What should you wear for your newborn photoshoot?

Choosing what to wear for your newborn photoshoot really shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated, or expensive either!

After years of giving advise to stick to soft neutral colours, avoiding logos or patterns etc, I’m backing out and now tell my clients to wear what’s comfortable, what feels like them.

Yes, of course it’s lovely to have a thoughtful palette and clothes that don’t distract from the simplicity of the moments, but now that the world of photography has turned beige I’m rebelling, and invite my clients to as well.

The most important thing is wearing something you feel comfortable and good in. Not timelessness. Not neutral perfection.

What colours work best?

That said, I’m all for muted colours when it comes to a newborn session if you have something nice like that already in your wardrobe.

ecru

whites
oatmeal
soft browns
muted forest greens/sage
dusty blues/pinks
Muted aubergine

The reason for keeping things minimal, simple and neutral is so that what you were doesn’t distract from your newborn or the moments between you.

Should everyone match?

NO - please no!!

I advise strongly against wearing matching outfits unless that’s what you normally wear. I can try and explain but take my word for it. Just NO.

Father wearing a light blue shirt holding newborn baby girl during newborn photography session in Cornwall

What should mums wear?

What do you feel most like yourself in? There are no rules - it can be an oversized cardigan, baggy jeans, a bohemian maxi dress, a soft comfy onesie… These are your photos, they will represent this time in your lives and are not supposed to be timeless. Don’t dress to please me, or squeeze into something because you think that’s what you should wear. Be you, be unique.

Remember to wear clothes that make feeding easy if you’re breastfeeding.

Think. If you hate your upper arms, don’t wear a tight sleeveless vest. You’re going to be cuddling your baby - don’t wear a jumper studded with massive diamantés.

Mother wearing cream jumper and newborn cuddling during newborn photoshoot in Cornwall

What should dad wear?

Wearing what’s comfortable should still have some thought put into it. I definitely wouldn’t come wearing a football shirt or hoodie.

Some dads like to put their personality in with a patterned shirt, or you can just wear a plain t shirt. Like mums, I advise not wearing something you feel uncomfortable in, or that doesn’t fit well.

Father holding newborn twins during twin newborn photoshoot in Cornwall

What should siblings wear?

Comfort is important, as well as clothes that are easy to move in and fit well - won’t pull open or keep slipping off.

You could avoid cartoon characters, graphics and bright colours.

I usually photograph children with bare feet and take socks and tights off.

Soft textures are always best, without things like sequins which can scratch the baby.

Toddler in pink dress with newborn baby sister during natural newborn photoshoot Cornwall

What should baby wear?

Nothing special is required for your baby - as I work with babies in nappy, simply wrapped.

You are welcome to bring along a sentimental blanket, but there is no need to bring any special clothing for your baby to wear.

Baby swaddled in sentimental green blanket during natural newborn photoshoot in Cornwall

Jewellery & accessories

I generally advise keeping it simple but if you have a sentimental piece of jewellery it’s lovely to have it on. My style is all about simplicity, which means that everything within any shot is there intentionally. You can choose what is important to you to have in the photos.

Watches (especially Apple Watches) can be removed at the start of the session - they can clash with the softness of your baby and be a distraction.

I recommend nails being clean and well groomed, with a clear polish or neutral shade rather than anything bright or eye-catching.

Mother wearing denim blue dress and baby photo during newborn photoshoot in Cornwall

Glasses

Some parents wonder whether or not they should wear their glasses in the photos. I have no personal preference and tend to think if a parent always wears glasses then there is nothing wrong with them being in the photos. However, if you prefer yourself without glasses then do remove them.

Should we wear shoes?

In the studio, no. If we’re outdoors, you’ll probably have shoes on and they should be chosen to look part of the overall outfits.

What fabrics photograph best?

I have obsessed over textures more than most people and I love natural fibres with some texture, such as linen, cotton, muslin, knitwear, wool and anything with a soft texture.

Avoid shiny satin, polyester, and anything with branding.

Family together during newborn photoshoot In Cornwall

What patterns should be avoided?

Some simple, neat patterns work beautifully in newborn photos, but need to be carefully chosen. I would steer away from tiny stripes, loud bold florals, checks and plaid, logos and slogans.

The camera can react to things like fine stripes and create a moire pattern so rather keep it neutral and simple.

Father wearing patterned shirt with newborn baby boy during newborn photography session in Cornwall

What if we’re having photos at home?

For home photoshoots, the advice is the same.

You want to look and feel comfortable, relaxed, and like yourselves. It’s how you would dress normally, perhaps slightly elevated.

In my humble experience…

After photographing hundreds of newborn sessions across Cornwall, I've found that parents nearly always worry they're choosing the wrong clothes. In reality, the moments and connection matters far more than the perfect outfit. Simple clothing simply helps keep the focus on those tiny fingers wrapped around yours.

The biggest mistake I see people make is wearing something just because it’s beige or white, not because it looks or feels particularly attractive.

‘Neutral’ does not have to be cream or beige, and I think there’s a fear of colour which is a shame. Any light colours will do, or even earthy tones which opens up so many options that can look fantastic.

The goal isn’t to be timeless.

My goal is to make these feel timely, not timeless. I don’t want to strip the session of things that will remind you of who you were at this pivotal time, and that includes awkward clothes, weight, hairstyles, etc. Perfection has become so boring, I want your photos to show who you all were in your imperfect beauty!

My top tips in choosing outfits for your newborn photoshoot:

It’s these details that make the most difference:

Iron clothes beforehand, or bring on a hanger if changing here.
Remove phones & bulky keys from pockets
Cover upper arms if you don’t like them
Wear skin-coloured underwear beneath light clothing
Moisturise hands and make sure nails are clean and neat
Remove elastic hair ties from wrists

Mother wearing a blue denim dress holding newborn baby during newborn photoshoot in Cornwall

FAQ’s on what to wear to your newborn photography session

Can I wear black?

Yes

Can I wear jeans?

Yes

Do we all need to wear white?

No. Please no.

Should baby wear shoes?

No.

Should I buy a new outfit?

I am sure there are things at home that will be fine - you don’t need to run out and buy any new clothes. Keep it simple.

What if I’ve had a c-section?

This is when a dress might feel the most comfortable. You’re welcome to wear something loose and elasticated on the bottom, with a nice top, if that helps too.

What if my baby is already six weeks old?

If you have an older newborn, it may be more difficult to keep him or her wrapped and swaddled. I recommend bringing your baby in a neutral and plain vest, that fits snugly. I can still wrap your baby up, and have some larger blankets to do the job.

Do you provide wraps and blankets?

Yes I have a collection of custom newborn photography blankets and wraps for use in my sessions.

What if we’re breastfeeding?

Wear something that you can feed in comfortably - even if it’s a top or dress that can be slipped off the shoulder. Keep it in mind when choosing what to wear.