What should we wear for newborn family photos? | Clinton Township Newborn Photographer
What to Wear for Family Photos During Your Newborn Session
One of the most common questions parents ask when preparing for their newborn session is simple,
“What should we wear for our family photos?”
At my studio, styling is never an afterthought. Your newborn session is designed to feel calm, elevated, and effortless from the moment you book at your Consultation through the final images you’ll display in your home. With a light, airy white studio, soft natural light, and subtle greenery, wardrobe choices play a key role in creating the timeless, luxury portraits my clients love.
Here’s exactly how styling works, and how I make it easy for you.
A Curated Color Palette That Photographs Beautifully
My studio space is intentionally designed to be bright, neutral, and organic. Soft tones photograph best in this environment and allow emotion, connection, and your baby to remain the focus.
The most flattering options include:
Cream, ivory, and soft white
Oatmeal, light gray, and warm taupe
Muted greens like sage and eucalyptus
Subtle blush or dusty blue
Styling tip: Cream and ivory tones reflect light beautifully and are far more flattering than stark white., especially in close, intimate family portraits.
The Client Closet: Styling Made Effortless
One of the most-loved parts of the newborn experience is access to my studio Client Closet, with dresses and gowns thoughtfully selected to photograph beautifully.
For Moms
The Client Closet includes a variety of flattering dresses designed specifically for postpartum bodies. These dresses feature:
Soft, flowing fabrics
Neutral, timeless tones
Empire or relaxed silhouettes
Sleeves and necklines that photograph gracefully
These dresses move beautifully on camera and eliminate the stress of shopping or guessing what will look best. You get to browse the Client Closet at your Consultation (before baby is even born), which takes all of the guesswork out of it for you when you’re a bit sleep deprived after the baby’s arrival. I have your dress all ready for you the day of your photo shoot.
For Newborns
Your baby will be styled in studio-provided wraps, layers, and simple boutique type pieces that complement the overall aesthetic of your session. Every newborn outfit is chosen intentionally to remain soft, organic, and timeless.
No logos. No distractions. Just your baby.
For Toddlers
For families with older siblings, the Client Closet also includes select toddler dresses that coordinate seamlessly with mom and baby. These pieces are soft, neutral, and classic, plus they are perfect for sibling portraits that feel cohesive and elevated without feeling forced.
Coordinated, Never Matching
Luxury portraits are about harmony, not identical outfits. Rather than dressing everyone the same, I guide families toward a coordinated look using:
2–3 complementary tones
A mix of light and mid-range neutrals
Texture instead of pattern
This approach creates visual depth while maintaining a clean, refined aesthetic that will never feel dated.
Unexpected Styling Details Clients Love
There are a few styling choices that often surprise parents, but consistently elevate their final images:
-Dresses Photograph Better Than Tops
Flowy dresses create movement, softness, and a timeless feel that structured tops simply can’t replicate.
-Bare Feet Feel Intimate and Timeless
In studio family portraits, bare feet often feel more organic and connected. No shoes are required, and many clients love the relaxed, editorial feel this creates.
-Texture Adds Quiet Luxury
Linen, ribbed knits, gauze, and soft layers add interest without overwhelming the image. Texture is key in neutral styling because it’s subtle, elevated, and incredibly photogenic.
What to Avoid for a Timeless Look
To maintain a refined, luxury aesthetic, I recommend avoiding:
Logos, text, or graphics
Bold patterns or high-contrast prints
Neon or overly saturated colors
Heavy black near faces in a light studio environment
A Fully Guided, Thoughtful Experience
You never have to figure this out alone. Styling guidance is built into the newborn experience, and I’m always happy to help finalize choices or make recommendations before your session.
From wardrobe to posing to the final artwork on your walls, everything is intentionally designed so you can relax, be present, and enjoy this time in your growing family’s lives.
You focus on loving your baby.
I’ll take care of the rest.
Chelsie
If you’re expecting and you’re interested in learning more about The Newborn Portrait Experience, I’d love nothing more than to chat further with you. Contact me here to get started!
Chelsie Maurer is a professional photographer specializing in Maternity, Newborn, Child and Family sessions in Metro Detroit and surrounding areas. Her photography studio is located Downtown Utica, Michigan.