WHAT TO WEAR FOR NEWBORN PHOTOS
Not sure what to wear for your newborn photoshoot? We are here to help!
It can feel like an overwhelming task. You probably aren’t sleeping well, laundry is piling up, your shape has and is changing in drastic ways. Not only do you not have time to shop, you don’t want to. You thought you had the perfect outfit for the baby, then they spit up on everything in sight.
DON'T PANIC
There isn’t a “one size fits all” answer to “what to wear for newborn photos”. It depends on the colors in your home, your family’s style, as well as how much you want to coordinate – both with each other as well as the colors in your home and/or nursery. I don’t have strong feelings in either direction, and it really is up to each family to decide where they want to go with their clothing choices.
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CHOOSING COLORS
One of the big advantages when choosing colors for your in-home newborn session?
You know exactly what your surroundings look like!
WHICH ROOM(S) WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE PHOTOS IN?
First thing to consider: what rooms in your house would you like to use for photos?
Are you planning on nursery? Master bedroom? Living room?
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I use a combination of natural and artificial light in my newborn sessions, so no room is too dark or off limits.
Do you love the colors of your bed comforter and headboard?
Have you spent hours getting the nursery exactly how you want it?
Did you pick the color of your couch for a particular reason?
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Start with the rooms (or room) that you would like to use for photos,
and coordinate your outfit colors based on those rooms.
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STICK WITH NEUTRALS
WHEN POSSIBLE
Neutral (think beige, cream, white, gray, brown) or muted/pastels tend to photograph best during newborn sessions. They’re also relatively easy to incorporate into multiple rooms during your session, if you choose to do so. They tend to be timeless colors, and are usually the most flattering option for skin (both yours and your baby’s!). Neutral colors allow the focus to rest on baby, which is the entire point of the photo session!
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Let the furniture in the room or the color of the walls be the pop of color in your newborn photos, rather than the clothes you’re wearing.
WHAT SHOULD BABY WEAR FOR NEWBORN PHOTOTS?
Babies come in all shapes and sizes, so it can be really hard to find clothes that fit well in those first few weeks! I strongly recommend putting your newborn in a well-fitting, solid colored onesie (long or short sleeved). Small patterns and stripes are okay, but avoid words or large graphics when possible.
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If you’re wanting photos of those tiny feet and hands, make sure to choose outfits that don’t cover them up.
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You’re also welcome to put your baby in just a diaper, and loosely wrap them in a blanket or swaddle.
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I do have families that choose more complicated outfits, and they’re beautiful! But remember – we’ll need to do more adjusting of straps, ruffles, and diapers. We will also need to strip the baby down for any swaddled photos, which can quickly take a settled baby to an unhappy one!
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Don't worry if you don't have baby clothes, I have blankets, swaddles and baby clothes for you :)
WHAT TO WEAR FOR NEWBORN PHOTOS FOR MOM
Dressing your post partum body is tough, I definitely know what that feels like. I’ve had clients wear everything from long flowy dresses to jeans for their session. The most important thing when it comes to what to wear for lifestyle newborn photos is that you feel comfortable! I’ve rounded up some photos of real mom clients of mine so you can be inspired when picking out what you want to wear.
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Jeans are a classic if your style is more relaxed and casual. You can easily dress them up and they can help tuck in any post baby belly.
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Dresses definitely up the vibe of a session creating a more elegant feel. I recommend going with a maxi dress!
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Whether you choose jeans or a dress just make sure if fits your style and the vibe you want for your session. I want you to feel comfortable and beautiful!
WHAT TO WEAR FOR NEWBORN PHOTOS FOR DAD
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Let’s be honest here, keep it simple for dads! Be sure to pick out their outfit for them well ahead of time and lay it out so they know exactly what to wear. I can’t tell you how many times I hear dad’s say I thought you meant this blue shirt before they go change into the right one :). So make it easy on them!
Typically my dad clients wear khaki shorts or pants or jeans for our sessions and a button down. I love how a crisp long sleeve button down with the sleeves rolled up can dress up a pair of jeans for dad! Check out some of my past dads to see what to wear for lifestyle newborn photos.
SIBLING OUTFITS FOR NEWBORN PHOTOS
Simple and comfortable!! I can’t stress this enough. It’s going to be hard enough to get everyone focused for this session, so you aren’t going to want another child with accessories that need adjusted or shoes that need put on.
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Sibling photos with toddlers are…a challenge. We may only have one shot, and it may be a few seconds.
Try to avoid outfits that will need tweaks and adjustments to look right.
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Outfits that seem like “everyday” outfits are less likely to cause them to be rejected by the under 5 crowd.
If you pull out a frilly dress, they may realize they have some power in this situation and will choose
this moment to have a very strong opinion. Don’t start your day with a fight!
DON'T WORRY ABOUT SHOES!
Unless you’ve requested a photo that involves your feet, I won’t be photographing your feet in shoes. If we need to have feet in photos for a “everyone piled on the bed” photo, I’ll have everyone go bare foot. Don’t panic about the state of your feet either! They’ll be out of focus or tucked under a kid, I promise.
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BE COMFORTABLE!!
Even with the most cooperative baby, it does take up to an hour or two to get through a newborn session. Rock those maternity jeans/leggings, and a comfortable top, or find a flowy dress you can move in (avoid anything that wants to accentuate your belly, as maternity dresses have a tendency to do). I would also avoid too many layers, as they might add bulk. Exception: maternity tank with sweater/top. When I had my first baby, I didn’t realize that I would still look pregnant for a bit, and I found it much more comfortable to stick with leggings and oversized sweaters.
Can you bend over/sit down/hold a baby without too many adjustments? This goes for dads and siblings too! It can be a challenge to get everyone in the right position for a family photo, and it’s helpful if we can avoid having to adjust big sister’s tights/hairbow or big brother’s suspenders/tie his shoes.
