watching video on my YOUTUBE Channel

We all know to shoot some clean and simple newborn photos is not easy, in comparison with other prop shots. First thing first is to use the right posing system. There’s so many options on the market ranging from a few hundred bucks or a couple of thousand. Alternatively you can build one for yourself. I did made my own bean bag stand out of pvc tubes when I first started back in 6 years ago. But it turned out to be really wonky. And it is not easy to move around. Maybe I did it incorrectly but I hated it. So over the 6 years I have used many posing systems, out of all these, which one do I recommend in terms of the best value for money?

$45usd Beanbag frame from Aliexpress

This is the most commonly used frame in China, due to the price and it’s portability. It can be disabled but I barely do. But I have to say the size is too small. And it’s way too low to keep your back healthy. Also it won’t fit into your car without having to remove at least one bar. To rate this one I’m giving a 2 star.

$200usd The Perfect Posie Frame

Similar to the Aliexpress frame, the posie has a smaller diameter measuring 80cm

It is no longer available with Graceland designs so I cannot find out the exact pricing. I can fit it into my car without having to disamble any parts. And it pairs up with the Posie well with a bit of lift. Therefore the cons are similar to the Aliexpress frame, so I’m rating is a 2 and a half star.

$598usd Paloma Schelle Stand

I have been using it with my mother bean from the original photo blocks for about 4 years now.

It’s large enough without much photoshop corners, measuring… It’s stable and rigid. The round design make it easy to rotate angles for prosized posing. But paired up with my anti-slippery mother bean, this system is close to $1000usd. Also my back is still not being looked after, although compare to the first two it’s slightly more back friendly. I would rate it to a 3.5 star.

$30 budjet DIY pvc tube stand

As I mentioned, it might be a good option for new photographers. But I would build myself a better version by using something more rigid like the next one. I’m rating it a one star. Tutorial can be found here from lovely Lisa at the Milkyway.

$100 card table with dog bed and backdrop stand

I used the card table in one of my workshops and just loved how easy and back friendly it was. This inspired me to put together one for my own studio. This is a 4 foot 1.2 meter’s folding table from hardware store. Layering with a piece of foam and a dog bed. People asked me is it necessary to have the dog bed on top? My answer is no. But, since I already have the dog bed, I love how I can lay it on the floor for top down shoots. Place it on top of the table means I don’t need to find elsewhere to store it. Also, it has an extended surface for backlit lighting, and bigger babies. It’s easier to clamp onto the dog bed than the table itself. The foam is to stop it from sliding on the table.And it’s easier to find the very bottom layer. The only safety issue I’m going to resolve is this. So I’m getting some strap harness to keep the dog bed secure whist still easily to be detached from the table. The reason I use a backdrop stand instead of pvc tubes to save some storage space. And the height can be adjusted as I need, whereas the tubes is one height. Most importantly, see now I can put my legs down under the table. So as my assistant or spotter. Price wise, it doesn’t need an extra cost of a bean bag. I’m rating this a 4 star.

Ok, let me clarify, these reviews are based on my own opinions. Please weigh the pros and cons against your own needs. If you are a travel photographer, please consider join my milky way newborn retreat 2023. I teach how I used non of those systems above but a light diffuser to pose newborns on a bed and create winkle free studio looks. When it comes to newborn photography, gears always come as a secondary. Learn the right skills, you can make everything and anything to work. If online teaching isn’t for you, then in person workshop is for you. Information can be found here.