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You’re anticipating welcoming a beautiful new baby into your home and want to document these special moments with some amazing newborn photos. But picking out outfits for the entire family can be overwhelming. How do you ensure you have a perfect look for your little one? Don’t worry, as an Indianapolis newborn photographer, I’m here to help! Here are some tips on what to wear to ensure your Carmel newborn photographer documents those sweet memories in style.
I’m participating in a blog circle this month and linking to the sweetest photographer in New Jersey! Check out that link at the end of the post.
What to wear for newborn photos with Carmel Newborn Photographer
When it comes to your newborn, keep their outfit as simple as possible. Simple clothing will let them be the star of the show instead of competing with a busy pattern or distracting colors. Try to stick with solid colors like white, cream, neutrals, light blue, and light pink. These colors won’t take away from your little one’s cuteness. If you want to add a touch of color, try accessorizing with a bow or headband in a complementary hue. Also, a simple newborn wrap or newborn knit is a timeless outfit option. I offer styling for babies in all my sessions, including newborn wraps and knits.
How to dress yourself and your partner for newborn photos
When choosing newborn photos, it’s important to dress yourself and your partner in a way that complements the newborn without distracting them. Try to choose colors or patterns that won’t clash or take away from how precious the newborn looks. Solid colors often look best, as they will help emphasize their sweet newborn features. Light colors or muted tones are often the most fitting for newborn photos, so avoid anything too bold or dark. I recommend mom’s wear a midi or maxi dress with sleeves that aren’t too tight, like this maxi dress from Free People, this flowy maxi dress in multiple colors, or a lace dress.
Included in all my full sessions is access to my client closet of dresses for moms—these midi and maxi dresses or specifically tailored to flatter maternity and postpartum moms. My clients can choose 1-2 dresses from my closet for their newborn session. The most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident during the baby’s photoshoot – after all, you want these remarkable photos to focus on your beautiful baby!
What colors are best for newborn photography?
Newborn photography is about documenting those sweet, fleeting moments, so selecting the right colors can take the images to the next level. Many photographers favor soft, neutral colors like pinks, creams, and greens to enhance newborn photos, as they create a sense of tenderness and calm that pairs perfectly with newborns. Bolder hues like reds are often used sparingly in newborn photos, as they can sometimes take too much attention away from the baby in the image. Regardless of your chosen colors, they should always be tailored to best photograph your little one’s unique personality!

Accessories that can enhance your look
Accessories are a great way to make an outfit stand out without going overboard on patterns or color (especially since most newborns aren’t wearing any!). For newborns, popular accessories include a simple headband for girls, hats for boys, and a newborn moses basket or changing table. For mom, I always recommend simple, timeless jewelry. Also, don’t forget to get a manicure or clean, neutral nails. Just remember not to overdo it; too many accessories can end up being distracting in photos instead of enhancing them.
How to choose the right photographer for you
When selecting a Carmel newborn photographer, it’s essential to find one that reflects your style and personality. Look for samples of their work; Do their newborn snapshot styles match your own? Are the results the kind of newborn photos you envisioned for your newborn? It’s also essential to check online reviews and make recommendations from family and friends – this will ensure that you get the best newborn photography experience. Choosing the right newborn photographer for you can result in photographs that beautifully document this moment of your baby’s life.

Carmel Newborn Photographer
Choosing outfits for a newborn photo shoot can seem daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be! With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to easily pick out the perfect outfits that will complement your photographs perfectly and create long-lasting memories that will last forever! So go ahead—have fun with it and enjoy this special time with your new baby. And don’t forget—styling newborns and family is one of the best perks of working with me! My client closet is full of dresses for moms and wraps for newborns. Contact me today to discuss your style and vision if you’re looking for a Carmel newborn photographer. You can view my newborn photo gallery here, read more tips about documenting your baby’s milestones, or shop newborn photo essentials on amazon.
Don’t forget to check out Courtney’s post about the importance of printing family photos. She’s sharing all about why you should print your family photos today!
Till next time!
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Aleah Gregory
Owner & Photographer
Aleah Gregory is an Indianapolis newborn photographer serving Westfield, Zionsville, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, and central Indiana. Aleah specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, & family photography. Contact her to book a session!
Aleah is an inclusive photographer and does not discriminate based on race, gender, sex, orientation, religion, culture, or appearance. Love is love!
Kristie Lloyd says
Whites and creams are such timeless colors for newborn photos. Absolutely love your work!
Aleah says
Thank you so much! I completely agree whites and creams are never going out of style!
Stephanie says
These newborn portraits are so gorgeous!
Aleah says
Thank you so much!
Molly says
I totally agree that simplicity is key when considering what to wear for photos, especially newborn portraits. And you can never go wrong with a neutral color palette!
Aleah says
YES! I love neutrals too and they photograph so well 🙂
Ashlie says
These images are stunning! I love Mom’s lace dress! Such great tips about what to wear for newborn photos. Thank you for sharing.
Aleah says
Aww thank you! I hope the tips helped 🙂
Courtney says
These images are so gorgeous! I love your advice on sticking to light, neutral colors. You never want bright or bold colors to add a color cast to that delicate newborn skin!
Aleah says
Yes! Newborn skin can so easily get a color cast – thanks for commenting!
Virginia Schultz says
Ok….mama’s dress in the first image is STUNNING. I’m going to need more info on that stat. haha. Gorgeous work!
Aleah says
Yes! I love to incorporate lace dresses into my client closet!
Jessica Hendricks says
Oh my goodness, these photos are absolutely precious!! I’m obsessed with mama’s dress and would LOVE to know where it’s from if you don’t mind sharing!! 🙂
Aleah says
Aww thank you so much! Of course, here is the link to the dress! https://rstyle.me/+tnp6W9qhrgJf7jQI8RpZVQ
Michele N Quattrin says
Such beautiful images sharing what to wear for a newborn session. Love baby’s headband.
Meliza says
Like the other comments mention, keeping the outfits simple so the focus can be on baby is a great takeaway! Thank you for the great post about planning for a newborn photo session.