Considering a bean bag for baby posing - but what about this alternative?

The one on this site seems to be decently popular: http://www.shootbaby.c​om/

The cheapest I've found the filling is $19/bag and I'll need 4 bags. So the total cost (before tax and any shipping) is $175. And if I want the cover that's an additional $26.

But this also seems like a decent alternative and also has storage: http://www.americansig​naturefurniture.com …e-ottoman/1631940/161056​0

What concerns me about the A.S. option is that it's slightly smaller and seems to have a slight downward taper. The size difference doesn't bother me too much (35" vs 40") and I'm thinking that when a baby is on it that the weight of the baby will counteract any downward taper and be nice and secure. Additionally, obviously blankets, etc., would be used for traction so it wouldn't be slippery in any way.

Any thoughts as to whether this might a worthwhile substitution? If not, is there anything better - regardless if it's cheaper or not?

Thanks!

Should be fine, I use something very similar to that ottoman but without the legs (the caster broke off) so it sits flat on the floor and I do use the anti-slip mat whenever possible. Anti-slip on top, heated blanket, posing wedges or any foam or small Boppy.

I agree the ottoman should be fine. I've been looking at the beanbag thing too, but it gets pricey once you factor in the filling. The one thing about the ottoman is that it might not be a portable option (if you plan on doing location shoots).

I know this is an old thread...everything in this subforum is.

I considered the shootbaby, but the price is outrageous. Judging from the fact that they sell 6" 2" jaw clamps for $8/ea when they are $1/ea at HD/Lowe's, I'm assuming the markup is huge on the poser as well. You are talking close to $200 when it's filled.

Right now, I have a smaller bean bag with recycled foam filling...just bought 2 cu ft of bean bag fill for $12.99 shipped. Going to stuff it in there with the foam filling and see how it does. I have about $53 total into mine, but it's way smaller than the ShootBaby. Mine is about 26" across while the ShootBaby is 40" diameter. Here's the one I have: http://www.amazon.com …Chair-Kids/dp/B001LKSOGK/

jebrady03 wrote in post #17490649
The one on this site seems to be decently popular: http://www.shootbaby.c​om/

In that case, just go buy a cheap padded ottoman from walmart or something. Their's is just an ottoman and they market it as a prop for baby photogs and mark it up. You can find bean bag ottomans for $20. There are even some small dog beds that would suffice. It won't matter what it looks like if you cover it.

I bit the bullet and got a Canadian version of the shootbaby poser. Most of my newborn stuff has been on location, so a full ottoman wouldn’t work for me as a portable solution. This thing fits in my trunk and is very light. It’s a big enough size that baby is very safe, and I can push some dents in it to help with some poses. A single newborn session covers the cost of the thing, and considering the use I’ve already gotten from it, I haven’t regretted the purchase.

Filling the thing was a huge PITA though!

Just google "bean bag ottoman"

Are you guys using these in a studio, or in the home?

Decades ago I shot a lot of these while waiting for a job as an assistant to open up. I don't have any of the images, but Seona (mercersmoments) has some similar ones posted here: https://photography-on-the.net …?p=11539547&pos​tcount=201

I'd put the baby on a table, & use a tripod with the lens set a bit wide so you can concentrate on the baby. Shoot at its eye level, of course.
If he/she isn't old enough to sit up, I'd roll a pillow lengthwise, put a blanket over it, & lay the baby with it's head & shoulders on the rolled pillow. Fold it's hands under it's chin instead of letting them flop around at it's side. Even a very young baby can raise it's head up at least once, so be ready! If it doesn't raise it's head on it's own, try gently blowing into it's face.
Foam pillows are a PITA, so I'd avoid them.

I'd make sure to have a waterproof slip cover on it. Bless those babies and their newborn pee

mylifeis3 wrote in post #17703460
I'd make sure to have a waterproof slip cover on it. Bless those babies and their newborn pee

also, have your camera ready for these moments! I've seen some great "goof" pictures of this!