Client Request: Newborn Photo Session
Part 1: What I Heard from You
Your ask:
3-5 options for outfits for a lifestyle family session in my home with my newborn son, 3-year-old son, and husband. Outfits should work in various configurations, e.g., mom with newborn; brothers together; mom with both sons; dad with both sons; newborn alone; etc.
Your “vibe”/aesthetic for your family outfits:
I’d like to do a few different looks - definitely something formal (I love my men in suits); something classic/preppy; and something more “fun” -- I am thinking since the baby is due in March, maybe a green family outfit? Or too much with St. Patrick’s Day?
Colors and/or patterns you like/dislike:
I love a classic navy with boys, and a classic gingham for spring. Definitely open to green for March. I don’t want to do anything pink/red. We did a blue/orange color scheme for maternity photos, so I don’t want to duplicate that, either. Our home is pretty neutral in color scheme, and we’re doing the photos in our home, so I’d prefer to not do anything too neutral (plus I think it washes out the baby).
Important accessories/pieces to include in outfits:
For me - jewelry :) I will send you links to the jewelry I’d like to wear - I won’t be purchasing anything for this, but would like to wear my push present(s) and other meaningful jewelry throughout the photos. Most importantly, my sapphire and diamond band ring which was my push present for my first son (which is why I want to do a blue look). We won’t do the “ring on the toes” photo thing (I think it’s tacky), but more just want to note for you what I’ll be looking to purchase vs wear my own
For my husband - watches. I will find out if he will want to change watches since we will be in our home, but I can see him wanting to wear a specific watch with certain outfits
For my older son - nothing I can think of - is that bad?
For the baby - our plan is to give him a name to that uses the same initials as my mother-in-law (so he can carry on the family tradition) - so I will definitely be wanting to purchase name/monogram pieces.
What you want to highlight/minimize:
I’ll be just 10-14 days postpartum, so I am looking for loose-fitting dresses. Access for breastfeeding is nice, but not a must-have. Minimize tummy! I’d prefer to keep my arms somewhat covered (need to do some tricep dips one of these days).
Part 2: Outfits
Note: I will send you all links via email and then we can email, text, or have a phone call to go through your feedback!
Look 1: Classic Blue
I did 3 iterations of blue for your “classic” look. This plays on all different shades of blue, but connected through color and pattern - gingham shirts, shoes, and gingham bow swaddle. You can add a monogram to the swaddle to make it extra preppy! Here you can wear your pearl jewelry and turquoise jewelry. I am including a photo from another client with the bow swaddle because I know it’s a bit expensive - but it really does photograph well!
Look 2: Elevated Green
I thought this would be a good place to incorporate the boys’ names with outfits from one of my favorite brands - Cygnet Living. I recommend ordering the sweater and layette set in cream with the green embroidery - so another great option for “brothers” photos. You can pair with khaki or navy pants for both dad and older son. For Dad, I included a green check button down, but the photo online is terrible, so I just included the swatch.
For you, I love this dress with the gold, but I have also included an option that incorporates navy if you go that route with the navy pants. The pattern may be a bit busy for photos - I’d check with your photographer! I also included the green “Queen Bee” shoes you mentioned, but please let me know if there’s something else you have in mind!
Here I will include the options for the looks along with a few photos of kiddos in the Cygnet Living pieces I mentioned (and again, links to come!).
Look 3: Formal
I love your enthusiasm for formal photos with your boys - so many clients just stick to “play” clothes! I included an image of the dress you own that I found online (I just did a search for the dress name you supplied), but confirming that it is this dress? There are a few things to think about here:
This particular dress would lend itself very well to a mommy-and-me all-white photo if that’s something your photographer will want to do. I am including an image of what I’m referencing. If you wanted to do any photos with the naked little baby butt, this would also be a good place in my opinion!
Sometimes babies look silly in overly dressy clothes (and weirdly even more silly in pants!). I have included 2 options that are formal without looking like you stuck your child in a costume - please let me know what you think - and I will hunt down more options for you based on your feedback.
THANK YOU, JILL!
Looking forward to chatting further!
Client Request: Jill’s Newborn Photos
First round! Let’s start with narrowing down what you want to wear, and then I’ll provide options for your husband and of course baby! I included a variety of price points, and also included some Amazon finds for fast shipping. The ShopBop dresses also have the same shipping options (Amazon Prime) so you could give that a try! As always, send me your feedback :)
And check out these Blue and White outfits I did for a family last year:
Look 1: Sweater Theme
Look 2: More formal (I think the lace dress is on major sale - if you’re thinking about Baptism, might be good to buy now)
Look 3: More preppy (Same as above - since this is older, there will be sale items)
Newborn dresses for mom
Left to right
Toile print dress (reminds me of a ginger jar!) - I would recommend not wearing the belt for newborn photos, then add the belt as you wear throughout the spring/summer. I know you said you don’t love off-the-shoulder, but this would be another option if you like the print!
Blue Gingham Dress - this is one of my favorites, but I’d recommend ensuring you have the appropriate bra and/or a tank top to wear underneath. Here’s another option for sizes
Gingham Sleeveless Dress - in case you want something sleeveless or if you think you’ll be hot (and you could also add a cardigan easily!). Act quickly on this one as the sizes are going fast! Another option that you could belt down the road too :)
Sheer Sleeve Dress - You will be BEAUTIFUL postpartum, but I know you mentioned distracting the eye from the tummy - puff sleeves will add volume and balance
Second Row
Textured Caftan - Okay, this is a splurge… but check it out on Instagram - photographs SO well, and there’s actually very high re-sale value if you’re interested in parting with it afterwards
Smocked top dress - beautiful print and the smocking makes the fit flexible! Another wear now and again option
Blue Print Wrap Dress - pretty pattern and length! The quality of the fabric won’t be like the other options, but it will still photograph well
Blue wrap dress with asymmetric hem - a nice midi length! Same comment on fabric
Smocked waist dress - nice and flexible in the waist, which definitely makes for easy “pull down” for breastfeeding
For Big Brother:
Gingham Shirt 2 (on sale!)
Client Request: Light Blue Chinos in Sizes 38-40
Light blue chinos in sizes 38 and 40
Option 1: On sale and available in size 38
Option 2: Also on sale, and available in 38/32 and 40/32 (it’s the more slate light blue, 3rd from left)
Option 3: Slightly more formal. Model looks abnormally tall :)
Option 4: Available in both Slim and Straight fits with a few left in sizes 38 and 40 - a really beautiful blue and a GREAT deal (if he likes this style, might be a good time to stock up)
Option 5: Definitely a more slim fit - looks like low stock in 40 but available in 42