Giving birth, with all its ups and downs, is a remarkable achievement. You’ll surely want to celebrate the first few days in the life of your newborn. As you read through this article that covers newborn photoshoot props, you’ll be inspired by stories, legends, books, and movies, but also by colors, textures, fabrics, and materials of all sorts.
Rest assured—we are extremely careful when handling all the props, blankets, and equipment used during the session. We make sure to examine all props one by one beforehand and make sure they are clean and free of hazards so that your bundle of joy is safe.
On the same note, please know that Stephany has been certified by Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International (APNPI) in newborn safety and has worked with more than 200+ babies. Stephany has taken classes on newborn safety and continually educates herself on this topic.
40 newborn photoshoot props for 2022
These 40+ prop ideas will help you brainstorm ideas or flesh out that theme you’ve been thinking of. If you don’t know how to set your ideas in motion, don’t worry. We’ll help you make them a reality and add an extra touch of creativity to make them uniquely yours. Stephany is an award-winning, internationally published fine art, newborn, and maternity photographer specializing in creating unique art for your family. Customer testimonies and accolades are proof that Stephany is the best fine art newborn photographer in Dallas.
1. Basket and crate props
Baskets and crates may seem dangerous, but we take every caution to look out for splinters. Plus, we cushion everything so that your baby is safely asleep.
2. Faux Fur Blankets props
Faux fur looks absolutely fabulous. It gives away the feeling of softness, warmth, and luxury. Plus, high-quality faux fur is generally non-allergenic.
3. Baby Yoda photoshoot theme
Grogu, who got the unofficial pseudonym “Baby Yoda,” won everyone’s hearts when he appeared in The Mandalorian. Since then, there have been memes, photo filters, and everything cute, including this photoshoot. Adorable baby Yoda, this is.
4. Stuffed animals props
Research proves how toddlers and children become attached to their stuffed animals as they grow as healthy little humans. Don’t shy away from including stuffed animal props to the photoshoot theme. Look how this twin portrait sets a gentle contrast between the two.
By the way, if you are expecting twins, check out these adorable twin sessions, plus an intro to your twin newborn photography session.
5. Hats, bows, and headbands
Hats, headbands, and bows add a sense of polish and style to a look. They are made of fabric that’s safe for infants—even the tiny embellishments, like this adorable headband that bundles angels together, making the picture look serene.
6. Dallas Cowboys theme
A football theme is worth considering if there are football fans in the family—newborn included. The props create the right setting for any sports theme, just like this one.
7. Fall props
Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean that the aesthetics have to look like flaming foliage. There’s room for creativity regarding the color scheme—just like these paley-white pumpkins in this photoshoot.
Fun fact: did you know that the rich shades of yellow, orange, red, purple, and brown are abundant in the cells of every leaf through every season, but they don’t show until chlorophyll (involved in photosynthesis—gives the color green) starts slowing down—which happens in autumn.
8. Spring Props
Nothing screams ‘Spring has come!’ more than flowers. In this gorgeous newborn photoshoot, the infant is the most beautiful flower that's just bloomed.
9. Christmas props
Christmas holidays must be extra wonderful—and glamorous—thanks to all the December newborns. Since not many babies get to have a Santa-themed photoshoot, opt for one that’s unique, yet homey.
10. Little hunter props
The little hunter theme has an earthy, cozy feel to every photoshoot. Disclaimer: no animals were harmed during this shoot—our little hunter was too busy sleeping.
11. Wildwood props
Similar to the Little Hunter theme, wildwood props have great aesthetics. The moss and wooden crib set a nice down-to-earth ambiance—pun intended.
12. Marvel baby boy newborn photo session
It’s no surprise that DC, Marvel, and other superheroes are incredibly popular among people of all ages—including 14-day-olds. This little Superman is off saving the world by looking adorable in this photoshoot.
13. Boho-chic props
Boho-chic style is the upgraded, more elevated bohemian aesthetic of the 80s. It is a merger of the two styles—bohemian and chic—so it's a fashion fusion that takes the classic bohemian look to a more sophisticated level. Think hippie aesthetics, embroideries, appliques, and prints combined with retro and vintage elements. Variations to this concept are limitless.
14. Butterfly newborn session
There’s something innately beautiful about butterflies; kids, in particular, love to explore nature and chase butterflies. So this butterfly concept is mesmerizing since it is a story of growth and transformation: 10-14 days after the chrysalis (cocoon) is formed, it becomes transparent, revealing the magnificent butterfly inside.
