When having a lifestyle newborn session, what you wear can really influence the photographs you have of this precious time in your lives. So to help you choose something timeless that you’ll look and feel great in, as well as show of your new little babe, here are some top tips on what to wear for your newborn photography session.
What outfits should you wear for your newborn photography session
Because you are probably planning to use your newborn photography session for birth announcements and thank you cards, as well as to create prints and canvases for your home and for your parents, it’s understandable to feel a little stressed about choosing the right outfit. You’re also after something timeless that you won’t look back at 10 years from now and wonder what on earth you were thinking.
This blog post is designed to offer some solid advice that should lead you to choosing the perfect outfits for your family. A lifestyle newborn photography session is the perfect opportunity to incorporate a piece of yourselves – from your home decor and favourite colours to personal style. So with that in mind, think of this as a guide rather than a hard and fast set of rules you have to abide by. These are your memories, and as such, do with this information as you wish.
1. Keep your home’s decor in mind
When narrowing down what to wear, I recommend a few considerations. The first thing to think about is the colours in your home so that any prints you get developed will look great no matter where you decide to hang them. Have a look around your home, what colours do you gravitate towards? Don’t wear brown if your sofa and lounge furniture is black, for example.
2. Think about what you’ll treasure most
The next thing to think about incorporating items that matter to you.
Firstly, think about what you want your baby to wear and coordinate with that. I honestly suggest just having your wee little one in a swaddle cloth. Baby clothes rarely fit newborns very well and they end up looking quite swamped in an outfit or misshapen. With that said, if there is an outfit you really adore and will probably find yourself tucking away in the baby box when they outgrow it, it is a lovely idea to put your baby in that. However, it doesn’t have to be an outfit – is the baby blanket really special to you or do you have a swaddle cloth you really love? Use that over a cute baby outfit or opt to have your little one in a simple white onesie.
You could also think of wearing something that really brings you joy – such as a heirloom neckless from your grandmother, or wearing a gift from your partner got you for a special occasion – and coordinate around that.
3. Stick with neutrals and light pastels
After you’ve thought about the first two tips, I recommend narrowing down the outfits you are considering by sticking with neutrals. You want your newborn to be the focus of the photographs, so avoid bright, dark or busy patterns that are naturally distracting for the eye. Shades of grey, white, ivory, denim, tan, pastels, etc are always a sure bet.
With newborn sessions, simple white and light colours also work wonders as it a natural reflector for bouncing light and thus reduces shadowing. Shadows can, in particular, be an issue with your baby’s face when you bring them in for a snuggle. Light colours create a softness to images that compliments your baby’s. Light colours are also lovely because any prints you frame will rarely look out of place in a home – especially when you go with a solid colour like whites, greys or tans.
Stay away from clothing with large logos or patterns – basically anything that will distract the eye. Also watch out for clothing items that will cause the Moire effect – anything with really small (or sometimes even bold) patterns such as strips or plaids can mess with how the camera renders the image.
4. Wear what feels amazing
As a mum, our body shape goes through a lot of changes in the weeks before and after the birth of our child. It can be a challenge sometimes when deciding what to wear. So ultimately, where what you feel best in. If you feel and look comfortable in what you are wearing, it will show and you’ll look positively radiant.
Sometimes that might just be a pair of yoga bottoms and a top you love (pretty much all I wore for 3 months, so no judgement here). And that’s okay. In general, an open button down shirt over a tank top is lovely to help hid the post baby bump and be super comfortable.
Above all, you’ll want to choose something you can move in, doesn’t put pressure on your c-section if you have one, and isn’t too tight. You don’t want to be sucking in or tugging at your outfit throughout the session. I personally really love items that have a bit of flow and isn’t tight around the waist. Something like a flowy dress or skirt, lace kimono or light, oversized cardigan has beautiful movement to it and can add a nice softness and dimension to your photographs.
5. Coordinate with your partner
Before deciding what your partner will wear, mum has first dibs in this arena. Once your outfit is chosen, your partner should then wear something that compliments mum’s outfit. It’s great to coordinate, but not be matchy-matchy. If you wear white, your partner could wear a grey jumper, for example.
6. Keep it light
In order to capture your baby all relaxed and comfortable, we’ll be turning up the heat to around 25°. So don’t dress in loads of layers if you sweat easily. I usually just have an electric heater set to warm one room, but you might also opt to warm the whole house, so keep that in mind when decided what to wear.
7. Prepare for a change
If you haven’t yet settled on a newborn photographer, have a look at my packages here and take a look at my family portfolio here. I’d love to photograph your little bundle of joy and hope you get in touch if you haven’t already.
Till the next bump drops,
Kelsie
Kelsie Scully Photography – Brighton and Hove newborn photographer serving Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Rottingdean, Newhaven, Portslade, Worth and Lancing with moments of love, laughter and memory-making.
Babies are cute, but messy. From spit up to accidents, you might find you’ll need to change. Have a back-up outfit planned in advance and set it out so you can do a quick change.
If you haven’t yet settled on a newborn photographer, have a look at my packages here and take a look at my family portfolio here. I’d love to photograph your little bundle of joy and hope you get in touch if you haven’t already.
Till the next bump drops,
Kelsie
Kelsie Scully Photography – Brighton and Hove newborn photographer serving Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Rottingdean, Newhaven, Portslade, Worth and Lancing with moments of love, laughter and memory-making.
