It is hard enough having a newborn baby, and simply surviving the day to day activities. Your days are spent writing down newborn feeding times, when they last had a dirty diaper, trying to sleep train, and trying to actually see if it is possible to sleep when the baby sleeps. Heaven for bid, you have twin newborns. That last one is out. (Me raising hand). You know you want photos, you know this is a special time. You are bonding with your brand new little mini me. You look in your closet, and you think, I have nothing that fits.
Here is the short of it. Don’t stress yourself. There are enough stresses in life, especially the life you are currently living. It is beautiful, you wouldn’t trade it, but it is intense. So, the main thing is, photos can be as stressful as you make them. Or they can be as relaxed as you make them. That being said, here are my recommendations for getting your photos taken for your newborn photography session.
Do you have a vision? If you have an idea of what you would like, then I recommend buying your outfit before your little one is born. The last thing you need to worry about is if your new photography outfit will arrive in time for your session. Look at Instagram for ideas, and get ideas from other people’s photography sessions.
High End Couture- This type of session is often done with a classic studio backdrop and can also be done outside, weather permitting with your newborn baby. Do you want a studio style classic portrait, with your hair and makeup professionally done? Do you want to be wearing a bump friendly evening gown? If this is your vision, there are a few sites that may work beautifully for this vision. There are a great number photography dress shops on Etsy. Look up Couture Dresses. Photography studios that specialize in this look may have this dress in their client closet. If you purchase it on your own, expect to pay $400 plus for the dress alone. Also of note, some photographers simply purchase very large amounts of beautiful fabric that expertly drape around you. But if you are purchasing dresses for your photography session Here is an Esty favorite for that look: Katharina Hakaj https://www.kh-c.store/maternity/?language=en You may also have luck with Poshmark https://poshmark.com/
Boho/ Maxi Dress Look- Leading the trend is the boho look. Many clients have a home that matches their aesthetics. Many clients do not. If this is your style, and you have your heart set up a boho newborn session, you have a few options. Think rattan furniture, pampas grass, layers of texture, and often earthy neutrals. First, your nursery may already be set up with this style in mind, if that is the case, perfect! Look in your closet for maxi dresses or casual clothes that compliment your nursery decor, and you feel comfortable in. You can go dress with this vibe, or jeans and a kimono. My one advice is, wear something you are comfortable in, as well as something that you can sit well in, without feeling your stomach is out there too much. It is fine that it is. It is always fine. That being said, my personal taste is, I wear something that I may be able to hide my less than favorite parts of me for photos. It is what it is. A Kimono or cardigan does this very well. Also, if you aren’t a fan of your pregnancy arms, then don’t go sleeveless. Again, you are enough. As you are, you are beautiful. But I know many of us, seek to present a version of ourselves that meets our aesthetic, and choosing our clothing appropriately, can help with that. If you love the boho look but don’t have a home that matches, you can find a studio that has a lifestyle boho set up. Raising Wild Ones Photography in Stevensville Maryland, currently has a neutral boho set that is perfect for cuddles on the couch with your newborn and family. Your photographer again may have a client closet already to help you with your vision. But if you are looking for an outfit here are a few stores, that may be perfect for that look. Three Birds Nest , Vici, Flutter Dresses, Reclamation Dress :
Just keeping it Chill- Here’s the thing, all these styles are fabulous, and if they are your vibe, or you have another that you want to present, awesome. Your photographer is there to help you with your vision. If you just want the photos done, that is okay too. Look in your closet, see what you feel comfortable in. Wearing black leggings and an over sized shirt are how about 70 percent of my clients roll when it comes to photos. I love it. It is homey, comfy, and usually pretty flattering. My recommendations would then be, think about where you want your photos to be in your home. Pick colors that would go well displayed in your home. If you have a very earthy living room with greens and neutrals, choose outfits that would compliment that room. Again though, the most important advice, is get in the photos. Yes, these photos are of your little one, and to capture the little faces, their tiny hands. But you are the biggest part of the journey. And they are one of the biggest of yours. So get in the frame, and give your self that gift of being able to savor the small moments.