to the gallery; my husband created them for me as an 8 year wedding anniversary gift and I could not be more pleased!

Antique & Distressed Metal Bucket

This antique metal pail is a fantastic prop idea for a newborn boy because it is so cozy and fits every baby from 5 pounds all the way up to 11, ha! I adore using this during my newborn and sitter milestone sessions because it's flexible for many different backdrops and scenes. For instance, I can use it for a studio session or even an outdoor session for a family milestone shoot if needed. Either way, a cute bucket is a must have for any newborn session and parents tell me how much they look forward to this portion of their session. The buckets do take some skill to pose but they're worth the time. There's truly few things more endearing that a sweet little baby boy in a bucket slumbering so peacefully.

Cozy Potato Sack Style of Newborn Wrapping

The last newborn boy prop idea I have for you is to simply utilize neat backdrops you have on hand already. I like to use matching wraps with the backdrops so everything looks smooth and seamless. I wrap baby in the popular potato sack pose; as you can see, baby is super round, just like a little potato, and I tuck their hands ever so delicately under their chins. Sometimes I have baby cup their cheek if they're relaxed enough, too. This truly allows baby to shine and makes for a gorgeous portrait of your newborn son!

You may also be interested in the following posts:

• Super cute ways to wrap a newborn baby
• Sample Gallery of Wrapped Newborn Mini Session
• How to create vintage inspired newborn sessions

I'd like to thank you, as always, for stopping by the blog to see some the latest work I've had! I encourage you to check out the recent sessions to see more adorable babies, fun tips, and creative ways to work with your clients!

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer specializing in gorgeous posed newborn sessions. Her studio is located in Northwest Houston. 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 North Houston, Cypress, Tomball, Spring, Jersey Village, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Conroe, Willis, Montgomery, Humble, Kingwood, Porter, New Caney, Waller, Memorial & West Houston, Katy, Fulshear, Sugar Land, Pearland, Hempstead, Richmond, West University, Rice Village and Porter TX. Connect to chat with Sarah today! Please consider booking your session at your earliest convenience in order to secure your appointments on the calendar.

Here's Where Sarah's studio is located:

 

Importance of Including Soulful Black and White Images in Galleries

Offering stylish and classic Houston Newborn Photography, Sarah Borchgrevink offers includes gorgeous black and white edits in your final galleries.

Importance of adding depth and soul to your newborn galleries

Good morning, everyone! Happy Thursday! Today's blog post is going to chat about the importance of including black and white images in your final galleries, why I do so, and how to create soulful newborn portraits full of depth through dynamic lighting. If this is your first time here, please allow me to introduce myself! My name is Sarah. Located in Houston, I specialize in posed studio newborn photography and serve the entire area. While I offer a handful of maternity and family sessions per month, I truly delight in working with my most petite clients, and hope you find this post informative as either another photographer or potential client.

When photographing a brand new baby, such as James you see above, I bring them to my Houston Newborn Photo Studio when they're about 2 weeks or newer. Here you'll find everything you need for soulful newborn portraiture that's inspired by vintage props and evokes a sense of emotion and depth. While cute photos of newborn babies is always a plus, the art of newborn photography should also preserve a time in which baby acts as an art piece. Parents are investing in stunning work so part of commissioning a newborn portrait artist is trusting their creativity, such as how they light and process the images. Photography, after all, is all about light and using light to create a statement. This may sound slightly pretentious to those who aren't photographers, however, that's the goal: to create a connection to your past, to preserve, to celebrate, to use dynamic lighting and say something beautiful.

When booking a session, parents choose one of three collections I offer. You may be interested in viewing them here. Along with their color images, I do include black and white edits as a perk to newborn clients.

• Mini Wrapped Newborn Collection
• Petite Newborn Collection
• Full Newborn Collection

Shows Contours and Highlights of Baby

I use studio lights during my newborn sessions and this is how you create contours, shapes, and highlights to the baby. This is how you create gorgeous tones and structure to the characteristics of a newborn baby. Parents have spent months dreaming of their baby's face from their sweet little button noses, cupid lips, tiny eyelashes, their profiles, and tufts of hair. The black and white photograph of newborn babies preserves this in the most stunning of manners by really showcasing those gorgeous contours of your babies face. 

Baby is the succint focus without distractions 

By removing the color from an image, the shape of your subject is truly highlighted. The negative space surrounding the baby only emphasizes their skin tones and little features. The wrap, pigmentation of baby's skin tones, or other objects within the frame will not detract from baby. All you see is their adorable selves, from the way their newborn hands delicately cup a cheek, the strings of the bonnet against their shoulder, or the triangle of light against their face - this creates emotion and depth. Mothers will look at these images and truly remember this special time in their lives. I have three little ones myself and motherhood and the ever changing journey of this does influence my newborn portraiture. 

Helps portrait artists shoot more creatively and see light

When you're not focusing on colors, you see the way light forms around the shape of your subject. This teaches you to be more creative on light placement and the times of the day you shoot if you happen to be also be a natural light photographer.

Creates emotion

With the color gone, there is nothing but connection left. The colors of the backdrop become irrelevent because baby's beautiful grace is all that is present and you're left with the irrevokable sense of peace and serenity of the sleeping newborn cherub. 

Timeless, Classic and Inspired by Vintage Pieces

Something I consistently strive for, in my newborn work, is to be simple, timeless, and classic. I am inspired by vintage props, texture, and often lighting. When designing your newborn sessions, I cannot help but feel excited every time a new baby comes to visit! This is a chance to engage the viewer but also create something that will forever preserve a special time. 

