Outfit ideas and suggestions for you, your baby, and the rest of the family to look great during your
At Home Newborn Photo Session
Fellow moms, let’s be real. You JUST had a baby! You aren’t sleeping and self-care is quickly going out the window. So the idea of getting dressed and ready for pictures can sound overwhelming. I hope I can convince you that it doesn’t have to be.
Here are some tips and suggestions of what the each family member can wear for a newborn session.
My first and most important tip for all family photos, whether it is newborn or not, is to make sure you pick something that you feel good in. Newborn photos are in the comfort of your own home, so please, be comfortable!
As a postpartum mom, your body is different and quickly changing (again!), but can we just talk for a minute about how amazing it is. You literally just grew and brought a human into this world. So find an outfit that celebrates that accomplishment. I find few things more beautiful than a mom holding her baby. So find something you can relax in and allow your focus to be on this new, incredible thing you just did. Because it is TRULY AMAZING. Okay, I could talk about the beauty of mothers all day. So back to outfit suggestions…
I recommend wearing a maternity dress that you liked and will feel comfortable in postpartum.
Or you can wear A basic t-shirt or sweater. You may want to wear some layers that can be comfortable and flattering.
What is a good baby outfit for a newborn photo session?
I suggest a simple fitted onesie, no words or graphics. I love a good ol’ plain white onesie, but other solid colors can work well. We may also take some pics of the baby in a diaper or nude if it is warm enough and your baby is comfortable and relaxed.
Pick a favorite swaddle blanket or two for us to use. (see my blog about swaddles and how to swaddle)
You are welcome to have a few cute accessories as well like a headband, bow or a favorite hat.
I encourage keeping babies in simple outfits because my focus is on your baby’s sweet little features. I love getting photos of teeny tiny toes, those baby lips and any fuzz that is on their head. Your baby is precious and perfect the way he or she is, so I don’t think there needs to be elaborate outfits and props.
What should the other family members wear that will be part of the newborn photo session? Any ideas for outfits for the rest of the family?
An easy way to keep cohesiveness in the family is by dressing in neutrals (tan, gray, white, black) and then add in a small amount of color.
You can add the color by coordinating. That means you don’t have to match, but wear colors that complement one another. The best way to achieve good coordination is by picking a color scheme. For instance, pick one or two colors that you can base your outfits on (not including the neutral colors).
Don’t be afraid of patterns or pops of colors. We can use a swaddle to add some color as well.
A few other rules of thumb to keep in mind when you are picking out your outfit for a family or newborn photo session.
Be mindful how you mix patterns. Mom can wear a floral print dress, then the partner can wear a solid shirt, and the child can wear a stripe or other textured shirt. But too many can be distracting for newborn photos, I wouldn’t have multiple plaid shirts for the photos.
Avoid clothes that have big graphics on them or with words and logos on them. These can be distracting and draws the eye to the words rather than your faces.
Need another example? Here is a photo of my own kids below.
I will share my thought process for the outfits they are wearing. My oldest son’s favorite color is green right now, so I convinced him to let me take a few pictures since he was wearing such an awesome color and shirt (that’s right, even I have to be creative in getting photos of my own kids sometimes)! Then I picked my favorite color (blue) for my baby boy and knew it would look good with the green. Next, I dressed my daughter in a floral shirt. She loves her flowery shirts and this one had both blue and green in it. The boys had solids on, so she added a pattern to the group while still coordinating with the boys. I had them lay down on my gray bedspread since their outfits were colorful and I needed a neutral background. And there ya go!
Still at a loss for what to wear? Need help picking out the perfect newborn outfit for your pictures? Then ask me!
I am happy to give you an opinion of what to wear, especially if it helps this process be more relaxing and less stressful for you. I have gotten pictures via text and have shown up to sessions and the mom holds up three different shirts for me to choose from, and I love that.
Monica Conlin is a family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, maternity photography, smash cake photography, school photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas (including, by not limited to: Kirkwood, East Lake, Edgewood, Lake Claire, Candler Park, Inman Park, Ormewood Park, Grant Park, Reynoldstown, East Atlanta, Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia Highland, Avondale, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Ansley Park, Morningside-Lenox Park, Druid Hills, Piedmont Heights, Poncey-Highland).
Please contact Monica Conlin Photography at hello@monconpix.com if you need a Newborn Lifestyle Photographer, Newborn at home Photographer, Lifestyle Family Photographer, newborn photographer, baby photographer, or maternity photographer.
