What to wear

Photographing newborns and babies is all about purity.  I love to keep the look and feel of the photos light, airy, natural and soft - with the focus being on the baby.  So keeping this in mind one of the most important things to consider is what you will wear to your photo session.  Your clothing choices can easily make or break that treasured photograph!  I find that the softer, subtle tones are much more flattering for indoor portraits.

Neutrals, soft shades and mid tones

Simple, solid colour clothes, in neutral shades and mid tones always look good as they will emphasize the face and make them appear warmer and more pleasing in photographs.

Avoid stark solid white and black clothing - our eye is naturally drawn to the lightest part of the image, we don’t want this to be your bright, white plain t-shirt!  However if your top or dress has lace or is textured then this is fine (and actually looks really soft and lovely!). Black is generally too harsh for newborn photos, so instead of black opt for charcoal grey, and instead of white opt for beige.

Neutral doesn’t have to be boring - think soft pinks, faded blues, greys and oatmeal.  Just have a look at these gorgeous colour palettes below!

Keep it simple and timeless

Fashion fads come and go so keep your style understated and classic so your images don’t date.

Classic style staples are versatile pieces that can be layered, mixed, and matched in order to create an abundance of clean, timeless looks.

• Stick to straight, neat and basic lines.  Avoid, shapeless, baggy clothing (no matter what your size or body shape), choose flattering cuts that skim the body without pulling or clinging.

• Long sleeved tops and full length pants for parents are always more flattering, as the faces become the main focus, not bare arms and legs.

• Layers and texture add depth to a photo (particularly if using neutral tones) - think embroidery details, lace, and knits.  This is especially important when images are converted to black and white also.

• Avoid logos, stripes and bold patterns - they are too distracting.  Again keep it simple, sticking to solid colours in neutrals, softer shades and mid tones.

• For a newborn session siblings are always best in basic neutral colors (e.g. oatmeal, beige, grey), keeping their outfits simple so that the focus can still be on the newborn baby.  If siblings are participating in an older baby session however then more interest and colour can be introduced to their clothing.

• Limit jewellery to essential and classic pieces.  Wristwatches are best left off.

• Bare feet are perfect for indoor sessions!

Remember – the number one thing to consider is comfort, if your clothes look and feel comfortable then YOU will look and feel great wearing them.

Suggestions for mum

• Soft white/cream lace top or dress

• Denim jeans in a mid to dark-wash

• Slim or straight fitting chino style pants in light-mid tones

• A-line or pencil skirts and dresses

• Long sleeve tops to flatter, cardigans over camisoles/singlet tops

• Layering and texture

Makeup

Wear your makeup a little heavier than you would normally for daytime wear.  Blend your foundation well, particularly underneath the jaw line to neck area, making sure you stick to a shade as close to your natural skin tone as possible. Use mascara to lengthen and define your eyes.  Keep it to neutral tones for eye shadows - shades of browns and greys always look beautiful, no matter what your eye colour.  Wear and bring with you some tinted lip-gloss. Nails should be nice and clean (includes dad too!) and if nail polish is worn it should be kept to pale colours.

 Suggestions for dad

• Denim jeans in a timeless dark-wash

• A pair of flattering khaki/chino pants. If jeans are too casual for you (dress slacks are just too dressy), then chino pants in a slim, modern fit are a good alternative.

• Button down shirt with sleeves rolled up (a subtle striped or checked pattern works fine)

• Plain crew or v-neck knit sweater

• Plain fitted t-shirt or polo top

Suggestions for baby (3-12 months)

It’s all about the chub!  We want to see all those delicious dimples and rolls. I like to keep outfit changes to a minimum, usually two or three is perfect - this is where layering can come in handy.

Keep it simple.  Singlet tops, short sleeve onesies, nappy covers, knitted items and a favourite teddy or two.  Hats for both boys and girls can look cute as can pretty hair clips for girls.

The family photo

Compliment, not match.  You want to coordinate your outfits, however you don’t want to be all wearing the same colours and be too matchy-matchy.  So start with one outfit and then choose the others to compliment. For further inspiration have another look at the beautiful colour palettes combined at the start of this post.

For the newborn baby

Newborn outfits are not necessary for your little one’s first photo session. I prefer to photograph the baby in all their pureness, adding a simple knitted nappy cover, a delicate wrap or a little beanie/hat (all of these items are readily available to use at your photo session). However, if the baby has a special outfit or blanket from a grandparent for example then by all means please feel to bring it along.

Please remember that the above information is intended as a helpful guide - it is after all YOUR photo session and ultimately your choice in deciding what to wear.  I hope that this offers some ideas and inspiration and I look forward to meeting you soon!