FAQ From Clients: What to Wear to Baby's Newborn Photo Session

In Studio Family Photos during Newborn Session: What Should Parents or Siblings Wear?

Booking your baby's first professional portraits is truly exciting! You've waited months to meet the baby and have dreamed of holding them in your arms! Now that you've selected your photographer and are gearing up for a great session, you may be a little unsure what to wear to your newborn session. Have no fear! As a professional newborn photographer plus mom (I mean, I DO have four kiddos!) I know how important these images are to you. You'll treasure them forever. You would like to look and feel your best. I'm here to guide you and provide an amazing, laid back experience for you new parents.

Creams, Beige, and White | Top Colors that Photograph Best

When your baby arrives, you'll receive a newborn prep guide from me. This is a detailed guide that tells you everything to expect, such as how to prepare your new arrival for the spotlight, but also covers when your family images will take place and how to dress for those. In my studio, I use a large wood wall for the photos. Because it's rustic, I prefer neutrals and lighter tones against the dark wood. My least favorite options are black and prints; my favorite is always beige, cream, taupe, ecru, white, etc. These tones are natural, classic, and will not detract for your little one during the session.

The V-Neck for Dad | Classic, Clean,Timeless

One of my favorite poses of Dad and Newborn Baby is when Dad is holding the baby against his chest; I love how Dad is the protector here. Baby is so small and new they literally fit in the palm of Dad's hand. During this portion, a v-neck that's fitted is a great outfit choice because it will forever be classic. There are no distracting prints or colors; Dad's arms are also showcased in comparison to the tiny newborn so it makes for a beautiful image! Any brand of these v-neck t-shirts is totally fine. Some parents buy them at Target or you can also find them at stores such as JCrew. Most men already have these in their closet, so it's one less thing to worry about on the morning of baby's photography session. For all of my family and parent posing, the baby is wrapped in a simple style so they're the perfect little bundle of joy you can hold. I always pull a wrap that looks nice against the cream or lighter tones I prefer you wear.

Simple Top or Maxi Dress for Mom

Moms are usually most nervous about the family photos because they worry about how they'll look. All photos, however, at my studio are hip up so baby is the star. I pose baby so you they act as a prop. I typically don't do a lot of images in which Mom is staring into the camera and smiling; it's more about connecting with your baby. A great idea for Mom to wear is a maxi dress or even the maternity gown from the baby shower, or, if you had pregnancy portraits with me, you probably purchased a dress for those images. You can definitely wear the same dress again. Not only will this makes thing easier for you, the dresses are usually jersey knit, which is a breathable textile. It's stretchy, soft, and you'll be able to move easily.

Sibling: Jean or khakis +A Light Cotton Top

The sibling portion always makes mom's heart soar! This is a very popular request for sessions and we set aside an additional 30 minutes for these setups. I like to pose the older sibling on their back while the eldest child holds the new baby. This is a safe way for them to interact without worrying if the baby will be dropped. A neutral colored flokati, such as cream or white, is a really pretty option here. Little ones look super precious in classic, natural attire such as dark wash blue jeans, perhaps even khaki pants, and then a simple top in a lighter color, such as beige, cream, white, or tan. 

Thanks for stopping by to see my favorite colors in the studio, plus some tips on what to wear for our time together in the studio! 

Let's recap this post:

• Avoid bright colors, such as neon or even dark tones, such as black

• Maxi dresses or light, airy tops are great for Mom

• V-neck t-shirts are fabulous for Dad

• Sibling looks adorable in simple top and dark wash jeans

• Target, Kohls, J-Crew, or even Amazon are great resources for shopping. Your own closet is full of inspiration I bet, too!

If you are pregnant and are thinking about booking a professional newborn portrait artist in the Houston area, I would love to be considered for your photo needs! Let's chat! I look forward to hearing more about your family.

Vintage Meets Classic for Timeless Results | Newborn Studio Props

Full Time Newborn Portrait Artist, Sarah Borchgrevink, shares her favorite studio props that are vintage, classic and timeless. Check out the list for parents to view for session styling!

