Styled with Heart: Behind the Scenes of Photo Props
As a baby photo prop maker specialising in handmade baby photography props and outfits for newborn photo shoots, I know how much effort goes into styling the perfect scene.
But anyone who works with handmade products—especially in the world of newborn photography—knows it’s so much more than that. It’s always a challenge to create the perfect image that truly represents your work. For that you need the best photo props!
It's not just about showing off a photo prop clearly; it’s about evoking a feeling. Each image should spark a little bit of emotion and allow photographers and clients to imagine that tiny outfit in a real moment. A smile, a nap, a quiet yawn in soft morning light, golden evening hour...
But the photo itself also has to be more than beautiful. It needs to be interesting—not just interesting, but stylish, on-trend, and full of character. Today’s customers are highly visual, and rightly so. They're looking for something that stands out, something that feels current and special. That means I’m constantly thinking not only like a photo prop maker, but also like a stylist, a photographer, and sometimes even a storyteller.
That’s when the real creative questions come in: What will make this image sing?
I often ask myself: What other props can I add to the scene to make it more appealing? A tiny felted heart for a sweet touch?
Some dried flowers to bring in natural texture and softness? A handmade toy, a textured blanket, or a rustic wooden bowl? Adding a felted heart or dried flowers can enhance a newborn photography setup. When it comes to styling, the background plays a huge role.
For this shoot, I decided to add a little texture and warmth by using a boho rug to create a relaxed, earthy look. The rich patterns of the rug perfectly complement the delicate lace, adding depth without taking away from the outfit.
It’s all about balancing simplicity with just the right touch of character. Each element adds something, but I also have to be careful—not to overwhelm the piece I’ve made.
Whether it’s a knitted wrap or a minimalist baby prop, every choice matters.
And sometimes, after all that thinking, the answer is… nothing.
Maybe less is more.
There’s a certain power in simplicity. Letting the fabric, the yarn speak, letting the colours breathe, letting the moment feel real and unforced. That balance—between styling and restraint—is one I return to again and again. It’s where the magic really happens.
Every photoshoot becomes a quiet experiment. I try something, adjust, take a photo, and look again. What I thought would work sometimes doesn’t. What I nearly skipped ends up being the perfect detail. It’s humbling, but also deeply rewarding.
And when I finally capture that image—the one that feels like yes, this is it—it’s such a win. Not just because I know the outfit looks great, but because I know I’ve made something that will inspire someone else. A photographer will look at it and start imagining their setup. A parent will picture their baby in it. It becomes more than a product. It becomes part of a story.
That’s why I do this.
Why I stitch, knit, style, photograph, edit and share. Because in between the fabrics, flowers, and felted hearts, I’m not just selling a product—I’m sharing a vision. One that others can take, adapt, and turn into their own beautiful memories.And those little moments of connection?
They’re the reason I keep going."
And there’s more—once the photo is finally taken, there’s still editing to do, uploading it to the shop, writing descriptions, and sharing it across social media platforms. It’s a whole other part of the creative process—and one I’ll dive into in my upcoming blog posts.
If you’ve decided that you simply must have this lace romper for your next photoshoot, you can find it here.
Check my instagram too.