Capturing precious moments with your newborn is an exciting milestone, and planning the perfect wardrobe for your family can make those tender memories even more enchanting. If you’re a new mom gearing up for a newborn photo session, you’re likely juggling a million tasks, one of which is deciding on what to wear to your newborn photo session. Coordinating colors can enhance the overall aesthetic of your photos, ensuring that each snapshot is timeless and beautiful. Whether you’re aiming for soft, pastel hues or bold, vibrant contrasts, finding the right color combinations can set the tone for a magical session. Let’s dive into some fabulous color ideas to help create stunning, cohesive portraits that you’ll cherish for years to come.

When preparing for a newborn portrait session, choosing what to wear is just as crucial as picking the photographer or setting. The goal is to create a harmonious look that enhances the sweet, tender nature of newborn photography without overshadowing the star of the show — your precious little one.

What to Wear: Tips for Coordinating Colors

Choosing a color palette is the first step to ensuring your family looks unified and polished in your portraits. Opt for colors that complement each other and look good together. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

– Stick to a maximum of three main colors to avoid a chaotic appearance.

– Consider the colors in your home where these photos might be displayed. You want the colors in your outfits to harmonize with your home décor if you plan to hang these photos on the walls.

– Take into account the skin tones of your family members. Certain colors can enhance natural complexion while others might not flatter as much.

– Aim for timeless rather than trendy to ensure your photos look great for years to come.

Selecting Comfortable and Practical Outfits

Comfort is key, especially for the newborn and younger members of the family. Uncomfortable clothing can lead to fussiness and frequent breaks, which may make your session more challenging. Here’s how to choose comfortable yet stylish outfits:

– For newborns, soft fabrics like cotton or bamboo rayon that are gentle on the skin are ideal. Avoid rough materials or any harsh tags and fasteners.

– Ensure that all outfits are a good fit—not too tight, but not too loose to avoid a sloppy appearance.

– When choosing outfits for parents and siblings, consider pieces that allow you to move freely, which is especially important if you’ll be holding or posing with your newborn.

– Footwear should also be comfortable, with minimalistic styles preferred to avoid detracting from the overall look.

What to Wear: Classic Neutrals and Pastels

Neutrals and pastels are a popular choice for newborn photography for their ability to create a soft, soothing backdrop that doesn’t overpower the baby. These colors also tend to work well in virtually any home setting, making your photos versatile decor elements. Think soft grays, warm beiges, pastel pinks, baby blues, and creamy whites. For a little contrast, you can incorporate deeper shades like charcoal or navy in small accents.

Matching or Complementary Colors for a Cohesive Look

A cohesive look can be achieved by either directly matching colors or choosing shades that complement each other. Here are some ideas:

– Parents can wear different shades of the same color while kids can have matching outfits.

– For a more dynamic but still cohesive look, use a color wheel to find complementary colors, such as blue and orange or purple and yellow. These provide visual interest without clashing.

– Another approach is to decide on one base color for one person’s outfit and select accessories or accent pieces in that color for the other family members.

What to Wear: Incorporating Textures for Visual Interest

While solid colors are often recommended for their simplicity and minimalistic appeal, adding patterns or textures can lend uniqueness and depth to your photos. When done right, they can contribute significantly to the visual story without overwhelming the scene. Consider the following:

– Stripes, plaids, and subtle florals can work well if used sparingly and balanced with solid colors within the family’s outfits.

– Textures like lace, light knit, chambray, and tulle can add an interesting dimension to your photographs and are beautiful under the soft lighting of portrait photography.

– Avoid overly bold or large patterns that might distract from the face of the newborn or the family as a unit.

By carefully selecting your colors and outfits, not only will you ensure that the photos turn out beautifully, but you’ll also likely find the session to be more enjoyable and relaxed. Remember, these pictures will be cherished memories of your family’s life and growth — worth every effort you put into preparing for them.

Don’t Forget to Accessorize!

When it comes to pairing shoes and accessories with your outfits for a newborn portrait session, keeping things simple and understated is key. For shoes, opt for clean, polished looks that complement your outfits without drawing too much attention. Soft, neutral-colored shoes work best as they blend seamlessly with different outfit styles. Avoid overly bright colors or large, cumbersome designs that might detract from the main subjects of the photos—the newborn and the family.

Accessories should follow the same rule of simplicity. For women and girls, a pair of delicate earrings or a simple bracelet can add just enough sparkle without overwhelming the look. For men and boys, sticking to a classic watch or a small, subtle pin can enhance their outfit subtly yet significantly. Additionally, consider accessories like scarves or belts that can add a slight color contrast while maintaining an overall harmonious look.

Ideas for Hair and Makeup

Hairstyles for a newborn portrait session should enhance the natural beauty of the family members and not distract from the infant. Opt for hairstyles that are neat and controlled. Women might choose soft waves or a sleek ponytail; these styles are timeless and photograph well. Men should aim for a clean-cut appearance. For children, ensure their hair is tidy—using a bit of hair gel or spray can keep flyaways at bay and maintain a polished look throughout the session.

Makeup, much like accessories, should be natural. The aim is for each family member to look their best, without seeming overdone. A light foundation, a touch of mascara, and a neutral lip enhance features without making the makeup a focal point in the photos. For men, just a bit of tinted moisturizer can even out skin tone for a flawless photo finish.

In Conclusion

Coordinating outfits for a newborn portrait session doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the tips and color combinations suggested, you can ensure that your family looks cohesive and beautiful in these precious photographs. Remember to choose colors that complement each other and reflect your family’s style. Soft, neutral palettes or coordinated pastel combinations often work best to create timeless images. Comfort should also be a priority, especially for the newborn, so opt for soft, non-restrictive clothing.

Above all, the newborn portrait session is a wonderful opportunity to capture your first family photo with your newest member. These photos will be cherished for years to come, so enjoying the moment and reflecting your family’s bond through coordinated outfits will only add to the magic of these memories. Have fun with your clothing choices, and don’t forget to include a personal touch like a special family heirloom or accessory to make the portraits uniquely yours.

Newborn Photos in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Photos by Ashleigh is a professional newborn, child and family portrait photographer located in Oklahoma City, OK. If you’re expecting a little one soon, it’s time to start thinking about your newborn portraits! If you’d like to learn more about Photos by Ashleigh, I would be happy to share my Newborn Client Guide with you.

Don’t forget to keep following the Photos by Ashleigh blog for more fun ideas for your newborn photos! Start collecting ideas now so you’ll be ready for your newborn session. Find more ideas on my Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook pages!