Newborn Portraits for Johnathan James with Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer

Unposed, squishy little babies are my favorite way to begin our newborn sessions! If you’ve been following the blog for awhile, you’ve noticed that we begin most of our newborn sessions with the baby in a white onesie, just relaxing and stretching on a white blanket. I let the baby lead the way, and we capture their little personality and those tiny newborn reflexes. It’s so adorable!

Johnathan’s parents chose beautiful light gray colors for their outfits, and I absolutely adored the lace detail on mom’s shirt. These outfits photographed so well in the family portraits, and really made the white swaddle pop against their colors. I always recommend LIGHT, MUTED colors for family portraits, and this look was new and refreshing. I loved it!

More stretches! Johnathan loved to stretch!

Those tiny newborn fingers peeking out just melt my heart every single time. I photograph fresh, brand new babies all the time, but these newborn details will never get old to me!

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What to Wear to Your Newborn Session - Parents and Sibling Wardrobe Inspiration

So, you scheduled your newborn session and you listened to me say that you don’t need to worry about the baby’s outfits — the studio is stocked with wraps and cute handmade outfits that will be perfect on your little one.

But then a moment of panic sets in….. what are YOU going to wear?!?! What is going to fit one week postpartum? What’s your husband supposed to wear? What looks good on camera?

Sooooooo many questions, and you’re not alone! All new moms and moms-to-be ask me the exact same questions. That’s why I’m here to make it easy for you as you figure out what to wear to your newborn portrait session.

Whether we’re photographing at the studio or in your home, these tips apply to all families. Read on for lots of great ideas!

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Wear a gown from our studio wardrobe, or a maxi-length dress like the one from your baby shower!

Long dresses are super flattering on new moms, and we have tons of them available at the studio. They elongate your body and are very elegant and classic in portraits.

Always stick to white, cream, and other light neutrals on top. AVOID BLACK AT ALL COSTS.

While everyone always says that black is the most slimming color to wear, it’s really the least flattering option when we’re doing newborn portraits. Because you’ll be holding your baby on your chest, a dark color is going to make the baby’s skin appear rough, red, and shadowy. Stick to light colors that bounce lots of light back on the baby to really illuminate their complexion, and yours!

Lace details are gorgeous! So are any other little details on your outfit!

Lace has such a beautiful texture in photographs, and other lightweight fabrics photograph beautifully, too.

Keep in mind the STORYTELLING DETAILS in your portraits. Have a favorite necklace or a ring with sentimental value? Wear those to your session, and you’ll tell your child the story behind the jewelry for many years as they look back at their portraits.

Lightweight cardigans or kimono tops look amazing on new moms with a tank top underneath, plus they’re super comfy! Choose a neutral, or one with a pretty pattern like the floral one below.

What about the dads?

The most popular colors I see for dads are light blue and gray. These go great with your neutral top or dress, and they coordinate beautifully with any colors that might be in the outfits, too.

If your guy likes button down shirts, wear one! Roll the cuffs to be a little more casual.

If he’s a laid back kind of guy, a solid gray t-shirt looks really nice in photos.

What should the kids/siblings wear?

I love helping with outfits for the big brothers and sisters! I always recommend sticking with neutrals like white, cream, gray, blue, beige, blush pink. Clothing can have patterns on it, but nothing too loud and crazy, and definitely no words or characters/cartoon pictures. The most classic portraits are ones where the outfits don’t compete for your attention, but they’re subtle enough that you can focus on the sweet moments between the new siblings.

And barefoot is always my favorite for the kids!