Why be trendy when you can be timeless? 

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer specializing in gorgeous posed newborn sessions. Her studio is located in Northwest Houston. 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 North Houston, Cypress, Tomball, Spring, Jersey Village, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Conroe, Willis, Montgomery, Humble, Kingwood, Porter, New Caney, Waller, Memorial & West Houston, Katy, Fulshear, Sugar Land, Pearland, Hempstead, Richmond, West University, Rice Village and Porter TX. Connect to chat with Sarah today! Please consider booking your session at your earliest convenience in order to secure your appointments on the calendar.

 

How to Pose Families & Create Natural, Carefree and Candid Photos

Houston Family Photographer, Sarah Borchgrevink, uses dynamic natural light, timeless locations, and candid, close knit posing to create fun and carefree portraits.

Simple Tips for Photographing Natural Family Sessions

Howdy, friends! Thanks for visiting my little blog to see some fun and easy tips on posing families in order to create candid, natural, and gorgeous family portraits. My name is Sarah and I'm a Houston TX Photographer offering lovely outdoor family sessions. My sessions are fun, laid back and carefree. However, over the years I have learned simple tips that help the session run smoothly. 

You see, as a mother to three little girls, I treasure the images that are more natural and truly showcase my children's personalities. Photography is a connection to our past, a link to who we are, and will always bring you back to those precious memories, such as babies first steps or a fun milestone sessions. For example, this sweet family I am previewing today has been wonderful to work with over the last year. They began as maternity & newborn clients, and have commissioned me to document their family's outdoor family photography session plus their sweet son's first birthday images. This in mind, they're truly a joy to photograph and I'm thrilled to use their session as an example.

Choose a quiet location

The foundation of a great family session is selecting an environment in which your subjects feel comfortable. I prefer rustic, rural locations such as an open field. This type of location is quiet and will allow your client to relax. It can already be a little bit nerve wracking to have a huge DSLR camera in your face; by selecting a location that's off the beaten path and does not have a lot of traffic, you won't feel like people are staring at you. It'll allow you to take a step back and enjoy the beauty of nature.

To elaborate, when booking a session with me, clients are given a curated location list to browse. This allows you to see sample galleries and different types of sessions from sunrise and sunset, to maternity, child or family. These are locations I have hand selected for quality and aesthetic purposes since it's important the final look be timeless.

Give your clients an activity or task

I always start my sessions by giving my clients something to do; typically it's something like playing with their children. I will ask them to tickle baby, or make a "baby sandwich" so that baby is on display. It also helps clients relax to have their child in their arms. Assigning a task or activity ensures they know what to do with their hands and they're not awkward standing there, unsure what to do. The session should flow smoothly and not have any weird pauses or parents feeling like you're not leading. Take charge of your session.

Take a step back and have fun

When I was a little girl and growing up, having your photo taken generally meant you'd sit in one spot at a photo studio like Sears or JC Penny; you would be perfectly posed like a statue and smile directly at the camera. While it is nice to have a few photos of everyone smiling and looking at the camera, it's also great to have images in which the client is not thinking about the camera. Take a step back. Forget what you've always been told about photography. Simple tips for creating vivacious and fun family photos can including little one being tossed into the air, running, playing, tickle fights, or just cuddling up together. 

Think about focal plane

Your focal plane is super important in achieving candid, fun photos because everyone needs to be seen. I like for all of the subjects to be on display; it also makes sure everyone is in photo. I typically line my clients up in a cozy position where everyone is comfortable. Don't be nervous to adjust your client. If you can see the bottom of Dad's shoes, just rotate him. If Mom has a leaf in her hair, just remove it; these things are much easier to fix during the session than to worry about in processing. When everyone is lined up in the proper focal plane, you can see all the limbs, expressions, smiles, and also the background.

Encourage your client and give positive feedback

Clients don't like silence. When they're with you, they may feel like the session is not going well if you don't utter a single word. Keep things light and fun; ask them questions but also don't forget to give positive feedback to them. If you notice Mom is super pretty in the golden morning light, tell her. If baby looks precious, make sure to tell Dad how much you're enjoying time with little one. I promise clients respond well to positive reinforcement and it makes them feel more comfortable. When photographing my clients, it's almost like a little "mini friend date". I say this meaning that you have about half an hour to get to know them; you want to treat them like a friend because family photography is a personal experience. They've chosen you and should have a great time during their session.

Thanks for stopping by my blog to read about posing families in a candid, natural and carefree manner! I'm excited you've visited and hope these tips are helpful to you! 

You may also be interested in reading:

• 8 Awesome Tips for an Amazing Maternity & Family Session
• Choosing the perfect outdoor sunrise location
• What to wear for fall family photos in the south

Here's what this client had to say about their photo experience with Sarah:

Sarah has done both our newborn posed session and a first year family session. I have ABSOLUTELY LOVED every single picture she has taken and produced. Sarah is a wonderful photographer and goes above and beyond to help you not only save these memories, but make new ones as well. We will definitely use Sarah again!

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer specializing in gorgeous posed newborn sessions. Her studio is located in Northwest Houston. 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 North Houston, Cypress, Tomball, Spring, Jersey Village, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Conroe, Willis, Montgomery, Humble, Kingwood, Porter, New Caney, Waller, Memorial & West Houston, Katy, Fulshear, Sugar Land, Pearland, Hempstead, Richmond, West University, Rice Village and Porter TX. Connect to chat with Sarah today! Please consider booking your session at your earliest convenience in order to secure your appointments on the calendar.