Deciding what to wear to your studio newborn session feel overwhelming. It’s an incredibly special session. You are most likely tired and not feeling quite yourself. You want timeless portraits which perfectly capture your family at this fleeting stage. So what should you and your family wear?
Consider these factors when deciding what to wear.
There are a few things to consider. First off, what setting will your newborn photographer be using? If you are going to have your session held in a studio, will your photographer be using natural light or a strobe light? Will your newborn be wearing an outfit from home, or be wrapped in an accessory provided by your newborn photographer? Finally, what do you want your images to portray – a fancy family all dressed up to celebrate the birth of a child, a fun family celebrating a new arrival, or a connected family focused on the newest miracle? Those last descriptions might seem a bit over the top, but your outfit choices speak volumes to those viewing the portraits.
What will your newborn session background look like?
Let’s begin with settings. My studio is as neutral as it gets with a cream wall and cream flooring. As a result, your images are timeless and all about the subjects with no distractions, no loud colors, just dreamy lighting and beautiful souls. My studio setting creates a dreamy and romantic feel, while bright colors create a feeling of fun and high energy. My advice to every client is this; choose a color family which suits both your complexions AND personalities. From there, make sure your outfits coordinate, not match. Matching colors overwhelm the image and has viewers noticing the main color before noticing your loved ones’ faces. Coordinating colors add interest to an image without distracting from the main subjects.
What type of lighting will your newborn photographer be using?
Strobe lighting is ideal in climates where gloomy or dark days are as abundant as sunny days, aka, the midwest! I use a strobe light in my studio, but have opted to “double diffuse” the soft box for softer, more natural looking lighting. Regardless, there are certain situations which do not lend themselves well to strobe lighting. First – sequins and sparkles. Avoid these if possible! They reflect strobe lighting and become distractions in your images. Second – pure white clothing. White reflects light, and can overwhelm the image. If a client wears white, I am forced to tone down the highlights in their clothing, often resulting in dull tones. Opt for creams or ivory instead!
What will your newborn be wearing for family pictures?
During your sibling and family portraits with Lillybelle Rose Photography, your newborn will be swaddled in a cream toned wrap. This allows baby to rest comfortably while being posed with siblings and parents, and also keeps baby secure. Safety first – always! The bonus is that you do not have to worry about an outfit for your newborn, which can be tricky at best. Bonus – no accidents on mom, dad, or siblings!
How do you want your images to “feel”?
“A picture is worth a thousand words”…What do you want to say? If you were to ask me to choose my favorite type of clothing for family portraits during one of my newborn sessions, I would say CASUAL. Why not dress up for this special session? First of all, I am all about capturing emotion, connection, and that touch of magic a new soul brings. I imagine families loving on their new additions, connecting with them, breathing them in, caressing their little cheeks, etc. Now picture yourself in a suit or fancy dress doing the before mentioned. It. Just. Doesn’t. Work. The moment someone comes in all fancy and suited up, there is naturally a stiffer vibe to the images. I’m not saying you should wear your pjs, but cotton tees, cozy sweaters and jeans feel much more inviting, instantly allowing clients to relax and “mush” together. (If you know, you know.)
Tones have something to say, as well. Soft tones and light colors give of soft and dreamy feel to images. Bright colors add pops of interest and fun. I. LOVE. BOTH! A family in soft pinks and creams loving on a baby wrapped in a cream swaddle feels calm and serene. A family dressed in royal blue and golden yellow with baby wrapped in a cream wrap feels vibrant and fun. Pick which is most true to your family vibe for authentic images you will treasure for a lifetime.
What are these soft tones I speak of?
Everly’s images are a perfect example of the soft colors and tones used at my studio. There is something about a simple backdrop and how it allows the beautiful subjects to POP! If the lighting is right, exposure game on point, and editing kept natural, soft tones work for everyone!
