Should I Use Baby Posing Pillows for Photography?
Baby posing pillows are a common accessory for use within newborn photography for a number of reasons, and can have multiple benefits to your images and also to the comfort of your mini model! If you're weighing up whether a specialist baby posing set is worth your time and money, read on for some more information on why people use them...
1. Safety & Support
Consider your audience! Newborns can’t hold themselves up, and will rely solely on you for physical support. While normal pillows and blankets can go far for beginner shooters with limited equipment, they're also not designed for optimum baby comfort, and aren't particularly ergonomic. Posing pillows, on the other hand, provide gentle support for baby's head, neck, and body, and prevent awkward or unsafe positions by keeping the baby securely cushioned.
2. Comfort for the Baby
Specialist pillows also have the benefit of being made from soft, suitable material. Keep baby cosy and warm, and you may raise the chances of having a happy, calm baby during your session. Plus, if baby's Mum can also see that their baby is happy and comfortable, chances are, they'll also be more relaxed themselves and trust you with their child.
In turn, this also means a more efficient shoot, allowing for more shot options and minimum stress for both you and your clients!
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4-Piece Donut Baby-Posing Pillow Set (Grey) | Baby-Posing Beanbags With Metal Frame | Donut Pillow Baby-Posing Set (Grey) | 3x4m Pastel Pink Photography Background & White Bear |
3. Versatility in Posing
Unlike normal pillows, posing pillows also allow photographers to try a variety of angles and modelling positions for the baby (tummy time, side-lying, froggy pose, etc.) while ensuring the baby stays comfortable. With cushion shapes and sizes specifically designed to allow this range of posing without taking up a significant space in shot, and they also help you create those iconic curled-up newborn shots without straining the baby.
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Set Of Three Velvet Baby Posing Pillows | Faux-Leather Butterfly Baby Posing Pillow (White) | 6-Piece Baby-Posing Pillow Set | 3x4m Blue Birthday Printed Photography Backdrop (Baby Design 3) |
Other Newborn Photography Tips
- Soft, flattering light is key! Aim for soft shadows and bright, well lit images. Achieve this with large, diffused softboxes for that even spread of light.
- Pick a nice background! You can use printed backgrounds for something with more pop, or a nice pastel muted background if you want baby to be the sole focus.
- LED lighting can be your friend! If you're looking for a straightforward, portable kit, LED light be your best option. Look for something like the GLOWPAD panels which have diffusion covers to negate the need for umbrellas or softboxes to soften the light.
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AD200PROII Mobile Cable-Free Newborn & Baby Photography Lighting Kit | GLOWPAD 450S Baby & Newborn Photography Light Panel Kit | Godox AD600BMII Single Light Newborn Baby Flash Kit |
So in summary: Specialist baby posing pillows and equipment for newborn photography sessions can have many benefits for both you and baby! Relax baby and mum by ensuring the newborn is comfortable and safely supported, while also having an efficient shoot experience.
Shop Baby Posing Pillow Sets and Lighting Kits now at EssentialPhoto & Video!
Please note that some posing pillows are provided WITHOUT filling to allow you to select preferred material and softness. Check the listing for the pillow you're viewing for more information.