Knitting Your Own Props for Newborns

One of the genres of photography that is experiencing massive growth and demand is newborn photography. I’m sure at some point, you have seen a tiny baby wrapped up tightly in a piece of cloth, laying in a basket, or propped up onto their tiny hands while they sleep.

There is a huge advantage to photographing babies considering more are born everyday, creating endless opportunity for clientele. Mothers are emotionally tied to the images created of their newborn, and will cherish those photos of their little one for the rest of their lives.

However, if you’ve ever considered newborn photography or already work in that genre, you’ll realize just how expensive it can become. Every parent has different tastes, and most want to create wall art that will match their home and/or nursery. This requires a large range of colors, textures, and sizes. Any props that are used require repeated laundering and will wear out over time, creating the need for replacements.  In the end, this will wind up becoming a major part of your investment.

There are a plethora of shops on Etsy selling knitted bonnets, wraps, and little pants that can drain expense budget in a heartbeat.  While these are beautiful items, I strongly recommend that you consider making them yourself. A bonnet can run upwards of $25 and snuggle sacks can run up to $35, but the yarn used to create these two items only costs around $10 and a bit of time. Before blurting out the response “But I don’t knit!”, consider taking on this hobby for it’s multiple advantages.

Multiple studies have shown that knitting has a similar effect to meditation, relieves stress & anxiety, and can be preventative to the effects of aging, such as Alzheimers and arthritis. If you start small, you can knit a bonnet in under 2 hours while watching evening TV. It is both relaxing and saves money in the long run, increasing your profits.

If you’re willing to give it a shot, consider heading over to your local Michael’s for a knitting lesson. Most local yarn shops (LYS) will give a free lesson if you purchase the supplies in their store. I always try to support local when possible, as they seem to be the most helpful. If you’re the type that can learn from videos, check out Knittinghelp.com and Ravelry.com for excellent resources.

When it comes to yarn types, I highly suggest avoiding scratchy wools, as these will irritate the baby’s skin. Alpaca yarn is the least likely to cause a reaction, but sheep’s wool (merino) is the most likely to be irritating. If a parent has an allergy to wool, the children are more likely to carry the sensitivity as well.

Also, consider laundering. If you don’t mind washing your props by hand, you won’t be as limited in the types of yarns you are able to work with. If you want to make something that can easily go in the wash, look for anything labeled “Superwash.”

This hobby may seem overwhelming at first, but I promise it can pay off in the long run. I have easily made $500 worth of props for under $75, including the ones pictured above. At the very least, if it seems unrealistic to take up knitting, ask a friend who does. Offering a gift card to a yarn shop will likely make them happy, and you’ll have gorgeous handmade props.

Nicci Widener is a portrait photographer, wife, and mother of 3 located in Burlington, Washington. She first picked up a camera when her oldest child was born in 1998 and made the decision to make it a career in 2006. Her other articles can be found HERE.

 

 

 

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