WHAT DO WE WEAR??

It is the first question every family asks once they’ve booked their family portrait session. What to wear in their newborn family photos. I can almost hear the stress in mom’s voice as she asks. And believe me I get it! Dressing myself and looking pulled together can be challenging enough, never mind trying to dress the whole family!

I’ve learned a lot over the years of helping my families simplify choosing outfits and looking picture perfect. And I want to share my favorite tips for what to wear in family photos with you!

START WITH THE BIG PICTURE IN MIND

It may sound simple, but this is one that can easily be over looked. Some colors look great together and some… well, not so much. Before thinking about what to wear in your newborn family photos or what color scheme to choose for your outfits, start by thinking about where you plan to display your portraits. And where your portraits will be taken. If the wall where you plan to hang your family portrait is brightly colored, you may want to avoid brightly colored outfits so the colors don’t compete. Instead opt for soft neutrals or muted tones. On the other hand, if your walls are neutral, pops of color in your outfits would look great!

The location you choose will also impact the colors you choose to dress your family in. Think about the overall colors of your location. If it is mid summer there may be lots of green in your portraits. Including red clothing choices may unintentionally leave your portraits feeling a little Christmassy.

COORDINATE OUTFITS INSTEAD OF MATCHING

Gone are the days of everyone wearing white t-shirts and blue jeans. Today’s newborn family pictures are more about staying light and airy or pulling the drama with dark and moody colors. Everyone doesn’t have to wear the same color. Or dress in the same style! Each person in your family can dress in a way that fits their own personality. And you can still look pulled together in your family pictures.

I’m sure you’re wondering, How do we pull that off? And still look coordinated? Keep reading below!

3 STEPS TO PERFECTLY COORDINATED NEWBORN OUTFITS

Start by deciding on a neutral color palette or black and white, based on what you love, where you plan to hang photos in your home, and the location where you are taking photos.
Then, Mom goes shopping! Pick something that you fall in love with and makes you feel amazing. When you feel amazing, it will show! And you will look amazing in your family portraits.
Select outfits for the rest of your family based on Mom’s outfit and your color scheme.

ACCESSORIES

For Newborn Family photos, you want to avoid too many accessories as baby will be very close to you and most likely in your arms meaning any jewelry, watches, rings, etc. may hurt baby.

GO FOR CLASSICS

Your family pictures will be enjoyed for many years to come. Hopefully they will be passed down to your children and grand children someday. Crazy to think about it that way, right? To avoid having your family portrait look outdated when next season’s fashion and color trends change, lean toward more classic styles.

SIZE DOWN SIBLINGS CLOTHES

It’s so much fun buying cute new kids clothes for photos! However, if you buy the next size up with the intention of letting them grow into it, you’ll run the risk of having your kids look disheveled in your portraits. For photos, its a much better idea to choose clothes fit them snugly- no floppy arm holes on dresses for little girls or too-big shirts for little guys.

SNAP A CELL PHONE PIC OF IT ALL TOGETHER

Lastly, when you think you have your outfits selected and ready to go, lay them all out together and take a quick cell phone picture of it. When you look at the picture, do you love it? Do you see anything that needs to change? It’s funny how a picture can often show us little issues.

Once you have your outfits set, try to relax, have fun, and enjoy some sweet family time during your portrait session. I can't wait to see you!