Imagination is everything in when looking for the props, but you may have wondered what would be the best sizes of bowls and buckets for newborn photography?
So, what is the best size of baskets, bowls and buckets for newborn photography?
The size of a bowl, bucket or basket should be between 30-40cm radius/across, so you can easily fit your arm from elbow to wrist inside of it. The bowls should be big enough to fit the baby comfortably together with the supporting gear.
In this article, you’ll find how to keep the perfect balance between finding the correct size, and keeping baby safe and secure at the same time.
Picking the right size bowls and buckets for newborn photography
Wrist to elbow
If you have read other articles about newborn photography props, you’ve probably come across the “wrist to elbow” rule.
This is the universal indicator newborn photographers use in finding the proper size bowl, basket and many more props for the newborn photo session.
If your arm from wrist to elbow fits well in the bowl, then you are good to go, unless you have a tiny arm.
If you have a tape measure handy, you can also look for dimensions; 11″ -15″ (30-40cm) that should work out for most of the newborn babies.
This size can apply not just for round props but for wooden beds, square baskets, wooden wine boxes, small wooden laundry baskets, a small drawer and many more.
See the list below for a range of ideas for newborn photography props, but safety first, some other essential points to consider;
Safety in choosing newborn photography props
We have all fallen in love with some gorgeous old stuff you may have come across that will top up your inventory and look great in your photo galleries. But it needs to pass the vigilant eyes of photographers or mum, by scanning it 360 degrees.
1 Fit inside without touching the edges
It is essential to find the correct size of props so that the baby won’t touch the edges of the bowls and buckets.
You don’t want the baby to be injured or harmed by splinters or the rough surfaces of those antique props you found to use.
Also, check the props for cracks, damage or structural problems that could potentially cause breakage.
2 Stable
You’ll notice some of the buckets are quite high and to make sure it is even more secure, add a bag of sand at the bottom.
You should have enough room for the sand, the bucket will be heavier, but this will make sure the centre of gravity is not too high, causing any potential risks.
Same thing with all the rest of the props, the heavier they are, the better. But not too heavy so you won’t be able to move them.
3 No glass or breakable materials
It might be an obvious one for you; avoid glass, ceramic or any other materials which can easily break. Stay away from any possible materials that could be dangerous for the baby.
4 Composite images
If you are unsure about the bowl, bucket or basket, or there are different situations which could be potentially unsafe use the composite images technique.
The composite images will help to achieve whatever goal you have safely, by taking more pictures and using photoshop to put them together.
5 Have a spotter
The ‘spotter’ is good practice not just for composite images but to have someone else with you during the whole session.
Many mums are still recovering from giving birth, and won’t be able to assist. Dads could get nervous or anxious very quickly, so you can’t always rely on the parents every time.
The spotter must be instructed/trained, so he/she will know how to react in any situation.
If like more to watch than read, there is a great explanation video on youtube from Kelly Brown.
How do you stuff a bucket for newborn photography?
1 Add weight at the bottom (as I mentioned earlier) to counterweight the bucket.
2 Next, roll up a blanket and put it around inside the buckets, leaving a hollow in it for the baby’s butt.
3 Depending on the baby, you can add some extra support like a small rolled-up blanked again to support the baby’s butt.
But if the baby is 9-10 pound(4 – 4.5 kg) you are probably not going to need it, as the baby will be sitting high enough in the prop.
4 Finally, you will need to make a ‘shelf’ where the baby is going to be seated. In buckets or other deep containers, you can take “chin&wrist” poses, and you will need another rolled-up fleece blanket.
5 Cover the fleece with fabric the colour you need and put it inside the bucket, as before. The last support should be a bit higher than the top of the bucket, so the baby does not flop forward and has some help.
Where can I buy newborn photography props
You can find that newborn photography props are everywhere.
You can find them on Amazon, Etsy, eBay and many other websites when you use google search.
But for bowls, baskets, buckets and many other cute props I would start with antique shops or vintage markets in your area.
You might even spot them left out on the side of the road during the next car trip around the country.
These antique shops are sometimes like “Alibaba’s cave” for newborn photographers.
Also, you can check on Facebook’s marketplace, which is quite popular nowadays; many people are selling everything for pennies.
Newborn photography; bowls, baskets, buckets, and other ideas you can use.
These gorgeous wood bowls can be found on Etsy. It takes several weeks to arrive, but it is worth it. The bowls are good quality and look amazing in the pictures.
This relatively small size bucket can be found in gardening shops or vintage shop as well as online.
You can paint the bucket in different colours and use it for any style of photo shooting, even so, the amount of poses is limited with the bucket.
There is an extensive range of wooden beds online, and in shops, you can modify these as you wish with a bit of sandpaper and paint them in any colour.
Check for wooden beds ideas online. You could also make something similar if you are good at DIY.
Wooden wine boxes
Wooden wine boxes can be found in garden stores, Etsy and antique shops as well.
These boxes are probably the most commonly used in photography, as you can combine different styles.
Small wooden drawers
Same as with the props mentioned above you can find them in the antique stores and also second-hand furniture shops.
Don’t forget to check eBay as well, where sometimes I find amazing bargains on auction.
Baskets can be found all over; Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Walmart, Home Decor stores and antique shops. Take your time in researching, and you’ll be able to find them at a reasonable price.
Conclusion
Finding the correct size in the first instance will give you peace of mind before every session. Always stick to the “elbow to wrist” rule and you will not waste time in choosing the props.
Thanks for reading the article I hope it has been helpful to you, please don’t forget to check out my blog section for more information about newborn photography.
Related Questions
Can we take a photo of a newborn without the flash?
Certainly yes, You can easily manage to obtain high-quality photos by using artificial or natural light. Continuous-artificial light placed at a recommended distance or by using an area close to a window for a natural lighting source. Both constant lighting and daylight are great as with the flash choice.
What is The Best Bean Bag Size For Newborn Photography?
Between 40-45″ in diameter and 13-15″ height for a studio bean bag, in cases when there is more than one baby posing and you want plenty of space. For the travel size bean bag, you can consider 25-30″ in diameter and 12-14″ height which can fit in the mid-size car.