What To Wear for Everlasting Newborn Family Sessions
Qualicum Beach Studio Photographer
What To Wear for your newborn Family sessions: Style tips for timeless family photos
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“What Should We Wear to our Newborn Family Sessions?”
This is one of the most asked questions for parents who book a newborn session with family images included. These are once-in-a-lifetime images and it makes sense that clients want to know what they can wear that will create family portraits that won’t age while they’re hanging on the wall and passed down as heirlooms. With all the decision making new parents are already making this is one place where you don’t need to stress. I’ve created this blog post to answer that question and show you that what you need for your session is probably already in your closet at home!
Keep it Soft, Neutral + Timeless
In the studio, I use soft, organic textures and a warm, cozy environment to ensure your baby is the star of every photo. To compliment this style, I recommend neutrals and light tones such as cream, beige, ivory, taupe, soft grey or muted pastels. These tones photography beautifully and ensure your images aren’t representing a fade in a time period which can detract from your pictures feeling fresh in later years.
Things to Avoid:
Bold patterns, logos or neon colours. They tend to distract from the connection and emotion we’re capturing between your family and your new baby.
For Moms: Comfort + Elegance
Moms often feel self conscious when it’s their time in front of the camera but they really don’t need to be. You just made a human being inside your body- you are incredible and that amazing feat should be celebrated in a way that shows how beautiful you truly are.
I know you are shaped differently than last time you did photos, you are probably the most exhausted you’ve ever been, and you might even have spit up in your nursing bra by the time its your turn for pictures, but I can assure you we are going to work every angle and use all the most flattering lighting techniques to make you feel radiant in your final images. I also need you to be comfortable, so think flowing fabrics, long relaxed dresses or cozy knit sweaters paired with leggings. Most of our family posing won’t be showing your legs because we want to focus on those sweet baby cheeks and really highlight how tiny baby is in your arms.
Clients who can’t find neutrals in their closets are welcome to use something we have in the studio. We have lots of gowns that photograph beautifully that fit a wide range of sizes.
For Dads: Simple, Clean + Classic
Showcasing the tiny person who has half your features is a moment to feel proud in front of the camera. I know you are likely pretty tired but we will only use the best light to highlight how itty bitty your baby is in your safe, strong arms.
A soft, neutral henley, button-down shirt or knit sweaters pairs perfectly with beige or grey chinos. Layers like cardigans or textured shirts add warmth and depth to your portraits without being a distraction from your connection with your newborn son or daughter.
Things To Avoid:
Bold prints, logos, bright socks, large watches, bright socks peeking out. Nothing to detract from your “Dad + me” portraits!
Siblings: Cozy + Coordinated
If you’re bringing a toddler or older siblings along we are doing a happy dance but we’re also ensuring that the safety of your newborn is being considered during these poses. Sometimes toddlers will lay down to be still with their newborn sibling, sometimes they are too busy or suddenly feel shy when its time to be in pictures. I consider their preferences and even listen to their ideas so they feel involved and loved throughout the session. For siblings to feel comfortable in their portion of the session I recommend clothing that coordinates with the Mom + Dad’s clothing in knit, linen, or simple t-shirts in neutral tones like beige, oatmeal greys and even soft blues!
Things to Avoid
Busy patterns, stiff fabrics or fussy designs (think lots of straps or clothing that needs to be adjusted frequently) could cause your toddler to be uncomfortable when it’s their turn for photos. We want kids to be comfortable so they can relax and feel like themselves!
Tips For The Family:
Barefoot is beautiful. This allows you to not need as many pairs of coordinating shoes as family members and lets every one off the hook for fresh, matching hole free socks!
Bring Options. Especially for nursing moms! You can not predict what is going to happen during the session. Having a back up outfit for everyone in neutral tones allows you to mix and match for the final look. I am happy to give my advice, too!
Don’t Overthink This. The most important thing for newborn family sessions is your comfort. We want to capture you and your family feeling relaxed and connected.
