My most commonly asked question for newborn sessions is WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR? I’ve got tons of tips, from my own experience as a new mom and as a photographer, and I’m here to spill all the tea.
I’ve included the briefest amount of info here at the top (the Too Long; Didn’t Read version), but if you’re the kind of person who wants all the details, check out the Newborn Session Style Guide, over 45 pages packed with tips, tricks, and advice.
TL;DR
Newborn sessions need to be simple and cozy, above all else. Fabrics should be soft (like cotton or chiffon), colors should be neutral, and patterns should be minimal. The focus of these portraits is baby’s sweet face, and how everyone in the photos feel about each other.
Newborn sessions, more than all other sessions, need to keep to a neutral and light color scheme. Anything too bright, too bold, or too patterned will be a distraction from your baby’s fresh little face. Stick to light colors, soft fabrics, and sweet patterns.
Mom & Dad should wear something fancy enough for church, but cozy enough for a nap.
Dad should wear long pants, not shorts.
Avoid t-shirts with words or decals on them.
Alright, if you’re here for all the info, let’s get into it.
STYLING MOM
I recommend what I call The Church Nap Dress for newborn sessions - something fancy enough for church, but comfortable enough for a nap. Choose soft, cozy fabrics over anything scratchy or uncomfortable. You’ll be holding your sweet, fresh babe close for much of the session, so you’ll want to consider how the fabric would feel on baby’s skin. Fabrics that look sweet and soft on camera are cotton gauze, muslin, chiffon, linen, and lace.
When it comes to your HAMU (Hair And Make Up), I recommend going fancier than normal with your hair, and fairly natural/subdued with makeup. Make sure you highlight those eyelashes and feel your best, but I would avoid heavy “going out” makeup. It can be really helpful to style your hair away from your face with a braid, headband, or clip. This allows your photographer to capture candid moments when you are are looking down at your baby (or playing with older siblings) without your hair falling in your face. If you are able to make it happen, consider treating yourself to a hair appointment, either the day of, to get your hair styled for your session, or in the days/weeks beforehand, to freshen up cut and color. If you will be styling your own hair, make sure you give yourself plenty of time. Consider practicing your hairstyle a time or two in the weeks leading up to your session.
*A note for postpartum mamas* Here’s something no one told me when I had a baby: you will still look pregnant, even after the baby comes out. UGH! What? Do yourself a favor, and avoid clingy fabrics and tight silhouettes for your newborn session. You will need to plan to wear something that would fit you at 5 or 6 months pregnant.
STYLING DAD
For newborn sessions, your man will need to stay on the casual side (but not TOO casual). He will need a look that coordinates with your “church nap” dress vibes. A high-quality, simple, light colored t-shirt or Henley shirt is a great option - it looks cozy and manly at the same time, and will not create any distractions from your baby’s precious face. I also recommend a simple sweater or casual button-down (like a chambray) for newborn sessions. Of course, the “no shorts” rule still applies here - long pants are a must, but shoes may be optional, depending on how cozy your photo session is.
STYLING BIG SIBLINGS
The rules for mom and dad apply to big sis and big bro as well - soft fabrics, neutral colors, minimal/simple patterns. This can be a great opportunity to help big siblings feel special and excited about photos - you can tell them they get to take “big sister photos” or “big brother photos.”
If your little girl or boy has long hair, it can be helpful to make sure it is pulled back in a ponytail, braid, or headband. When he or she looks down at baby, we want to still be able to see everyone’s face!
If big sis will be wearing a dress or skirt, I would highly recommend adding some bloomers or bike shorts underneath. Little girls don’t always care about sitting “lady-like” (especially if they’re being silly or getting tickled), this will ensure that your photographer can deliver as many photos of her as possible.
If it works, allowing children to help select their own outfit (or maybe an accessory, like a bow, headband, or favorite pair of shoes) can help increase your child’s “buy-in” to the session.
STYLING BABY
The younger the child, the sweeter and simpler the clothing should be. Tiny babies dressed in real clothes or funny costumes are cute, but it’s cute because it’s silly. The most timeless and flattering way to dress your newborn is in neutral colors and simple styles. Plain onesies, swaddles, blankets, and wraps help to highlight how soft and fresh your baby is, and allow his gorgeous face to be the focus of photos. You can express your personality and style through special items and props incorporated into your session. (More on that in a future blog post).
Your clothing choices for baby may also depend on what kind of newborn portraits you are taking. For more posed portraits, you may choose something a bit fancier (like a lacey onesie), while for lifestyle photos, you may opt for simpler pieces, like a plain onesie or swaddle. For baby’s solo portraits, you might even choose to have baby in just a diaper or nothing at all. Some of this will depend on your photographer and her style - reach out to her ahead of time to see if she will be providing baby’s wardrobe.
NEED MORE? CHECK OUT THE NEWBORN SESSION STYLE GUIDE FOR EVEN MORE INFORMATION, EXAMPLES, TIPS, TRICKS, AND ADVICE.
NOW IS BEAUTIFUL.
*One quick note on hiring newborn photographers. I am all about hiring new photographers who are just starting out - they get experience and practice, you get a discount, everyone wins! I was in this position once myself, so I totally get it. However, I do not recommend hiring a friend or amateur photographer for newborn photographs. These photos are often taken indoors, not in a studio environment, with less-than-ideal lighting. You want to hire a photographer who knows how to use the available lighting in the best ways, and (most importantly) knows how to safely handle your baby. It’s worth spending a little extra for the pro in this situation, I promise.