An in-home newborn photography session is the perfect opportunity to show off your newborn and have beautiful family portraits taken!
If you’re like most mamas, you want most of the attention to be on your brand new baby. While every family session with a newborn will include tons of baby photos, you’ll be in lots of images too.
Let’s be honest, it can be hard to figure out what to wear – your pre-pregnancy clothes may not fit yet, and you’re sick to death of all your maternity things.
That’s no reason to skip out on newborn photos! Here’s what other mamas of The Woodlands, Texas are wearing for the sweetest in-home newborn photography sessions ever.
Tip #1: An elegant, long dress photographs beautifully
This is one of my most-loved gowns for a newborn session, available in my client closet for photography sessions. The length is super flattering because it allows you to sit, stand or lie down without worry because you’re fully covered.
You can see Leah curled up on the bed here with her husband and newest little guy, Judah. After a few photos with family, we also took a few gorgeous snaps of her lying down while nursing.
This gown flows over a mama’s curves beautifully, whether you’re just home from the hospital or a few weeks postpartum. If you’re sensitive about having your upper arms photographed, it provides coverage with a delicate bit of lace. As a bonus, it’s also simple to pull the top down if baby wants to nurse!
I love the lace fabric, which gives your photos a feminine, romantic vibe. This shade of ivory looks amazing with every skin tone and hair color, and also flatters baby for those up-close snuggle shots.
Tip #2: Midi-length dresses are also gorgeous post-baby
Amanda was about a month postpartum for her in-home newborn photography session in The Woodlands. I loved her soft green dress that fell just below her knees. The detailing at the bottom, combined with the buttons, add visual interest to her photos.
I suggest that clients dress up just a bit for newborn sessions; this is probably your first official photo session after welcoming baby, which means these photos will have special meaning. They’re likely to be framed in your home. You’ll probably share them with family and friends online or even as gifts.
While a cute dress like this one, or the lace gown above, may not be a practical day-to-day choice for life with a baby (and perhaps other kids, too), this look photographs much better than casual jeans and a shirt.
Liisa also opted for a midi length dress in a beautiful shade of navy. The simple contrast of baby’s white swaddle against mom’s dark blue dress is so beautiful and timeless, especially with her simple accessories. What mama wouldn’t want this lovely portrait hanging in her home so she’ll always remember the newborn snuggles?!
Tip #3: Take care when selecting bold colors
I tend to favor ivory, white, gray and soft pastels on mamas for newborn sessions – but I totally understand that not everyone loves neutrals! In fact, Jordan is one of those mamas who preferred brighter, deeper colors like the teal you see here.
Her family’s color palette worked very well for their newborn photography session in The Woodlands. Mama’s dress is on the bolder side, which looks lovely with everyone else is in more neutral shades.
So, if you aren’t a fan of earth tones, just take care when selecting a bolder shade. You want to ensure the color doesn’t reflect on baby’s delicate skin.
Take special care with these clothing choices for newborn photo sessions
Jeans and leggings
While I know long dresses and skirts aren’t for everyone, they photograph better than jeans or leggings for newborn sessions. Does that mean you absolutely can’t wear them? Of course not. Above all, you need to be comfortable in whatever you choose to wear for your session! My job is to explain what usually looks best, but ultimately, you do you!
If you decide to wear jeans, make sure it’s a well-kept pair without holes, rips or tears. Save that very casual look for daily wear and select something slightly more dressed up.
I suggest clients pair jeans or leggings with a flowy, feminine top. You’ll want to avoid anything super fitted, as well as bold, loud prints. If the weather allows, a cardigan adds an extra pop to your photos!
Bright colors including pink, orange, red or yellow
Simply put, I would avoid these colors because they tend to reflect onto anyone standing close to you, especially under certain lighting conditions. You don’t want your spouse or your baby to have a slight orange or red hue to their skin for these special photos!
Matching outfits with your spouse
Complementary colors look much better than matching outfits. If your husband has a black shirt and jeans that are his “go-to” look for photos, you don’t want to wear the same thing! It makes for boring photos where it’s hard to tell where your body starts and his stops when you are standing or sitting together.
The everyone-in-the-same-colors trend is very dated; the only time it works is for family beach sessions where you might see everyone in shades of khaki and white.
Short shorts
Although this comes down to personal preference, I believe shorts on mamas are too casual for my particular style of newborn session.
Prepping your wardrobe for your newborn photography session
Try on your entire outfit (including undergarments!) before your session to ensure you’re comfortable with how everything fits. Our bodies change so much after having a baby, so this isn’t when you should assume something will “probably be ok.”
If a shirt isn’t fitting right and you’re constantly tugging on it, that discomfort will show. Wear something that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable – it really helps add an extra pop to your images!
Don’t forget about accessories! Jewelry, shoes, cardigans, wraps, hats, scarves – the options are endless!
Have a plan for your hair and makeup the night before your session. It’s so easy to let time get away from you the morning of your photos… you don’t want to wind up with barely-there lip gloss and a messy bun!
As a mom of three girls, I know it’s exhausting to care for a newborn, which is why I have a selection of gowns, skirts and dresses for you to wear for newborn photos. I also have a list of hair stylists and makeup artists who will come to your home if you really want to spoil yourself.
Don’t miss out on making memories with your baby! Newborns are only this little once and these days are over in a blink! Contact me to learn more about scheduling your beautiful newborn portrait session.
