What to Wear for a Newborn Photoshoot
Welcoming a newborn into the family is an extraordinary moment filled with joy and wonder. Capturing these precious early days through a newborn photoshoot is a beautiful way to preserve memories that will last a lifetime. One of the most common questions new parents have is, “What should we wear for the photoshoot?” In this blog post, I’ll provide helpful tips and ideas to ensure your family looks great in your newborn photos, whilst keeping the photo shoot as stress-free as possible.
The Main Goal: Timeless and Comfortable
The first thing to consider is the main goal of your newborn photo session: creating timeless, beautiful images that highlight the new baby and the bond between family members. Comfort is also crucial, as a relaxed family will photograph better. Here are some helpful tips to achieve this.
Neutral and Light Colours
If you’re not sure what kinds of colours to go for but want to achieve a cohesive and timeless look, choose neutral, light colours for the whole family. These shades are soft, gentle, and won’t distract from the star of the show—your newborn baby. Colours such as white, cream, beige, light grey, and pastel tones work well. On the other hand, if you are a family that loves bright colours, go for it! Have everyone wear clothes that reflect your personality as a family. Likewise, if anyone has a favourite outfit they are desperate to wear for the shoot, then work everyone else’s outfits around that.
Solid Colors and Subtle Patterns
Solid colours are a safe bet as they focus attention on the baby without any distractions. However, subtle patterns can add a little bit of visual interest without overwhelming the photos. It might be best to avoid bold colours and busy patterns, which can create colour casts and detract from the simplicity and purity of newborn portraits, but as I’ve just said, this also depends on the personality of your family.
Coordinating the Rest of the Family
When planning outfits for the rest of the family, aim for a coordinated colour scheme rather than matching exactly. Different shirts in similar colours can create a harmonious look without being overly uniform. Earth tones and neutral tones are great options that blend well together. New dads can opt for simple dress shirts or more comfortable clothing such as jeans and t-shirts in neutral tones. Older siblings, whether big brothers or big sisters, can wear light-coloured outfits that complement the family’s overall look. If siblings have an outfit they’re desperate to wear, it’s probably best to let them, providing the outfit is appropriate. They are more likely to relax and smile for the photographs if they are wearing something they love rather than something they’ve been made to wear.
Long Sleeves and Maxi Dresses
Long-sleeved tops and maxi dresses are perfect outfits for mums who have recently given birth. They are comfortable, flattering, and photograph well. Floral print dresses and tops are still subtle but can add a touch of elegance, movement and texture to the images.
Consider the Time of Year and Setting
The time of year and the setting of your photoshoot can influence your outfit choices. For in-home newborn sessions, you might prefer to opt for comfortable, casual clothing that reflects the comfort of your own home. Consider the colour of the walls and decor if you’re shooting at home to ensure your outfits blend well with the surroundings. Studio shoots might call for slightly more polished outfits, depending on the kind of look you want to achieve.
Special Tips for Newborn Photography Sessions
Baby’s Outfit
For the newborn baby, simple is often best. Soft, comfortable onesies, swaddles, or just a bare baby (with a nappy) are ideal. Neutral and soft colours work best to keep the focus on your baby’s face and expressions.
Change of Clothes
Having at least one change of clothes on hand for everyone is a good idea, and especially for the baby. Newborns can be unpredictable, and having backup outfits ensures the photoshoot can continue smoothly even if there are any accidents.
Cute Accessories
Simple accessories such as a delicate headband or bow for a baby girl or a soft hat for a baby boy can add a touch of personality to the photos without overpowering them. Speak with the photographer or photography studio to find out what they offer anything in terms of props and accessories, and think carefully about whether you want to include them in the photoshoot.
Avoid Dark Colors and Bold Colors
While dark colours can look elegant, they can sometimes create harsh contrasts and colour casts in photos. Instead, consider opting for lighter colours that better reflect light. If you love bold colours, consider incorporating a small pop of colour through props and accessories rather than entire outfits being brightly coloured.
Barefoot for a Natural Look
Having family members go barefoot can add a relaxed, natural feel to the photos. This works particularly well for in-home sessions and can make everyone feel more comfortable.
Coordinating with Older Siblings
Including older siblings in the photos is a wonderful way to capture the bond between them and the new baby. Encourage them to wear comfortable, light-coloured outfits that complement the rest of the family. Long sleeves or short-sleeved tops in neutral tones work well. Ensure they are relaxed and comfortable in whatever they are wearing to help capture genuine, loving interactions.
Final Images and Colour Palette
When considering the final images, think about the overall colour palette. Neutral tones and soft colours create a cohesive and timeless look. Looking through pictures from other newborn photoshoots and family photoshoots online can offer inspiration and can help you visualise different combinations and choose the best outfits for your family.
A Long Way to Perfect Outfits
Remember, the most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable and happy on the day of the photoshoot. Perfect outfits are those that make you feel good and allow the love and joy of your newborn family to shine through in the photos. While it’s important to think about what you want everyone to wear for a newborn photoshoot beforehand, try not to be a perfectionist about outfits, hairstyles, makeup etc. on the day as this could potentially result in a stressful, negative atmosphere.
Conclusion
Planning what to wear for a newborn photoshoot doesn’t have to be stressful. By focusing on neutral colours, comfortable clothing, and a coordinated colour scheme, you can ensure your family looks great in your newborn photography session. Keep the main goal in mind: capturing the special bond and joy of welcoming a new baby into your family. With these helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful, timeless images that you’ll cherish forever.
Links and Resources
You don’t need to pay for an expensive newborn photoshoot to take fantastic photos of your newborn. You can do it yourself even just using the camera on your phone. Here are some top tips from Dinky Feet for how to take great photos at home:
https://www.dinkyfeet.co.uk/15-tips-on-how-to-take-awesome-pictures-of-your-newborn
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