Elizabeth Lang Photography- Cloverdale Near Vancouver
What to Wear to Your Newborn Photography Session for Family and Parent Poses
Welcoming a newborn into your family is a magical experience, and what better way to preserve those fleeting moments than with a newborn photography session at Elizabeth Lang Photography? Newborn sessions include both individual baby portraits and family or parent poses, so it’s important to plan your outfits to create a cohesive, relaxed, and timeless look.
1. Opt for Neutrals and Soft Tones
When it comes to what to wear for family poses, I always suggest neutrals or soft tones. Think whites, creams, grays, light pinks, blues, or soft browns—these colors not only create a serene and calming atmosphere but also ensure your newborn is the focal point of the images. Neutral outfits complement baby photos beautifully and help convey the warmth and love of your family in the most natural way.
2. Textures and Comfortable Fabrics
Textures can make a huge difference in how your photos look! Incorporating soft, flowing fabrics like cotton, linen, or knit can add a lot of depth and warmth to your family portraits. Lace, knitted sweaters, or soft cashmere all photograph beautifully and add an elegant touch without being too distracting. Keep in mind that your newborn will likely be swaddled or dressed in simple, cozy outfits, so textured fabrics in your own clothing will elevate the entire composition without taking attention away from baby.
For parents, comfortable fabrics that allow movement are essential. Soft, stretchy fabrics (like jersey or knits) will ensure you’re comfortable during poses while maintaining a sleek, polished look. Moms can wear flowy dresses or tops that move with them during the shoot—this is particularly lovely for the "mom and baby" portraits with flowing fabric that I offer.
3. Flowing Fabrics for Mom & Baby Portraits
After family poses, if you'd like to do a "mom and baby" portrait, I invite you to wear flowing fabrics that can be used in the shot. This adds a dreamy, soft element that can highlight the bond between you and your newborn. A flowing dress, shawl, or scarf can create a lovely, ethereal look that complements the innocence and sweetness of your baby.
4. Classic Black
Classic black is also a great way to go if you like the darker traditional portraits. Black is usually easy to find and typically looks great on everyone.
5. Comfort for You and Baby
During your session, comfort is key—especially if you're breastfeeding or have just given birth. For this reason, I recommend wearing loose tops that make it easier for you to breastfeed during the shoot if needed. Soft, stretchy fabrics like sweatshirts or flowy tops with easy access are great options. You can pair these with leggings or sweatpants for maximum comfort, particularly for the more relaxed portion of the shoot when you're resting or lounging on the couch after the family poses.
6. Sibling Outfits
If you’re including siblings in the session, it’s important to coordinate their outfits with the rest of the family. Stick to the same neutral color palette to create a cohesive look. For older siblings, simple dresses or button-down shirts with soft colors and light textures work wonderfully. For young children, keep their clothing comfortable (but still charming!) with soft fabrics and breathable options. And don’t worry about getting perfect matching outfits—coordinating shades and tones will look beautiful and relaxed in your photos.
7. Newborn Clothing Options
For your newborn, I provide a range of adorable outfits, including knitted onesies, little girl dresses, and cozy boy outfits. However, if you have a specific outfit in mind that coordinates with your family’s look, you are welcome to bring it. You can also opt for a natural look with your baby dressed in a simple diaper and swaddled in cozy fabrics for the family photos—these minimalist shots often create the most heartfelt and intimate images of your newborn.
8. Room Temperature
One important thing to keep in mind is that the room will be very warm for your baby during the shoot. Since newborns are sensitive to temperature, I keep the space heated to ensure they are comfortable and relaxed, especially while they’re being swaddled or in minimal clothing. This helps them stay calm and allows me to capture their best moments without causing discomfort.
9. Feel Free to Ask for a Second Opinion
Choosing outfits for your newborn and family photos can sometimes be overwhelming, and I’m happy to help! If you’re unsure about your outfit choices, please feel free to email me photos of your selected outfits, and I’ll be happy to offer feedback or suggestions. I want you to feel confident and comfortable in what you wear, and I’m always here to help you make the best decisions for your session!
Final Thoughts
A newborn session with family poses is a wonderful opportunity to capture the love, joy, and connection that comes with welcoming a new member to your family. By choosing neutral tones, soft textures, and comfortable fabrics, you’ll ensure that everyone feels at ease and looks great for the shoot. After the family portraits are done, feel free to change into something more comfortable for moments of relaxation with your baby on the couch.
I can’t wait to capture these precious moments with you and your family. Let me know if you have any questions about what to wear, or feel free to reach out with any special requests for your newborn’s photoshoot!
YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION WITH ELIZABETH LANG PHOTOGRAPHY
