Style Guide for Newborn Photos

Congratulations! You just brought your baby home! This is such a sweet time and we want to capture all the details of life with your sweet new addition. Just so you know, it is totally normal to be nervous about having your photos taken. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photos taken- and I do this for a job!

I am so honored to help you create and capture memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. There is a lot to think about when it comes to plannin a session, so I’ve created this guide to help you get the most out of your photos. By the time you’ve read through this guide you’ll have all of your questions answered and feel more than ready and prepared for your session. Then I’ll take care of the rest. I will cover what to wear, how to incorporated your pet, preparing your family and the space in your home. This Style Guide is packed with tips to help you look and feel your best during your photo session. I can’t wait to get you in front of my camera!

What to Wear for Mom

Wardrobe Tips:

In my experience, every woman- regardless of her shape- has an area of her body that she’s self-concious about, so recognizing that area in advance is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural geatures is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos.

Say YES to the dress! Skirts and dresses look most stunning because they really flatter every female body-especially on camera. It’s absoluetly normal to still look somewhat preganant after delivering a baby. It takes time for your uterus to shrink back to it’s pre-pregnancy size! This is why most moms choose to wear loose, flowy dresses versus tight-fitting clothing for newborn photos. Plus- it’s way more comfortable! Off-the-shoulder or long sleeve dresses have a slimming effect on all arms, while strapless, sleeveless or spaghetti strap dresses have the opposite effect. When considering the length of your dress, factor in whether or not you’ll have young children with you. If you have little ones, you’ll likely be sitting or squatting next to them. Cute, cocktail length dresses ar adorable, but make these poses difficult, as do low-cut tops and high leg slits.

I love the way larger patterns photograph- just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small- it may accidentally make your photos look a little too busy.

Softer pastel colors will compliment my style of photography. These lighter shades tend to photograph better than bright colors- especially since bright colors can sometimes reflect on your skin. I love bright, neon dresses, but i don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.

Accessories:

Keep it simple. Large jewelry pieces will distract from where we want the focus: on the baby! Wear your wedding band and small earrings only, if desired. Don’t forget to take off your Apple Watch for your photos.

Manicure:

There will definitely be times during your session when we’re shooting your hands- which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to guys too!).

Have your fingernails and toenails clean and manicured with a pale pink or neutral polish.

What to Wear for Dad

Soft, neutral colors are the best choice. We want the mood to be calm and relaxing.

A soft t-shirt with jeans or slacks and bare feet is ideal. Solid shades of light gray, blue, khaki, and white are a strong compliment to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye.

I also recommend staying away from graphics, logos, and shorts. Clean jogger pants look great with a pale henley t-shirt, for example! Make sure Dad has bare feet or neutral socks. Shoes can stay in the closet for this occasion.

What to Wear Family Style

If you have multiple children, don’t feel like you need to put them all in the same type of outfit. It’s totally fine to mix it up! For little girls-skirts, dresses and rompers are all great. For little boys- button downs or t-shirts both work.

When thinking of colors, always remember, there is no such thing as too much white.

Don’t be afraid of white! Having everyone in varying shades of white, or other very pale colors, will ensure that your images are in line with m bright and airy style. White, ivory, cream and chapagne complement all skin tones. And Yes, even if you don’t have a tan, white clothing instantly brightens your images, no matter the decor or how much light is in your home!

What to Wear- All About Baby

The baby is the star of the show! Wraps and tight swaddles will photograph better than clothing. Bodysuits and other clothing tend to look too baggy. I will bring a swaddle with me and get the baby wrapped up nice and tight at the start of your session. Headbands and bonnets are always a fun touch if you want to add an accessory to your sweet baby.

Be sure to cut the baby’s nails so he/she doesn’t leave scratches on his/her face. My goal is to shoot your entire session while Baby is sleeping, so I don’t change the Baby into different outfits.

Pets

Our dog is a special part of our family, which is why I love when families choose to incorporate pets into their session.

I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then letting him/her take a break for the rest of the session.

If you’re going to incorporate a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and having your pet’s favorite toy or treats handy! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might be a good idea to groom them before the shoot and have a lint roller nearby to keep your clothes looking fresh.

Preparing Your Family

I like to recommend prepping your littles with snacks, treats and lots of smiles. Before your session, grab a little bag with snacks, water, and any small neutral-colored toys that your child loves (just in case the toys end up in your photos). Those may help to get their attention when it’s time for them to look at the camera.

Have fun! Get ready for laughs and snuggles! A lot of families discuss and choose something fun in advance as a treat or reward for a job well done, like an ice cream date or going to the park.

They’re little and I know things don’t always go as planned. Give them (and yourself!) lots of grace. I’ve seen it all and will make sure to deliver some beautiful photos, regardless of their moods. My goal is to make this as fun and stress free as it possibly can be for you and your family!

Preparing Your Space

Choose one or two rooms in your home to unclutter and style for your newborn session. Rooms with large windows, free of dark shade-screens, far from surrounding walls and void of thick shrubbery are ideal. It could be the living room, nursery, master bedroom, or even the kitchen!

Dress up the spaces with simple, subtle touches like fresh flowers, meaningful heirlooms, or neutral decor. Light and bright is my style!

Quick tip: If you have colorful or dark bedding in the master bedroom, I suggest replacing it with white or ivory linens for our session. This will help your photos to look brighter.

One Final Note…

I know all of this is a lot to think about. I created this guide to help make your newborn session experience something you’ll look back fondly on for years and years. It’s not just about the photos for me. It’s about the experiences and the memories. I want your session to be a time when you are yourselves, have fun, laugh a lot, and let me take care of the rest!