Arizona Newborn Photographer: What to Wear for your In-Home Newborn Photo Session

Choosing outfits for a newborn photo session can feel like a daunting task, especially with everything else that comes with a new baby. Rest assured, as a seasoned Tempe, Arizona Maternity and Newborn Photographer, I have your back! In this guide, I’ll share some helpful tips on selecting the perfect newborn photoshoot outfits. From considering colors to thinking about your home decor, I’ve got you covered. Let’s get to it!

Match Your Outfit to the Type of Session

The type of a newborn photoshoot you’re having plays a big role in outfit selection. Studio sessions can often be more formal, while in-home sessions, like what I offer at Shannon Ly Photography, are typically more casual and comfortable. Considering the type of session you have, I’ll help you ensure your outfits go along with the feel of your newborn photo session. I’ll help you along the way, create a Pinterest board for inspiration, or go through your closets with you to work with what you already have.

Consider Your Home Decor & Wall Color When Selecting Outfits

Planning on hanging your beautiful newborn photos at home? I hope so! Be sure to consider your wall color when selecting your outfits. Choose colors that will complement the room rather than clash. This doesn’t mean you need to match your wall color exactly, but rather find a color palette that harmonizes well with it. If your walls are dark in color, contrasting with lighter colors may offer a nice balance. Or stick with the same tones such as all neutrals if your walls are white or cream. If your master bedroom is sea foam green, consider that when choosing what to wear for newborn photos, so that you don’t clash with the walls. The internet is full of inspiration for just about any color out there.

When doing an in-home newborn session, it’s essential to consider your home decor when selecting your outfits. If your living room has a bold, vibrant palette, a clash of colors in your clothing could distract from the subject of the photo: your precious newborn. Similarly, if your bedding is a patterned design, try to avoid wearing too many prints. The goal is to coordinate and harmonize without overshadowing the star of the show – your baby!

Embrace Both Color and Neutrals

Next, neutrals are always a great option. Sticking with grays, whites, creams, browns or even navy and black. These photograph well and don’t detract from baby. Should you want to add in color, consider the feel of your home.

It’s true that neutrals tend to photograph beautifully, especially alongside a newborn’s delicate skin. However, don’t feel restricted to only whites, creams, and grays. Color can be incorporated beautifully into your newborn photoshoot. Think soft pastels or even a pop of bold color. The key is to coordinate without being overly matchy and to wear what looks best with your family’s skin tones.

Further, don’t forget your master bedroom bedding. If it’s blue and white and printed, then sticking with more solids in outfits is a great idea. A great way to test is to lay out your outfits in each room that might be used (again, this is usually the living room, master bedroom and a nursery if there is one). Because multiple spaces may be used, this is also why neutrals work well.

Wear something comfortable and casual.

This is not the time to be overly fancy or dressy. We are in your home. You will be snuggled up on the couch, or on the master bed. Wearing formal attire will not feel right, nor will it work well for getting snuggly.

Instead when choosing what to wear for newborn photos, pick things that are a little more casual and comfortable. Something you would want to get in close with each other. Soft fabrics are also smart for holding baby in close.

For those of you nursing, choose an outfit that makes it easy to do so. You want something that allows you to nurse without having to change or feel overly exposed during the photoshoot. A button-down shirt, a nursing top, or a dress with easy access can be stylish yet functional options. Baby always needs to stop to feed during our sessions, which is okay! The last thing you want to do is have to change out of your newborn photoshoot outfit, or feel uncomfortable trying to nurse baby.

Use textures to add interest into your photos.

If you’re sticking with neutrals you may worry that your photos will be too flat feeling. Try using textures instead of bold patterns to add in that interest. Things like a chunky ribbed sweater, or a waffle henley for your husband can add in some nice textures for your newborn photos.

I love the waffle pattern of this bedspread and the texture in Dad’s sweater.

Further, I love a good textured blanket or quilt on mom and dad’s bed that we can simply lay baby on in a plain onesie (or even simply a diaper) for some beautiful and classic feeling photos. That texture can add a lot without detracting from your sweet newborn baby.

Ultimately, choosing the perfect newborn photoshoot outfit is about what makes you feel comfortable and confident while adding to the aesthetics of your photos. It’s about capturing this special moment in your family’s life in the most authentic way possible. So take these tips, find outfits that you love, and get ready to make some beautiful memories that you’ll treasure forever.

At Shannon Ly Photography, I make it my mission to make your newborn photoshoot an experience filled with love, connection, and the beautiful chaos that comes with parenthood. With a little planning, the outfits you choose will only enhance this magical experience.

Arizona Newborn Photographer | Shannon Ly Photography

Click here to read my Complete Guide to Preparing for Your In-Home Newborn Photo Session.