in home newborn photography in the greater seattle area

A newborn photoshoot in your home is supposed to feel simple. I pace all my photography slow and according to the rhythms of the baby and your new routine. The biggest challenge prior to the newborn photo session should only be deciding what you will wear as a family. Most importantly, it would be so helpful to know how to dress your baby. As a photographer working with families in Seattle, Everett, Mukilteo, Mill Creek, Lynnwood, Bothell, Bellevue, Snohomish and Redmond, here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting your outfits as a family and for your baby.

keep it neutral and simple

I recommend choosing colors that are neutral and patterns that are simple. A newborn baby is the star of the show so their outfits should not overshadow the photo. I suggest choosing off-white shades or pastels of darker shades like blue or brown. Another favorite of is clothing that have natural dyes like turmeric or indigo. Avoid busy patterns in bright colors or visible logos on their clothing.

pick more than one outfit

There will be ample time to change your baby's outfits during the photoshoot. Have a few options on hand which you could change your baby into during the shoot. Make sure the outfits fit them well and look cute too!

keep accessories to a minimum

I know it would be tempting to bring out bows, hats or cute animal outfits but I think it would take away from the baby. They are so perfect the way they are. If you really want to use a bow make sure it's small because it might hide the best parts of their face. Headgear also tends to move around so we would need to keep adjusting it throughout the photoshoot. Same with a hat, make sure it fits well and isn't too big for the baby's head.

choose soft fabrics

Babies prefer natural fabrics that won't irritate their skin. A simple and soft naturally-dyed onesie or something that comes in a pack of 4 would be perfect for a shoot like this. They will relax so much more during the shoot.

choose blankets or swaddles

If you have a blanket that has a memory attached to it (like a gift made by your grandma or a heirloom that is passed down to you), please let your photographer know. I know it would be absolutely my delight to create a photograph with it included. Swaddles also add beautiful depth to photos so pick a couple of them for the complete newborn photoshoot experience.

As for dressing yourselves...

Choose the colors your baby will wear first and then tie the rest of the family's outfits to theirs. I recommend choosing a similar simple color palette for your outfits and to co-ordinate colors instead of matching.