15. Love-themed portrait
We create art for your home, making it look like an exquisite gallery with art that’s uniquely yours—fine prints, digital artwork, heirloom albums, keepsake portfolio boxes, modern acrylic art pieces, museum-quality handmade canvases, framed wall art, wood art pieces, and wall collections. Imagine having this gorgeous portrait that so confidently yet serenely spells out ‘LOVE’ on your home walls.
16. Honey Bee baby photography session
This honey bee baby photo shoot is just the bee’s knees (pun intended). The idiom, which means “excellent” or “of very high quality,” refers to the bees carrying pollen in sacks on their knees. So, the expression alludes to this concentrated goodness that eventually becomes honey.
1 7. Cowboy props
Texas cowboys and vaqueros exude that old Western lifestyle of hard work and friendly hospitality. Plus, the Texan cowboy is symbolic of the state's image. The newborn sleeping in the cowboy hat is absolutely charming. For a visual history of Texan Cowboys, surf this page.
18. Star Wars theme
The Star Wars theme is an absolute classic. Stuffed dolls and figurines surrounding the baby who’s swaddled like the protagonist complete the portrait.
19. Our Little Teddy Bear
Our little teddy bear theme is one of the most appealing trends, since this bundle of joy looks so happy and content—like the other plushies who are part of the family.
20. Soccer player props
Sports themes are always in demand, with soccer being one of the favorites, along with American football and basketball. This portrait is done here at our studio in the Dallas Fort Worth area, where we try our best to create a safe space to share your ideas for family pictures. The areas she serves include but are not limited to Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Colleyville, Coppell, Dallas, Denton, Euless, Fairview, Farmers Branch, Flower Mound, Frisco, Garland, Grapevine, Hurst, Irving, Keller, Lewisville, McKinney, Plano, Richardson, Rockwall, Southlake, Fort Worth and beyond.
Stephany will be taking the pictures at the studio, and later she’ll make some image composites in Photoshop, to get that artistic effect as safely as possible.
21. Only-the-feet pose
Chubby or skinny feet, the pose with just the feet gives that “aww” feeling. Did you know that newborn feet are only 3.5 inches in size? And that shoes should be as soft as possible, out of flexible materials that form to fit the skinniest and widest of feet.
22. Our Little Angel
Our little angel theme has many variations—from aesthetics and style to solo poses and poses with mommy. The angel-themed shoot is versatile. Check out this article on maternity trends for 2022—with wings coming in various shapes and sizes—and this <newborn portrait trends> to see mommy as a dazzling guardian angel.
23. Safari props
Speaking of headbands—the mane on this newborn’s head speaks to every Lion King fan. The safari props are easy to find and replicate—the stuffed animals look like they are friends with your bundle of joy.
24. Our Little Princess
With so many Disney princesses out there, it’s difficult to choose your favorite. Well, you don’t have to. Our Little Princess theme finds the newborn surrounded by her close friends.
25. The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid concept can have many variations, depending on which props you want to use. This tiny crib resembles a bubble, surrounded by sea stars. The baby’s mermaid tail is all glitter. So dazzling!
26. Toy story theme
Similar to Our Little Princess theme, when you surround the newborn with a lot of fun, loving, and relatable characters, you can’t go wrong with this photoshoot. Newborn photo shoots help immortalize this precious moment. Probably what crosses our minds is Woody’s line in Toy Story 2—“I can’t stop Andy from growing up. But I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
27. Ballerina theme
The Ballerina theme is definitely more elegant and exquisite by nature. Coupled with roses and ballerina poses, your little bundle of joy looks like the Prima ballerina assoluta. This is pure art. Do check out her extensive portfolio showcasing fine art photography.
28. Chinese New Year
Since it’s based on the lunar calendar, The Chinese New Year is great for January and February babies. Out of respect for your elders, or deep appreciation for your roots—this photoshoot looks absolutely stunning.
29. Rose petals props
There’s something timeless about roses. Their cultivation most likely began in Asia around 3,000 BCE, and have been grown, traded, bartered, and experimented with ever since. Rumor has it that the Emperor’s library contained hundreds of books on roses, and that even Confucius wrote of growing roses in the Imperial Gardens.
