Recently I was talking with a local Minneapolis area newborn photographer about some things in my studio and where I got them. As we talked, more and more things seemed to be from Amazon, and we joked about me starting a Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers. More longer we talked, the joke turned into a real idea. I decided to put together an Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers. My local friend was surprised at home many things in my studio I have found on amazon over the years, and things that I use that are not the norm in our industry, or things that are hidden treasures on Amazon. And it grew into a pretty long Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers. Obviously, I spend way too much time shopping on Amazon! And my shopping habits are paying off for anyone looking for some things to buy or add to their Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers list.
I broke the Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers down into a few main groups, since it got long fast. This way you can scroll through to what items you are interested in, or you can take some time and read the entire Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers. I also added hyperlinks to all the items mentioned, so you can easily view them and add things to you shopping cart and Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers.
- Props & Backdrops
- Newborn Session Tools
- Camera Equipment
- Computer Equipment
- Studio Furniture
- Storage Items
- Beyond Newborns, Maternity and Milestone Items
Amazon Shopping List For Newborn Photographers | Props & Backdrops
I buy all of my seamless paper backdrops off Amazon. It is a staple for any Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers. I prefer mine in pure white, but I know a lot of photographer friends love bone too. I tend to edit warm, so the color of bone gets too yellow for my taste in edits. I also have seamless paper in mocha, gray, and black. If I had to only pick two, it would be white and black on my Amazon list for newborn photographers. Seamless paper gives me a nice simple backdrop for newborn photographers, and also lets the focus of the images be the connection between the family, without a distraction from the backdrop.
I use 5×7 floor mats in the studio for my wooden backdrops. If you have any experience with backdrops and the different materials, you know that the same backdrop printed on different materials can look very different. Because of this, I use floor mats for both my floors and backdrops. That way the colors match in my images. Since floor drops are thick and heavy, I use metal strips mounted to the wall and strong magnets to hold the mat to the strip. It’s nice because it takes up very little room on the wall, and it’s fast and easy to swap out backdrops on this system. Just be sure to get strong magnets like these. I know there are floor drops on Amazon, but I haven’t used any and only want to add things to the Amazon shopping list or newborn photographers that I have real world experience with.
If you have a studio, and your landlord is like most land lords they limit what you can do with the place in terms of color and design sometimes. I am a huge fan of all white shooting spaces, so I struggled with the sage walls of my studio and trying to find a paint free way for them to better fit my style. I ended up finding this amazing peel and stick white brick wall paper, that gives the studio a white brick wall look. It was super easy to install – if I can do it, anyone can. It also photographs amazing, and if you struggle with wall color options in your space, be sure to add this to your Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers
If you need a backdrop stand for sessions, this is a favorite of mine. I like that is a low profile, and doesn’t take up much space. It is also adjustable, so you can use the backdrop stand for a variety of backdrop sizes. It’s the best backdrop stand you can get for the money because of how versatile it is, and a must for a Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers that use backdrops in studio.
If you are using a backdrop stand, not all clips to hold the backdrop to the stand are created equal. When I first started, I used plastic clips, and had some problems. The plastic would break, and sometimes it happened during a session with pieces of the plastic clips would shooting across the room. Not ideal when working with babies and kids. The clips I use now are amazing, and need to be on your Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers. For attaching backdrops to the backdrop stand I mentioned above, I used these amazingly versatile backdrop holders. They pull your backdrop tight and are easy to use. They are like mini bungee cords that hold everything extremely tight. For holding fabric backdrops to my dog bed, I use metal 1 inch spring clamps now. I have had some for 7 years, and they are like new. Of all the clamps I have used over the years, these are the best and a must for your Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers
Amazon Shopping List For Newborn Photographers | Newborn Sessions Tools
Of all the things I have in the studio, this one is the most popular with parents. The Baby Shusher does just that, it shushes babies so you don’t have to. Not only should it be on an Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers, but it should also be on a list for parents. So many of my parents end up buying it off Amazon before the session is even over. I joke that I need to get a commission off all the sales of the Baby Shusher that come from clients after seeing it in the studio. I have even had parents return to the studio with baby 2 or 3, and show up with the Baby Shusher attached to their newborn’s car seat. They joke about not leaving home without it.
A great Amazon find that I couldn’t do without now is this package of individually wrapped pacifiers. They have come in helpful for a variety of reasons. Some parents forget pacifiers, some pacifiers leave marks on baby’s face from the plastic mouth piece, and some parents do not use a pacifier at home but are willing to use one during the session as a way to help speed up soothing during the session. I have bought these so many times over the years, that not only are they on my own Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers, but I get reminders from Amazon when they think I might need to reorder them. Even Amazon knows how great they are for newborn photographers. They are a similar style and texture to the pacifiers that are used in most hospitals, just to give you an idea of what to expect from them if you do add them to your Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers.
