What should you wear for your newborn photoshoot?

Choosing what to wear for your newborn photoshoot shouldn’t feel complicated or stressful. Soft neutral colours, comfortable clothing without logos or busy patterns, and outfits that allow movement for cuddles help to create timeless photos that keep the focus on your family rather than your clothes.

The most important thing is wearing something you feel comfortable and good in.

What colours work best?

For newborn photography sessions I always recommend neutral colours, eg

ecru
whites
oatmeal
soft browns
muted greens
dusty blues
muted earthy colours

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. These colours suit natural light, which I work with, and result in more timeless images.

Should everyone match?

No, I don’t recommend wearing matching outfits - it will look dated. Everyone needs to look like they belong together, not like it’s a uniform. Think of co-ordinating rather than matching outfits and colours.

If you do wear the same colour on top, then try to mix it up with different textures. I definitely encourage my clients to steer away from wearing matching white shirts and jeans for example. You want a few simple variations in tone and subtle colour if possible.

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

What should mums wear?

For mums, I love things that feel soft, feminine, maternal and natural. Flowing dresses are beautiful, as well as knit jumpers or oversize cashmere cardigans, linen or cheesecloth - anything with texture works well.

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

Your body will have just done something extraordinary. Wear something that makes you feel like yourself rather than worrying about fitting into your pre-pregnancy clothes. You want to feel comfortable, and to have on something that is flattering after birth.

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

What should dad wear?

I highly recommend things like plain knitwear, henley shirts, neutral t-shirts and chinos or plain jeans.

Avoid hoodies, sports shirts, any logos, graphics and flourescent colours. Subtle patterns can be quite lovely and bring in some character and personality to the session, though avoid plaid, or any highly contrasting non-earthy colours.

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. I love soft dresses and dungarees, in simple neutral colours again.

Avoid slipping straps and make sure clothes fit well.

Definitely 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?

Quite soon after arriving I will undress baby down to their nappy and tend to work with babies simply wrapped. I provide everything that is needed.

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, 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.

My top tips in choosing outfits for your newborn photoshoot:

There are a few things that happen regularly, and I advise these details are handled before your session:

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
Remove elastic hair ties from wrists

For all my photoshoots, I advise laying everyone’s outfits on the bed and seeing how they look together. It’s often easy to spot if something sticks out or doesn’t seem to belong. I am always happy to give advice to my clients if they send me a photo.

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?

I would generally recommend charcoal rather than black. But you could wear black if this is important to you - I have had parents in the past who only wear black and it felt too odd to wear white for these photos. However, if one parent wears black, the other should wear a darker tone too.

Can I wear jeans?

Yes, jeans are fine - especially for dads.

Do we all need to wear white?

Absolutely not, and I’d prefer if you didn’t! I love a subtle mix of subtle colours, tones and textures and advise my clients to avoid wearing matching outfits or dressing all in white for their newborn photoshoot.

Should baby wear shoes?

No. I undress babies for their photos and have them simply wrapped, usually with their toes sticking out.

Should I buy a new outfit?

I don’t think it’s always necessary to spend on a new outfit, but if you really don’t have anything to wear I would rather you bought something that you feel good in, that works for the photos, than trying to make do from a wardrobe at home which doesn’t work. Check with me first, as I have a collection of simple dresses left over from my old client wardrobe.

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.