Another legend says that the rose was a creation of Greek gods. The flower goddess Chloris collaborated with other gods—the spring wind Zephyr pushed the clouds aside, Apollo blossomed the rose, and the war god Ares made the thorns, as a weapon of defense. There’s another Greek legend about Aphrodite that you can read all about here.
Either way, “Roses are red—” and they express love and intense emotions. Roses and other flowers belonging to the genus Rosa are usually non-allergenic. But to be on the safe side, opt for artificial ones. Either way, a rose petal blanket is absolutely beautiful.
30. Rainbow baby
The Rainbow theme can be made out of various props and materials. We have to say that flowers make the best rainbow. Look at that gold pot at the end of the rainbow!
31. Paris themed
The Parisian theme feels very romantic, classy, and has an elegant look. Whether you’re celebrating your ancestry or deep appreciation for European culture, a Paris-themed photo shoot will surely leave a lasting impression.
32. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
The Twinkle Twinkle Little Star concept puts viewers in a relaxed mood. The moon, the stars, the lullaby give that feeling of calmness, comfort, and gentleness. The sky’s the limit!
33. Fishing props
This portrait is yet again made with Photoshop magic. The newborn looks adorable sleeping serenely—and confidently, mind you—in a boat with dolphins swimming side by side.
34. Our Little Astronaut
“One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”—and one tiny leap for this adventurous infant. Did you know that Neil Armstrong’s biographer found an interesting connection between Armstrong’s famous line and Tolkien’s The Hobbit?
35. Winnie the Pooh
As the quote goes, "Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart." In our case, it’s these tiny Winnie the Pooh props that make this photo shoot stand out from afar.
It’s actually interesting how the story of Winnie the Pooh was inspired by the author’s son—by his son’s teddy bear, actually. Alan Alexander Milne published Winnie the Pooh in 1926, using Christopher Robin’s stuffed toys (Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Owl, and Rabbit) as a way to cope with post traumatic stress after World War I.
36. Harry Potter props
The Harry Potter series is the best-selling book series of all time, having sold over 500 million copies worldwide. So, it’s safe to say that Harry Potter is one of the most popular characters. There are so many variations to this theme, from Hogwarts Houses to magical creatures and sidekicks, from classes to adventures. This portrait reminds us of “Dobby is a free elf, and Dobby has come to save Harry Potter”.
37. Lion King props
Disney’s Lion King was inspired by the lives of Joseph and Moses from the Bible, and William Shakespeare's Hamlet. The story takes place in a kingdom of lions in Africa, weaving Kenyan landscapes and folk. The intricate plot and relatable characters has made Lion King one of the highest-grossing movies of all time—it’s a classic, and it will probably stay so for the next decades. So any photoshoots inspired by Simba and his friends will make a gorgeous portrait.
38. Formula 1 Champ
Recognized as the world’s most prestigious motor racing competition, Formula One goes back to 1950 when it began its annual sporting championship. The adrenaline rush, the excitement, and the accolades are probably what our F1 Champ is dreaming of when sleeping so sweetly during this photo shoot.
39. Fiesta props
Stephany is skilled in editing, so most people probably can’t tell that some artistic portraits—including this one—are a composition of different images to get that whimsical concept right.
Fun fact: did you know that a baby llama is called a "cria" (Spanish word for ‘baby’)? Baby alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos are also called crias. Mama llamas usually only have one baby at a time, and llama twins are incredibly rare. So this photoshoot is not only cute but also punny.
40. Chanel props
If you’re thinking of a luxury fashion house concept, think no further than Chanel. Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel popularized sporty, casual chic as the feminine standard of style and fashion after World War I. She inspired women of fashion to abandon the complicated, uncomfortable clothes worn at the time (breath-taking corsets—not in a good way) in favor of elegantly casual clothes. Chanel is famous for her timeless designs, trademark suits, and little black dresses—in this photo shoot, “little black blankey”.
What next?
We simply can’t pick our favorites out of the eye-candy 40 newborn portrait ideas. If you’re left wanting more, check out this article on 20 newborn photography trends for more inspo.
Next up—here’s all you need to know before a newborn photo session.
If you’ve stumbled upon this post and you’re expecting a bundle of joy, take a moment to read this ultimate guide to maternity photography to get some more inspo for your maternity portrait session.
Going through these ideas answered that pesky question—why hire a Dallas newborn photographer when you can take a few photos yourself—right? If so, by all means, get in touch with Stephany and schedule a visit.