If you are like me, you want some music on or noise on while in the studio. I’m not a huge fan of awkward silence, even when working. So an Echo Dot is a must for my Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers. I love the voice control, different playlist options, and that clients can enjoy some music during the session too.
Another items that is on Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers is elevated dog beds. Over the last few years, dog beds have become popular for newborn photography and replacing the traditional bean bag that has been used for years. I have been using a dog bed for 4 years now. I love it. I am on my second dog bed, after finding the perfect one. This dog bed is not only bigger than most others used in newborn photography, but it also has a Velcro side, that allows you to tighten the mesh bed portion of the bed, since it can sag over time. Do yourself a favor, and buy this – or add it to your Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers to buy later. I do all of my “bean bag” poses on the dog bed. I have had a lot of requests for details how I shoot on the dog bed, and am planning a follow up to this blog on Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers with detail posts on specific items, and how I use them if they are used in a different way than expected in the studio.
Since we are talking pet supplies with dog beds, lets talk about cat scratchers. This is one of those things that may not seem at home in a newborn photography studio, but it is super helpful. It is the perfect angle to pose baby on when using a flokati rug. Simply slip the cat scratcher under the rug, make some adjustments, and you are set. It lifts baby’s face up to the camera, and lets their body angle away from the camera in a flattering pose. So when you are shopping on Amazon, grab these two things from the pet section for your Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers.
Amazon Shopping List For Newborn Photographers | Camera Equipment
Cameras are all person preference, so they probably don’t belong on a set Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers, but they are on mine. I have shot with Canon Cameras since I was in the 4th grade and took a photography class in elementary school. I loved shooting film, but really enjoyed the magic that happened in the darkroom. It was amazing to see all of the difference techniques and practices used to create photographs from film. I am a Canon girl. So take this part of the Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers with a grain of salt if you prefer to shoot with a Nikon, Sony, or another brand of Camera.
My main camera body is a Canon R6 mirror-less camera. I use an Canon adapter ring that allows my old EF mount lenses to attach to the RF mount. The main lens I shoot with (really, like 905 of my images are taken with it) is a 50MM 1.8 lens (yep, a $125 lens). I also have a Canon 100MM 2.8 macro lens , and my newest lens addition was a Canon 35mm RF 1.8 Macro. I have a few other lenses, but these are the main one I use, and what I think is a great lens collection to include on a Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers. I’ve also had the best luck with finding the mirror less bodies, adapter, and lenses on Amazon, versus other large camera stores. The big camera stores were always sold out when I was looking to buy my camera and accessories, so that lead to them being on my Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers. I know you can get these items at a bunch of stores, but nothing beats free prime shipping.
Amazon Shopping List For Newborn Photographers | Computer Stuff
As photographers, we have a lot of devices attached to our computers. From external hard drives, card readers, keyboards, editing tablets, mouse, and more. This 10-port usb hub is great to allowing multiple devices to be plugged in to your computer. Who doesn’t want to tame all of the cords, and have the ability to plug in multiple devices at once.
A must for your Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers is a card reader. This card reader is great because it reads multiple card types. I have had mine for a couple years now, and it still works amazingly. It transfers images from the cards to my computer quickly too. If you are shopping, you can also add some memory cards to your Amazon shopping list or newborn photographers. Amazon always has the price on memory cards.
I broke down and bought a new computer this year. Well, I didn’t really break down. My Apple was old, and got to the point where it to too old to keep updating programs like Photoshops. So I was essentially told by Apple that I needed a new computer. I wasn’t thrilled with the need to purchase a new computer, but I ended up getting an Apple Mac Mini – which I am loving. The only thing I wasn’t a fan of with my new computer was the size of the computer itself. It wasn’t huge by any means, but it was something that needed to be stored on my desk and was taking up space I was used to having free. I ended up finding this amazing holder for it that keeps it on it’s side, and frees up more space on my desk.
With buying my Mac Mini, I also needed to invest in a monitor. I wasn’t ready to give up my 27 inch monitor that I had with my previous Apple. But I also wanted a computer monitor that was made for photography editing and Photoshop. The Ben Q monitors are just that. I love the size, the colors, and the monitor hood that was included to prevent glare on the screen. I wasn’t aware of how badly glare was impacting my old monitor until I started using this one. Having the monitor hood is a huge advantage to editing during the day in a room with windows.
Amazon Shopping List For Newborn Photographers | Studio Furniture
A lot of my studio furniture is from Amazon. I didn’t realize it until I starting adding things to this Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers. I buy a lot of white, or off white, furniture too. My studio is mostly white, and has a light airy feeling to it. So, all of these white furniture options work great, and will be good additions to your own Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers.