The Cutest Baby Props for Houston Newborn Portraits

Good morning, gang, and welcome to my blog! This post is a preview of my studio space so potential clients may see the sort of props I have on hand. If this is your first time here, welcome! As a professional photographer, I exclusively photograph precious newborn babies in the first 14 days of life. I take 15-18 due dates per month with most of my clients booking in the second trimester. My preference to have you in studio is between 5-8 days, however, for the most squishy, darling posing. The earlier the better! This is when baby is most curly and still flexible enough to move  through many poses.

Let's get started, shall we?

My studio serves the Greater Houston Area and is located in Northwest Harris County. Many parents travel to me from locations such as The Woodlands, Galveston, Sugar Land, College Station and Brenham, as well as West University or Montrose.

In my experience, clients select me based on the type of newborn photography work I offer and the unique style I provide. I am fully vaccinated and insured while running a completely legal and tax paying business. Unfortunately, there are many "photographers" who are not running legal businesses, so this is why you see the rates you see on my pricing guide. My newborn profession is how I feed my little ones and take care of my family. 

I'm often asked if I offer in home newborn sessions. Many parents do not understand that I would have to close my studio for the day and would be unable to take any other sessions, ordering appointments or consultations. I do not offer in home photography sessions, however, because as you can see in the photos below, the type of equipment I use is huge. My lights, for example, are 86" and I have three of them. My wood wall is 8'x10' - it is not able to travel as it is mounted into the studs on my studio wall for baby safety. Moreover, I do not like natural light or use any natural light in my baby portraiture, so this is why they all take place in studio.

My studio is extremely cozy and is around 400 square feet. I've done by best to utilize the small space. I've even watched episodes of "Tiny House" for ideas and inspiration on how to use my square footage and make the most of what I have. Inside my space, you'll find everything you need for the best Houston newborn photography. I have every color of wrap, backdrop, numerous antique floor props, a custom wood wall, classic white bed, and lovely light just for you. :-) I also have a huge array of hand made headbands and newborn baby accessories likes caps, bonnets, hats, tiebacks and the most dainty little items to adorn your precious baby! 

I provide everything for your session. I request parents do not bring props, however, I will add 1 personal item into your session if you wish. :-) 

Organic Wraps | Inspired by Texture and Color

Wrapping newborn babies is a huge cornerstone to the type of work I do with my most petite and precious little clients. I pull inspiration from an array of color and hues as well as textures. I like to use organic and wispy items for a soft, feminine look but also chunky knits for a more robust session tone. Babies loved to be wrapped - it's cozy and sweet. The wrapping keeps little one content and allows us to come up with a variety of gorgeous newborn images in a short time. My typical session lasts around 1-2 hours, very rarely do I go to three hours.

I also use the wraps for lovely layering pieces during naked bean bag posing, too. 

Antique Floor Props for a Classic and Timeless Baby Session| Inspired by a love for all things vintage

All of my floor props are hand picked and selected so they're classic, timeless and inspired by my love of vintage newborn photos. I have everything you could possibly need for our floor prop session from buckets, pails, baskets, crates, boxes, etc. If there is a certain prop you love, be sure to let me know so I may pull the item for you. :-) 

Precious Classic Knit Bonnets for Your Cherub plus dainty, feminine and girly newborn girl accessories such as headbands and tieback pieces 

Below is just a small sample of the type of newborn hats, bonnets, caps and other accessories I have on hand for your little one. I also have a huge stash of newborn girl tiebacks and headbands to adorn your sweet little girl! I have nearly 100 bonnets and close to 200 headbands so I assure you there is something for every taste and preference. Whether you like muted pastels, vibrant jewel tones, or laid back neutrals there is the perfect piece to style your baby's first professional portraiture session with Sarah Borchgrevink Photography.

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer specializing in gorgeous posed newborn sessions. Her studio is located in Northwest Harris County. In addition to breathtaking baby portraiture, Sarah also offers stylish natural light family photography as well as dynamic outdoor maternity sessions for expecting mothers and couples. Sarah joyfully serves the entire Harris and Montgomery county areas including Houston, Cypress, Tomball, Spring, The Woodlands, Kingwood, Memorial & West Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Richmond, West University and Rice Village.

 

Sarah’s Bean Bag Poses & Precious Wrapping | Client Preference List

Through the use of the squishiest bean bag posing and gorgeous newborn wrapping, Sarah creates timeless and unique family heirlooms you may forever treasure.

