Are you a photographer interested in capturing beautiful newborn portraits?

Or maybe you’re just starting out and want to create a welcoming space to photograph new little ones?

In this post, professional photographer and CLG Workshop Mentor Amy Philp takes us on a tour of her natural light newborn photography studio and shares her top tips for setting up your own stunning in-home studio.

The Key to Great Newborn Photos?

Incredible light! When it comes to newborn photography, the most important element is the lighting. That’s why the first thing I looked for when finding my studio space was an abundance of natural light.

My studio has one long window that runs the entire length of one wall, allowing beautiful, soft light to flow in throughout the day.

Choosing the Right Furniture and Decor

Beyond the lighting, I wanted to create a warm, inviting space that would put my clients at ease. I opted for timeless, functional furniture pieces like a comfy lounge and a dedicated photo corner.  I also added personal touches like shelves displaying my print samples and a client wardrobe stocked with wraps, blankets, and adorable baby outfits.

The goal was to make the studio feel more like a cozy living room than a stark photography space. I wanted my clients to feel relaxed and at home the moment they stepped through the door.

Essential Newborn Photography Props and Posing Techniques

Of course, no newborn photography studio is complete without the right props and posing tools.

In addition to the furniture, I’ve curated a collection of outfits, nappies, headbands, and stretchy wraps that help me safely and comfortably position newborns for those sweet, sleepy portraits.

I find that posing sleeping babies tends to yield the most natural, adorable results. Using props like the beanbag to gently support their heads and bodies allows me to create those perfectly curled-up, “squished” poses that clients love.

Curating Your Studio for Your Unique Photographic Style

As you’re setting up your own newborn photography studio, it’s important to keep your personal style and aesthetic in mind. I’ve chosen a neutral, timeless colour palette for my props and decor to make editing easier and ensure my images have a cohesive look. But your studio should reflect your own unique vision.

Whether you’re drawn to bright, airy tones or moody, dramatic hues, select furniture, textiles, and accessories that align with your brand and the experience you want to provide for your clients.

I hope this tour of my natural light newborn photography studio has given you some inspiration and practical tips to create your own beautiful space.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into newborn photography, learning posing, styling, and setting up your own studio for success, check out our Studio Newborn Photography Workshop. 

I can’t wait to share even more of my techniques and insights!