It is kind of funny… when I think of newborns I think of naked baby bums and chubby cheeks, not clothing.

The newborn session is really not about the parents, it is a bout that fresh new life that just popped into the world.

That said, dressing for them can be stressful. New parents quite often don’t fit into much, and have not slept in a few days.

So I thought I would be helpful and leave a few hints here…

So read along from my helpful hints to parents participating in newborn sessions…

1. It is not about you, of all the photos we take you will be in less than 20% of them. Don’t stress too much. 🙂 Find something comfortable, for most of the session you will be either sitting around relaxing, or feeding a baby.

2. Moms: If you are feeling bloated and still rocking a post baby bump, it is OK! That is normal. I often shoot only above the waste to help with this. If that is the case plain black yoga or sweat pants are perfect, comfy, and will easily fade into a backdrop.

3. Sometimes we move back too. If you have cool art in your home, or a brightly colored wall, odds are I will also do some family shots including the backdrop, that said I will still find an angle and crop that is flattering.

4. Think about our environment. We will be warming up the house or the studio to close to 80 degrees to keep baby warm during the session. We may step outside or into other rooms for family shots, but odds are it will be warm. Layers are great! Or wait to change into the “photo ready” outfit until we are about to shoot. Before or after that hot weather clothing is best, no one wants to be all sweaty in their sweater while I’m doing the newborn only section of the shoot.

5. It is all about the baby skin. We want to capture that fresh new baby look in every photo. For that reason, neutrals, and light colors on top are best. Not necessarily a bright white, but warm neutrals are great if they also go with your skin palette. You can find even better examples on my pinterest board here.

6. Siblings should also follow the neutral comfy rule. If the sibling is also pretty little sometimes even jeans and no shirt can be sweet.

tho pops of color, if not too bright, can also be sweet with siblings like this cute pair of sisters.

7. Bring options. If we are shooting in the studio, bring lots of tops, I would be happy to give you my opinion onsite. If we are shooting in your home, pile up the options on your bed and we will choose together if that is helpful! I am always happy to talk people through their options.

8. What about baby? Like I said above newborn sessions are all about skin, cozy wraps and hats. I will provide all of that. If you have items that are special to you, or you purchased especially for the session I am of course happy to include them! Actual clothing tho most times will not actually fit a 9 day old baby, it is much simpler and sweeter to wrap baby up for the family photos, then wrestle baby into an outfit. 🙂

Whew! Well I hope that is helpful! Again of all my session, this is the one to stress about the least when it comes to clothing. I promise to make the session low stress, relaxing, and chill.

Again here is a pinterest board I am constantly updating with ideas. 🙂

xo em