Last Updated on 02/07/2026 by Armands Sprogis
Newborn Photography Equipment for Beginners: What I’d Buy If I Started Again
When I first started photographing newborns back in 2009, I bought far more equipment than I actually needed.
Like many photographers starting out, I thought I needed every prop, every accessory and the latest camera gear before I could create beautiful newborn portraits.
Looking back now, after more than 17 years and photographing well over a thousand babies, I’d do things very differently. If you’re curious about the style of newborn photography I’ve developed over the years, you can have a look at my newborn photography portfolio before we get started.
If I were starting a newborn photography business today, I’d keep my setup simple and only buy the equipment I genuinely needed. Not only would it save me thousands of pounds, but it would also allow me to focus on what really matters, learning how to safely photograph newborns and avoid brain paralysis from too many choices.
In my guide on How to Start a Newborn Photography Business, I talked about budgeting, choosing a camera, finding training and the costs involved in starting a business. In this article, I’d like to take a closer look at the equipment I would personally buy if I were starting all over again.
Prefer to watch instead?
I’ve also recorded a video where I walk you through the equipment I recommend, explain why I’d buy some things differently if I were starting again today and share a few extra tips that are easier to demonstrate than write about.
Watch the video below.
Buy a Camera First, Then Invest in Training
This may sound a little unusual in an equipment guide, but before buying props, backdrops and accessories, I’d recommend purchasing your camera and at least one suitable lens like 35mm.
Spend some time learning the basics of photography before attending your first newborn workshop. Become comfortable with exposure, aperture, shutter speed, ISO and your camera’s focus modes. You don’t need to be an expert, but you should be able to change your settings confidently without having to think about them.
The reason is simple.
A newborn photography workshop isn’t there to teach you how to use your camera. It’s there to teach you newborn safety, posing, wrapping techniques, workflow and how to work confidently with parents and their baby. The more familiar you are with your camera beforehand, the more you’ll get out of your training.
Another advantage of attending training early is that you’ll see exactly what equipment experienced newborn photographers are using. Equipment changes all the time, and your trainer can recommend products that they genuinely use every week rather than simply what’s being advertised online. That advice alone could save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds
Camera and Lenses
I’ve already covered cameras and lenses in more detail in my guide on How to Start a Newborn Photography Business, so I won’t repeat everything here. Personally, I’d still recommend buying a used camera body and investing more of your budget in good quality lenses. Camera bodies lose value quickly, while a good lens can stay with you for many years.
For most beginners, I’d recommend starting with a versatile 24-70mm lens together with something wider, such as a 35mm lens. Between those two, you’ll comfortably photograph newborns, families and detail shots without feeling limited.
Remember, your clients won’t ask what camera you used. They’ll remember the photographs you created.
Choosing Your Posing Setup
One question I’m often asked is whether beginners should buy a beanbag, a posing table or one of the dog beds used for newborn photography.
The honest answer is that they all work. I photographed newborns on a beanbag for many years before experimenting with a dog bed setup. Today, I use a simple posing table, and honestly, I wish I’d changed sooner. My knees and back certainly appreciate not having to spend hours kneeling on the floor.
That doesn’t mean you need to buy a posing table straight away. beanbag will do to start with.
Choose the setup that suits both your budget and the way you like to work. As you gain experience, you’ll naturally discover what feels right for you.
Keep Your Lighting Simple
Lighting is another area where photographers often spend far too much money in the beginning.
For many years, I photographed newborn sessions using nothing more than a single speedlight fired into a large 65-inch umbrella with a diffusion cover.
It produced beautiful, soft, even light and served me incredibly well.
Later, I upgraded to a Godox AD360 system, which I still use for weddings today. There are now plenty of newer alternatives that are smaller, lighter and more powerful.
The important thing isn’t owning the latest light. It’s learning how to use one light well.
My Beginner Starter Kit
If I were starting again today, this is what I’d buy first.
Posing Equipment
- Posing layers
- Five neutral blankets
- Matching wraps, hats and headbands
- One posing bucket or basket
- One quality white flokati rug
- Two sets of posing beans
Comfort
- White noise machine or shusher. (I currently use the Shusher, but there are several good alternatives available.)
- Motion device such as a Rockit or Lulla-Vibe
- Room thermometer
- Heater
Hygiene and Safety
- Disposable pee pads
- Cleaning products
- Comfortable clothing suitable for working in a warm room
Small Things That Make Sessions Easier
Sometimes it’s the smallest items that make the biggest difference.
A dummy has helped settle countless babies over the years. I used pre-packaged Jolly Pop ones.
Breast pads are surprisingly useful when wrapping babies.
Smarties have rescued many sibling photographs!
I also keep sterile eye wipes in the studio for cleaning sleepy eyes before a session when needed. A nail polisher is handy too. None of these items cost very much, but together they help sessions run much more smoothly.
What I Wouldn’t Buy Straight Away
If I could go back and give myself one piece of advice, it would be this. Don’t try to build the perfect newborn studio overnight; I did.
You don’t need dozens of blankets, had more than that :) You don’t need 10 different buckets. You don’t need shelves packed with props. I was obsessed with props.
Start with a small collection of neutral colours that work well together. Learn how to use those items confidently before buying more. As your business grows, let your clients pay for your next prop rather than buying everything before you’ve earned your first booking. Over time, you’ll build a collection that reflects your own style instead of copying someone else’s. You can also keep in eye in photography groups on what people are selling. Some good finds there.
Final Thoughts
Buying equipment is exciting. It’s probably one of the most enjoyable parts of starting a newborn photography business. But don’t fall into the trap of believing that better equipment automatically makes you a better photographer.
Some of my favourite newborn portraits have been created using a very simple setup. Invest in your skills first. Keep your equipment simple. Build your collection slowly. Your photography, your creativity and the experience you give your clients will always be far more valuable than the number of props sitting on your shelves.
If you’re still planning your business, I’d also recommend reading my complete guide on How to Start a Newborn Photography Business, where I cover budgeting, training, websites, pricing and getting your first clients.
