DIY Touches: How to Personalise the Baby’s First Photoshoot

Every baby photoshoot is special, but it becomes truly memorable when it feels personal. 

As a photographer, I’ve seen how a single homemade prop, such as a family blanket, a handwritten name tag, or even a favourite soft toy, can transform a simple frame into a worthy memory. 

These touches carry meaning, telling the baby’s story through love, tradition, and creativity.

DIY Prop and Backdrop Projects

Props set the tone for the baby photoshoot. Instead of relying entirely on studio items, I often encourage parents to create or bring a few meaningful pieces to add to the display.

1. Name Banners or Initial Props: Cut out the baby’s initials or name using cardboard or soft felt. Decorate them with pastel paper, lace, or fabric that matches your theme. We can hang them behind the baby or gently place them beside the setup. It’s a small detail that makes every frame instantly personal.
   
   2. Milestone or Memory Blocks: Create small wooden or cardboard blocks showing the baby’s birth date, month, or week milestone. These props not only add structure to the photo but also document time in a visual way.
   
   3. Simple DIY Backdrops: If the shoot happens at home, try using soft curtains, neutral bedsheets, or textured blankets as backdrops. Add a few fairy lights or dried flowers for a cosy touch. Just keep everything soft, breathable, and out of the baby’s reach.
   
   4. Heirloom Details: A parent’s old shawl, a knitted costume( socks, caps, frocks, etc), or a family cradle can become a beautiful part of the setup. These items bring history into every frame, connecting generations through a single photograph.
   
   Avoid small loose decorations, rough textures, or sharp accessories. Every prop should be stable, soft, and baby-safe.

DIY Styling and Wardrobe Personalisation

Rather than shopping for new outfits, we can mix creativity with sentiment.

1. Colour Coordination: Stick to a simple palette like whites, creams, pastels, or earthy tones. These shades highlight the baby’s softness and work beautifully with most lighting styles.
   
   2. Textures and Layers: Mix materials like cotton, linen, or knitted wraps to add depth to the photos. A layered onesie under a soft blanket or a lace trim can make the picture feel rich without cluttering it.
   
   3. DIY Accessories: Flower crowns, soft hats, or bow headbands can be easily crafted at home using gentle fabrics or paper flowers. Always ensure they fit loosely and comfortably. I prefer no tight elastic bands or tight materials.
   
   4. Family Coordination: If parents or siblings join the session, coordinate outfits without matching exactly. Think complementary shades, like pastel pinks with beiges, or whites with soft blues. It creates harmony in the frame and feels natural.

Heirloom and Sentimental Element Integration

Integrating sentimental elements gives the shoot depth and identity.

1. Family Blankets or Quilts: Lay the baby on a handmade quilt or wrap them in a family blanket. The textures, colours, and age of these items bring an authentic emotional layer to the frame.
   
   2. Special Toys or Keepsakes: Including a beloved stuffed toy, a rattle passed down from an older sibling, or even a handmade crib mobile adds personal warmth. These pieces help create continuity between generations and siblings.
   
   3. Memory Collage or Story Setup: Arrange a small corner featuring items that mark milestones like tiny shoes, ultrasound prints, or the first gift the baby received. Photographing these together can make for a touching memory board later.
   
   4. Cultural or Religious Touches: If the family follows cultural or spiritual traditions, consider incorporating them subtly, like a traditional cloth, a piece of jewellery, or symbolic props that reflect their heritage.
   
   These emotional details often become the most cherished photos.

Photo-Day Tips and Checklist

DIY props and styling work best when paired with good preparation.

A Week Before:

• Gather all DIY props, outfits, and sentimental items in one place.
•  Wash and air-dry fabrics or wraps.
•  Test how the chosen backdrop looks in natural light.

A Day Before:

• Choose one or two outfits for the baby.
• Keep wipes, blankets, and feeding essentials ready.
• Make sure the space is comfortably warm and clutter-free.

On Shoot Day:

• Feed the baby before the session to help them stay calm and sleepy.
• Keep props within reach but out of the baby’s touch.
• Take breaks between poses. Comfort always comes before the perfect shot.

Conclusion

Each handmade banner, heirloom blanket, or favourite toy tells a story that no studio prop can replicate. These details turn ordinary photos into timeless keepsakes.

When families bring their own creative touches, I see genuine emotion come alive behind the lens. It’s a collaboration between the family’s memories, their ideas, and our shared goal to capture them with care.