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.

Newborn Session Flow | Keeping Baby Content during Your Portraits

Specializing in the art of of newborn photography for Houston babies, Sarah Borchgrevink offers beautiful collections that practice newborn safety.

The Importance of Studio session flow

The session flow is one of the most important parts of your newborn session. Session flow is how we move from set up to set up. During our time together, we will be accomplishing a lot! Even my mini session, with is the entry level newborn collection, is full of variety. By using a flow that is successful, I am able to move effortlessly through the set ups, keep baby safe, calm and happy. I also am able to provide you with gorgeous images of your precious baby! 

Newborn sessions typically begin at 11 AM and last around 1-2 hours, depending on your session type. My wrapped minis are usually done in less than an hour while a full session is closer to two. 

Sometimes moms tell me they're nervous before the session. They worry baby may be fussy or will not sleep. Don't worry: you're given a prep guide full of great information. I am also formally trained in the custom art of posed newborn photography. I have taken workshops on safety, handling, wrapping, posing, lighting and also post processing of your images. I am extremely comfortable working with new babies and pride myself on patience, safety, and ensuring everyone has a great experience! I am excited to work with you!

White Noise Machine

Once you enter my studio and become seated, I turn on a white noise machine. The white noise mimics the noise baby hears when inside the womb. The perks of the white noise are that it settles baby, it reminds her of a calm place, and also helps her stay asleep as we move through set ups. We want her to be in a deep sleep so she does not startle or jolt suddenly. Newborn safety is of the utmost importance during your session. White noise is the backbone to keeping her content.

Full, Sleepy Baby

Upon arriving to my studio, you'll be seated and we'll begin feeding baby in whichever manner you're most comfortable doing. Some moms formula feed, some pump, and some nurse. If you're comfortable pumping, this is usually the 'easist' way to get the session started, but there's no pressure. I have three little girls myself, and am pregnant with a boy (ha!) so I am well versed in doing what's best for your family. You've also been given a newborn prep guide, so before coming to my studio you know what's going to happen. Once baby is fed, burped, and her diaper is changed so she's clean, we start the session.

A Warm Environment

My studio is kept at around 80 degrees. When you first arrive, I have the air on 77 degrees since family photos take first. This temperature is what keeps baby happy and calm. When she's growing in the womb, she's used to your body temperature, which is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The more your studio emulated a womb-like environment, the better baby does. She will be molded into super curly, squishy poses. After family photos take place, however, feel free to put on a pair of yoga pants and put your hair up into a messy bun - I know it's warm but the photos are well worth it! Also: bring a snack, book, or just hang out. You're welcome to ask any questions and of course, I am excited to chat with you!

Cozy, Secure Wrapping

As soon as you feed and burp baby (I can also help you with this, too!) I'll begin wrapping baby for family photos. I always implement three unique styles of adorable newborn session wrapping. The wrapping immediately gets baby into a deep sleep and makes her easier for you to hold. She also looks like a perfect package!

Baby is now the star

After family photos take place, baby is the focus. I will move through many poses and set ups, so be prepared to see how stunning your little one is! For instance, we go from family into a bean bag set up seen here:

Potato pose & flokati rug

Your potato sack pose and flokati rug set up are next. Baby is super snugly and love this part! Don't forget: all styling is provided by me so you just hang back and watch. No pressure.

Let's Move iT TO THE FLOOR

Squishy, Mold-able and Precious posing

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer specializing in gorgeous posed newborn sessions. Her studio is located in Northwest Houston. 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 North Houston, Cypress, Tomball, Spring, Jersey Village, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Conroe, Willis, Montgomery, Humble, Kingwood, Porter, New Caney, Waller, Memorial & West Houston, Katy, Fulshear, Sugar Land, Pearland, Hempstead, Richmond, West University, Rice Village and Porter TX. Connect to chat with Sarah today! Please consider booking your session at your earliest convenience in order to secure your appointments on the calendar.