This faux leather futon seems like a staple for a lot of studio photographers, and I am sure it is on a lot of Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers. It’s great for a variety of reasons. It can be used for parent seating during sessions, it’s great for posing families on too. It’s large enough to fit full families, or can be used for milestone sessions alone. It can also be used a bed for sessions. I love using a bed set up for milestone and maternity sessions.
This mid-century modern white chair is a favorite on my Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers list. I use it for a variety of session types. It works great for older kids, and gives he sessions a simple and clean look. It is also a favorite of mine for milestone sessions. It’s big enough to comfortably fit a 6 to 12 month old for cute images from their session.
Another cute piece of furniture in the studio that serves a dual purpose is this settee. It works great for seating during sessions and viewing appointments. It is also a great piece to include in milestone and maternity sessions. It really is a piece that everyone should have on their Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers
Another favorite piece of furniture in the studio is this bench. It’s a little out of place ( since it isn’t white like the rest of my furniture), but it works great for newborn sessions. Will either have the family all crowd together facing me for pictures, or my favorite way to photograph families on the bench is to have the family all turned and facing each other. This is a cute variation of a family portrait, and I also love it because it really shows their connection with each other, instead of faked smiles for the camera.
This is the newest addition to my studio, and already a favorite. As photographers, we spend a lot of time working at desks. From editing, to tasks like emailing clients, ordering prints and products, scheduling sessions, updating websites and blogs – we are at desks a lot. This standing desk is amazing! It can be used as a regular height desk. When you are ready to stand and work for a while, it has an electric motor that raises and lowers the desk top. It is amazing. Seriously, add it to your Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers
Amazon Shopping List For Newborn Photographers | Storage Items
Another staple on Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers are these little utility carts. They are a great way to store things you need for a session – mine holds my lenses and poses tools, the things I will need during a session and want close and easily accessible. I also love that it is on wheels and I can move it around the studio to make sure it is close to be during all parts of the newborn session, and I can quickly change lenses or grab a posing took to help perfect baby’s pose.
I have a small studio, and that really dictates what ends up on my Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers. I need things that are small, compact, or easily moved when needed. This rolling clothing rack is a perfect way for me to display clothing options to clients, but without having a large closet or storage unit in the studio for clothing options in the studio wardrobe. It’s something I can take out when needed, and store out of site.
To go with the rolling rack, another thing to add to your Amazon shopping list for newborn photographs is hangers. High quality hangers. I have cute velvet kids hangers for my children clothing options. For adult clothing options, I have full size velvet hangers. I love the look of velvet hangers. They are slimmer and have a sift feel to them. I also love how well they hold clothing on the hanger too. A lot of my maternity outfits are made from a silky material that can slide off normal hangers. That does not happen with these, at all.
I also hang my backdrops, and found the best hangers for them. These trouser hangers work great for the heavy backdrops and to store them in a way that is both beautiful and practical. I love that I can easily take fabrics off the hanger, that they look great when clients flip through the backdrops looking for options for their session.
Another little storage thing in the studio, and one on many Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers are these little hanging clips. They are curtain panel holders, but do an amazing job of holding up newborn bonnets and headbands. I keep all of my headbands on an amazing props holder my husband built. It’s not anything that can be added to this Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers, unless he suddenly starts selling things on Amazon somehow.
Amazon Shopping List For Newborn Photographers | Beyond Newborns, Maternity & Milestones
I know this list is aimed at newborn photographers, but since a lot of us photograph milestone and maternity sessions too, I wanted to add some non-newborn items to Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers too.
Here are some of my favorite milestone clothing finds off Amazon, and things to consider adding to your Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers. Blue romper, purple romper, blue sleeper, and this green linen romper.
I’ve also found some good maternity dress options off Amazon. They are not the same quality as some of my high end maternity gowns and dresses, but they photograph well and allowed me to add some additional maternity options to my studio wardrobe. I would only add these items to your Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers if you already have some high end options for clients. There is a big difference in how a woman stands in a cheap dress, and how they carry themselves in a dress that just feels expensive.
This whole maternity styling was off Amazon, and a favorite of mine and probably should be added to your Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers too. The body suit, fedora, and sequin cape are all Amazon finds.
Amazon Shopping List For Newborn Photographers | More To Come
After putting this list together, I realized I need to make a few more lists. I am planning on a little series of blog posts similar to this Amazon shopping list for newborn photographers. I want to do one that covers camera equipment for newborn photographers, computer equipment for newborn photographers, my favorite newborn photography editing tools, maternity session must haves, my top newborn vendors, outdoor session must haves, and my favorite studio props. I’m excited to share all the things I have found and love over the years in other photography blog posts in coming months.