What to Wear for Newborn Photos: An Indianapolis Photographer’s Guide
You’ve booked your newborn session, your due date is getting closer, and now you’re staring at your closet wondering: What do we actually wear for newborn photos? You’re definitely not alone. What to wear for newborn photos is one of the most common questions parents have when preparing for their session. The good news? Your family’s wardrobe doesn’t need to be complicated.
For my newborn sessions, I love creating timeless portraits where your baby and your family’s connection are the focus. Simple colors, soft textures, and coordinating pieces photograph beautifully and as your Indianapolis newborn photographer, I’ll help you plan everything before your session. Even better? I bring the newborn studio directly to your home, and wardrobe options for Mom, baby, and young siblings are available, so there’s much less for you to prepare.
What Colors Should You Wear for Newborn Photos?
When choosing outfits for newborn family photos, I recommend starting with soft, neutral colors.
Think:
- Cream
- Ivory
- Beige
- Tan
- Soft gray
- Black
- Muted earth tones
- Soft pastels
These colors photograph beautifully and help create the timeless look you see throughout my newborn photography portfolio. You don’t all need to wear the exact same color. In fact, I prefer when families coordinate rather than match. Instead of putting everyone in white shirts and jeans, for example, you might choose an ivory dress for Mom, a tan or neutral shirt for Dad, and a soft coordinating outfit for a sibling. The result feels intentional without looking overly styled.
What Should Mom Wear for Newborn Photos?
First, remember that you will have just had a baby. You do not need to squeeze into something uncomfortable or worry about finding the “perfect” postpartum outfit. My goal is for you to feel comfortable and beautiful. I always recommend that we solidify your outfit first then coordinate other family members after. Soft, flowing dresses photograph wonderfully for newborn portraits because they create movement while allowing you to comfortably hold and snuggle your baby. And you don’t necessarily need to shop for something new. I provide access to my client wardrobe for moms, with pieces specifically selected because they photograph beautifully during maternity and newborn sessions. We’ll discuss wardrobe before your session so you’re not standing in front of your closet the night before wondering what to wear.
What Should Dad Wear?
For Dad, simple is usually best. A neutral henley, solid T-shirt, knit sweater, or simple button down can photograph beautifully. I’d avoid large logos, graphics, neon colors, and extremely busy patterns. These can pull attention away from your baby and become distracting in your final portraits. The goal isn’t to make Dad overly dressed up if that’s not his style. We simply want his clothing to complement Mom and baby so the entire gallery feels cohesive.
What Should Siblings Wear for Newborn Family Photos?
If older siblings are joining your newborn session, we’ll coordinate their clothing with the rest of the family. Neutral dresses, simple rompers, knits, and solid colored basics are all wonderful choices.
And because your newborn photography session happens inside your own home, siblings don’t have to spend hours sitting inside a photography studio waiting for their turn. They can relax in their own space until we’re ready for sibling and family portraits.
What Does Baby Wear for Newborn Photos?
Here’s the easiest part: You don’t need to buy anything for baby.
I bring a carefully selected collection of newborn wraps, outfits, headbands, accessories, and props directly to your home. These pieces are specifically designed for newborn photography, which means they fit tiny babies much better than many traditional newborn-size outfits. We’ll choose colors and styling that complement the vision for your session and your family’s wardrobe.
You get to focus on your baby. I’ll take care of the styling.
Avoid These Things for Your Newborn Photos
There aren’t many strict rules, but there are a few things I generally recommend avoiding:
Large logos and graphics: They can quickly become the focus of an image.
Neon or extremely bright colors: These can reflect color onto skin and distract from your baby.
Very busy patterns: Small, subtle patterns can work, but several competing patterns can make family portraits feel visually busy.
Everyone matching exactly: Coordinating colors and textures usually creates a more polished, timeless result.
Above all, I want your family to still look like your family.
You Don’t Have to Plan Everything Yourself
One of my favorite parts of providing a luxury in-home newborn photography experience is removing as much stress as possible for new parents. You already have enough to think about. I bring the professional lighting, backdrops, posing equipment, wraps, newborn outfits, props, and accessories directly to your Indianapolis-area home. I’ll also help you plan your family’s wardrobe before I arrive. You don’t need a picture perfect home. You don’t need to purchase a closet full of newborn outfits. And you don’t need to figure out how to pose your family.
I’ll bring the studio and guide you through the rest.
Looking for an Indianapolis Newborn Photographer?
If you’re expecting a baby and want beautiful, studio quality newborn portraits without packing everyone up and traveling to a studio, I’d love to bring the experience to you.
My in home newborn sessions serve families throughout Indianapolis and surrounding Central Indiana communities. Your session includes everything needed to create a polished newborn photography experience right inside your home.
Your baby will only be this tiny once.
Let’s make documenting it one less thing you have to worry about.