The newborn hammock might actually be the very first prop I ever bought for photography. I remember tracking someone down on a then little-known website called Etsy and commissioning them to make it for me.
I was genuinely excited when it arrived. Newborn photography was still in its early days in the UK and I felt very ahead of the game with an actual real-life prop. My past self would not have believed the prop collection I have now. Anyway, I digress.
The swing is a much later addition, but a good one.
Here’s what you need to know about both of them. The hammock and swing are among the most requested props for a newborn session – and it’s easy to see why. They also have the highest failure rate of anything in the studio.
The reason is simple: babies either tolerate them or they don’t, and there is genuinely nothing I can do to change that. With most props I have options – I can adjust the setup, try a different position, change something to make it more comfortable. With the hammock and swing it’s binary. They’re fine with it or they’re not.
If you love them and want to request one, please do – I’ll absolutely give it our best shot. My advice would just be to also choose a backup prop you like. If we get both, great. If the hammock doesn’t cooperate on the day, we’ve still got something you’re happy with.
