Angela Roberts Photography
Newborn Photoshoot Guide
The outfits you choose to wear from your photo sessions should reflect your style as well as your family. However the color, texture, and styles of these outfits play a huge part in how your images turn out. There are some outfits I LOVE in real life, but they just don’t photograph well. That why I’m here to help make the best of your photo session with me. My guide is to meant to help create a visually stunning and coordinated look for your family.
What to wear
I. Consider Backdrop Color
The color background matters. If you selected a light color backdrop, choose colors that are lighter in color to complement the setting rather than clash with it. The grey or chestnut (warm brown) backdrop looks good with light or dark colors. Black looks best with darker tones.
II. Coordinate, Don't Match
Try to avoid everyone wearing the same color. Instead choose colors that are similar or use different textures. My newborn photography is simple and timeless. Think of this when selecting colors. Include mostly neutrals to prevent color overload. Baby will be swaddled in coordinating wrap.
III. ColoRs
You can never go wrong with neutral colors. These colors would include white, black, gray, or beige. These can be incorporated as tops, pants, skirts, dresses or layer pieces. Pair your neutral colors with complementary colors that coordinate well together. If you’re having a hard time, look at a color wheel. The color opposite your primary color will be the perfect match. Limit your color selection to 2-3 main colors.
Want color? Think earth tones or pastels.
Earth Tones
- olive green
- tan
- cream
- brown
- mustard yellow
Neutrals
- white
- cream
- tan
- beige
- grey
- black
Pastels
- light blue
- blush pink
- pale yellow
- charcoal gray
- peach
Getting Baby Ready
BATH TIME
This is the most important part of getting baby ready. How? It fully wakes baby so they get a full feed in, resulting in a relaxed, sleepy baby. It also helps get the flakes of their skin and fluff their newborn hair. Please don't skip this step.
For the car ride it's best to dress them in a one piece zipper sleeper for travel. This avoids clothing marks on their skin and is the easiest to get off of them without waking them.
FEEDING
Give baby a full feed before leaving for the studio. Just be prepared, even with a full feed, chances are they will be hungry again as soon as I start moving them around. While in studio I ask that you feed on demand, as a hungry baby will not settle enough to have images taken. If you are bottle feeding, please bring an extra 80z. They work up quite the appetite being tiny little models.
If breastfeeding, it's very important for the 24 hours prior to your session that you avoid food and drinks that are acidic or spicy. If it makes you gassy, it'll make baby gassy!
PACIFIER
It's not always needed, but I HIGHLY recommend having one if it is needed. It almost always instantly calms baby when being posed. Please bring one even if you never plan on using it again.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Extra formula if bottle feeding
- Diaper bag
- Nipple shield if you are using one (easy to forget)
- To prevent your outfit from getting soiled by baby or siblings I recommend bringing your outfits to change into
- Quiet activity and snacks for siblings. Session is usually 2 hours long
- Pacifier
- Any special items we have discussed incorporating
Other helpful tips:
Expect breaks. Newborn sessions are baby-led, so we take the time baby needs for feeding, snuggles and diaper changes.
Getting out of the house with a newborn is HARD! I recommend packing your diaper bag the evening before you are ready to go.
Google the address prior so you know travel time. Give yourself a little extra time to account for baby needing a diaper change RIGHT as you need to leave. Arriving on time lets us get the most out of our time together, especially if baby needs extra snuggles during the session.
The studio is the first building on the right when you pull in. Park right in front of the building and come on in!
45 Hemenway Road
Leverett, MA 01054