Good morning to you! Thanks for visiting my blog! I'm stoked you're here! Today's post showcases the type of bean bag posing I offer as well as cozy baby wrapping you may expect during our time together. This post is intended to viewed by clients so you may relay your posing preferences. For example, once baby has arrived and is earth side, all fresh and new, and part of this world, you'll notify me. I send you 3-4 dates to select from that take place in the first 14 days of life. You're sent a session styling questionnaire in which you're able to request props or items you've seen in studio, share you color preferences, and also let me know your *must have* poses. Let's get started!

When choosing a newborn photographer to photograph your baby, it's important you research their qualifications. How were they trained? Do they practice newborn safety and proper handling? Who did they mentor under? What type of precautions do they take when working with little ones? This in mind, these poses are ones I have learned through newborn workshops and mentoring; I have invested thousands of dollars into my newborn photography education. 

These poses take patience, time, love and care. Please do not attempt these at home. :-) 

A few things you should know about my business, Sarah Borchgrevink Photography, LLC: 

• I specialize in posed newborn photography. I am exclusively focusing on my precious, petite clients so they may have my undivided attention. My heart belongs to baby portraiture and I cannot express the joy in working with new parents during the first few days of life, capturing this time for you, and creating stunning works of art.
• Baby is always kept safe through the use of composites. I also implement safety tactics such as keeping the room warm so they may regulate their temperature, adding weights to the bottom of the baskets so they never tip forward, not straining or hurting baby's muscles by forcing them into a position, and absolutely NEVER leaving baby unattended, balancing them, or looking away for even a moment. 
• I have been working with newborns, full time, for 3 years. I average 15 due dates per month year around.
• I am fully vaccinated and legally insured.

Side Sleeper Pose

Side sleeper pose makes the list as one of my favorite in studio poses because it's simply precious as can be. As listed, this is when baby is simply posed on their side and it's the quintessential pose in showcasing baby's curly nature from their sweet little hands touching their face or tucked beneath their chin. I love how you can see all of baby and their squishiness!

Side sleeper pose is also very versatile because it can be done on back drops, flokati rugs, or even floor props such as the wooden trench seen below.

Froggy Pose 

Froggy pose is the number one pose parents request. It's classic, timeless and shows how flexible a new baby is. This pose is a favorite because we can see baby's beautiful face, their adorable tootsie toes and their adorable little hands gently cup their face. Truly a stunning fine art image, though it is truly not designed for a novice newborn photographer to attempt. 

Tooshie Up

Tooshie is beyond precious! This shows their face and entire body, plus those rolls you spent months growing. I love when their feet are tucked under their bum and their little hands gently touch their cheek. 

Taco

Taco pose is especially adorable because this is how they grow in the womb; their feet by their face. I like this pose because we see their entire face.

Back To Sleep

This is a favorite pose of mine because I love the way their feet are curled into their chest. It can also be done as a naked pose or wrapped option, too, so if you prefer more modest posing that's a great pose to consider for your session.

Forward Facing

Parents adore this pose because it's all about baby's face and hands! Oh, my goodness. Who would not want this as a portrait in their home? The chubby cheeks, full lips and their sweet fingers. Sigh. Pure newborn cuteness.

Potato Style of Newborn Baby Wrapping

Potato sack pose is a cornerstone to my newborn photography sessions. I love wrapping babies because it keeps them happy and warm, but also allows you to do several scenes without disturbing little one. The rounder baby is, the happier I am, ha! 

Tootsie Wrapping Style

Tootsie wrap is truly a sweet style because their darling little toes are featured. 

Bucket

Bucket is a fantastic option for your gallery! I do a bucket or basket pose like this with every single baby who visits my studio space.

All Tucked In

ARMS TO CHEST

Arms Out Wrapping

MACRO DETAIL IMAGES

Specializing in timeless posed baby portraiture, Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer serving the surrounding areas including Houston metro & 610 area, Cypress, Katy, Spring, Sugar Land, West University, Memorial & Galleria, Bellaire and The Woodlands, TX. See why Sarah offers the Best Newborn Photography. In addition to breathtaking newborn images, Sarah also offers stylish natural light family photography as well as dynamic outdoor maternity sessions for expecting couples.