This post will give you a ton of tips on props for taking professional pics of kiddos from newborn to beyond toddlerhood!
Props make the shot, they add color, fun, and interest that make the photos pop off the page. If you are planning a shoot for your infant, newborn, toddler, or family I have a list of things you may want to consider to get that perfect shot.
I’ll link each tip to where to buy so your search stops here!!
Hats: Hats make the shot. Don’t believe me? Keep scrolling and you’ll be a believer! From Sock Monkey to Bunny no matter what you put on a tiny little head it will look divine.
Rugs: What’s behind and underneath you IS important. Did you you notice the soft puffy white cloud under the baby in the two photos above? It’s not the focus of the shot but its what makes the whole picture come together and looks soft and sweet. Don’t miss this element! Flokati rugs are great but traditional flokatis are wool and shed and quite frankly stink! These are synthetic so no allergy issues here! See them here. You can generally find them at any large Walmart that carries rugs. You can also get a great shiny soft synthetic rug like Fox Fire Pearl.
Babies look cute in buckets!
Did I mention babies look cute in Hats? Look at his baby Fedora!
Baskets: They have a great selection of Basket photo props on Etsy. Search here.
Infant Cocoons & Wraps: These soft pouches protect the baby and keep them warm during the shoot. The cuteness factor is also a plus. These come in an array of colors and shapes. Shop Cocoons here at one of my favorite Etsy shops MadaboutColour.
Infant knit Cocoons Add fun Punches of color
Baby Ties: Nothing is cuter than a little man dressing like his daddy. Baby ties come in an array of colors and patterns. I recommend picking one that will bring out the babies eyes. Shop Baby ties here.
This tie makes him Smile!
Tutus: Tutu’s are an easy DIY project and look so cute on a baby girl.
Tutu Cute!
Bubbles: Have a little fun with your photo shoots. Break out the bubbles! Find a darker background so you can see the bubbles against the background. Kids love this prop idea!
Bubbling with Fun!
For Older Kids
Candy: A fun swirly Lollipop is a “sweet” way to enhance any photo. Add in a pop of colorful ballons and you have a super sweet shot! Pick one that coordinates with the outfit or in this case the ballons. I love shopping at the Bulk Candy Store for my Lollipops.
Sweet as Candy
Balloons: Balloons are super fun and an affordable photo prop. Oriental Trading has balloons in hundreds of colors. We choose balloons that have a metallic sheen to them so they would reflect brightly in the photos. Almost looks like the movie UP!
Up up and Away!
Flowers: A bouquet of flowers is easy to get and can be a great photo prop. In this shot we knew we had the red boots and the old rusty red wagon that would match nicely with the roses. This shot with its setting at the barn, the old rusty wagon, and the roses has an old fashioned feel to it.
Stop and Smell the Roses
Chairs: A cute kiddo sized rocker is a great prop. And you can use it after the shoot which is a bonus! Buy This same Rocker Here.
Red Accents: You’ll notice I use red accents a lot. They pop in the photos and create great visual appeal. The below hat was from the Children’s Place.
Red Accents make photos pop
Tiny Red Cowboy Boots!
Keep it Simple: This shot of the little girl laying with her pillow of curls was effortless but will always be one of my favorites.
Little Girl in a Sea of Hair
Color: This pumpkin is a great prop for this photo. You’ll always remember it was Halloween and the colors balance eachother out. Check out those Ruby Slippers!
Ruby Slippers
Sibling Photo Ideas
Kisses: Not much is sweeter than seeing siblings show affection and love. So if you can bribe them with candy to do it on camera. I highly suggest it. You’ll get tears out of the grandparents for years.
Sibling Kiss
Location: Sometimes the weirdest locations provide the best photography juxtaposition. This rugged large tractor tire makes a great prop for these two little ones.
Sometimes an Odd Background is the perfect setting
Sibling Love
Family
Photo Frame: A photo frame creates a frame within a frame and lets you focus in the subjects.
Photo Frame Kiss
But sometimes…
Mom is the only prop needed…
Sometimes Mom is the Perfect Photo Prop
Photos of infant and baby girl to age 1 girl- courtesy of talented Sara D Harper
Photos of baby boy and siblings courtesy of my friend and AMAZING photographer Andy Baxter Photography