One of my favourite parts of being a newborn photographer isn’t just photographing your baby—it’s planning the beautiful little details that come together before your session even begins.
When you book a newborn photography session with me at my Leichhardt studio, I don’t simply choose a random basket, wrap and backdrop on the day.
I spend time thinking about colours, textures, props and the overall feeling I want your images to have.
Every baby is different, and every family has their own personality and preferences. That’s why I love creating setups that feel personal to you while still reflecting my style of timeless newborn photography.
It Starts With You
Before your session, I love hearing what you like.
You might have a favourite colour, a particular prop you’ve seen on my Instagram, or simply a collection of images that you love.
Some parents tell me:
“I love neutral colours.”
Others say:
“We really want something colourful.”
And sometimes parents don’t know what they want at all—and that’s completely okay!
You don’t need to be a photographer or know exactly which colours will work together. That’s where I come in.
You can show me the types of images you love, and I can use that as inspiration when designing your baby’s setups.
I Think About the Baby First
As beautiful as a prop might be, the most important consideration is always the baby.
Newborns are tiny, delicate and unpredictable, so I choose props that are appropriate for newborn photography and suitable for the way I work.
I think about the size and shape of the prop, how the baby will be positioned, the materials and textures, and whether I can photograph the setup comfortably and safely.
The prop should support the portrait—not make the baby uncomfortable.
And if your baby doesn’t like a particular setup, we simply move on.
The baby is always the boss.
Choosing the Right Colours
Colour can completely change the mood of a newborn portrait.
Soft creams, whites and beige tones can create a classic, elegant and timeless look.
Warm browns and earthy tones can make an image feel cosy and natural.
Soft pinks, purples and other delicate colours can create a beautiful feminine look for baby girls.
And sometimes a stronger colour palette is exactly what the family wants.
I love having lots of colours available in my studio because it allows me to create different looks throughout the session.
But I don’t simply put every colour together.
I consider how the colours work with one another and how they will photograph under my studio lighting.
Sometimes the most beautiful setup is actually the simplest one.
Creating Layers With Texture
One of the secrets to making a newborn photograph feel beautiful is texture.
A soft wrap, knitted layer, textured blanket, delicate fabric or handmade bonnet can add depth to an otherwise simple image.
I love combining different textures while keeping the overall image clean and uncluttered.
Newborn photography is about the tiny details—the little fingers, curled toes, soft cheeks and delicate eyelashes.
The textures and props should enhance those details rather than distract from them.
Choosing Props That Complement the Baby
My studio has a growing collection of newborn props, including baskets, little beds, buckets, tiny beds, wraps, outfits, bonnets, headbands, flowers and adorable little teddy bears.
But I don’t use everything in every session.
Instead, I choose pieces based on the look we’re creating.
For example, a simple neutral basket might work beautifully with a cream wrap and soft beige tones.
A floral setup might call for a beautiful colour palette with delicate flowers and a matching headband.
A tiny teddy bear might become the perfect little companion for a warm, earthy setup.
Sometimes one prop can inspire an entire portrait.
I Love Creating Different Setups Within One Session
One of the wonderful things about a full newborn photography session is that we don’t have to choose just one look.
We can create several different setups.
Perhaps we start with a beautiful classic portrait on a simple backdrop.
Then we might move into a basket setup, followed by a little bed or another prop.
We can change colours, textures and accessories to create variety throughout the gallery.
This means your final images can feel different from one another while still looking cohesive as a collection.
What If You Have a Special Theme?
I also love when families bring their own ideas into the session.
Over the years, I’ve photographed babies with special themes and meaningful little props—from teddy bears and flowers to fun family-inspired themes.
If you have something special you’d like included, let me know before your session.
You are also welcome to bring small personal items that have meaning to your family.
I can then think about how they might work naturally within your baby’s portraits.
Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together
If you’re looking for a Sydney newborn photographer, I would love to help you create a newborn session that feels personal to your family.
My cosy studio is located in Leichhardt, Sydney’s Inner West, and I have a beautiful collection of newborn props, wraps, outfits and accessories available for your session.
Before your session, we’ll talk about your favourite colours, ideas and the types of photographs you love. From there, I’ll use my experience and creativity to design beautiful setups especially for your baby.
You don’t need to know exactly what you want.
Bring your ideas, your favourite colours and your baby—and I’ll take care of the rest.
