WHAT TO WEAR TO A FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT
Or a maternity & newborn photoshoot for moms
WHAT TO WEAR TO A FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT
When planning for your maternity, newborn or family photoshoot, the number one source of stress is choosing what to wear, especially for mom. I wrote this practical, how-to guide to help you mom in the process of choosing a beautiful outfit for your maternity, newborn, or family photoshoot.
If you can take away one thing from this guide, here is my number 1 advice: wear a DRESS!
The reasons why dresses is my go-to advice on what to wear to a family photoshoot
Or maternity & newborn photo session
Dresses are flattering
Dresses are the most flattering option for what to wear to a photoshoot for moms. If you want to look beautiful in your newborn, maternity or family photoshoot, you cannot go wrong with a dress. You simply need to find a style that fits your body shape well. You can read more about choosing a dress according to your body type in this guide.
Dresses are feminine
Dresses will give your maternity, newborn or family photos that lovely, feminine, romantic feel, that cannot be replicated if you’re wearing jeans, shorts, or leggings. Think of your photoshoot as a very special occasion in your life to celebrate your pregnancy, the birth of your child, or family life. Wearing a dress will add that feminine and celebratory look, elevating the results of your images.
Dresses are comfortable
Dresses in the fabrics and lengths presented below are very comfortable to wear. This is especially important for moms who are expecting or are still recovering from birth. A comfortable dress will allow you to move around, sit in different positions, and get down to play with your baby or toddler. And you’ll look beautiful doing so.
Dresses add movement
Movement in photos adds an artistic quality to them that really brings the results of your image collection to a new level. And a flowy dress will help to give that sense of movement to your images.
Tips for choosing the right dress for your maternity, newborn, or family photoshoot
Choose a dress that fits your own style
The most important thing is to choose a dress that makes YOU feel confident and beautiful. And that is true to your unique style. The more confident and comfortable you feel, the more this confidence will naturally shine through your images.
Do the movement test once you select your dress
When choosing what to wear to a family photoshoot, ask yourself the following: can you sit, lay down, stand, and play with your children comfortably in your choice of outfit?
It is always BEST TO AVOID skirts and dresses at the knee or shorter, or overly tight, as they will NOT work well on sitting poses. And this will reduce the number of final images I’d be able to deliver to you.
Choose the right length
I highly suggest wearing a dress in midi or maxi length because it is the most flattering and feminine length. If that makes you feel “overdressed” in your home or at a park resulting in images that feel unnatural for you, simply opt for a relaxed, boho style to compensate for the length. You can also opt for a skirt, or a dress immediately below the knees.
It is best to avoid wearing a mini dress as it won’t be flattering during sitting poses. Plus, if you have a toddler, it will likely feel uncomfortable and self-conscious when you move around with your child.
Choose the right fabric
When choosing a fabric, opt for light, fresh, flowy, and/or with texture, like organic cotton, chiffon, organza, jersey, lace, tulle, eyelet, ruffle, seersucker, crepe, rayon, polyester, and linen. Flowy fabrics will give a romantic and delicate feel to your images and they will be very flattering.
Choose your dress first
When coordinating what to wear to a family photoshoot (or maternity & newborn photos) for the whole family, it is always best to start with mom! So, focus on choosing your dress first and then pick out the rest of the family’s outfits based on what you chose for yourself.
CHOOSE COLORS THAT ARE
Timeless & flattering
The best colors are light, neutral colors: off-white, beige, and, grey.
+ Earthy tones pair very well with the neutral colors mentioned above.
+ Other great colors to complement neutrals are pastel/muted colors: beige, taupe, sand, light blue, grey blue, nude, dusty pink, coral, blush, lavender, aqua, mustard, olive, etc.
+ Black is another neutral color. But it is better to avoid wearing black as it will darken the tones in your images.
INSPIRATION BOARDS
FOR CHOOSING COLORS
TYPES OF OUTFITS
TO AVOID
Stripes
Large logos
Writing
Bold and colorful patterns
Bright and bold colors (e.g., red, bright orange, bright yellow)
WHY?
Because all of these outfits bring attention to your clothing – not you. Plus, your images will be contrasty and bold (vs. timeless and soft).
EXAMPLES OF OUTFITS
TO AVOID
WHAT TO WEAR TO A FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT
Dress recommendations
To help you save time finding that perfect outfit for your maternity, newborn or family photoshoot
Below there are several beautiful dresses that match the recommendations in this guide on what to wear to a family photoshoot (or maternity and newborn photo session)
WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR
MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT
WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR
NEWBORN & FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT
If you feel like splurging on a dress!
Needle & Thread
Christy Dawn
By Malina
Doen
PARIS FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
Fine art & lifestyle Paris family photographer for families who value connection and authenticity.
Mariana de Albuquerque is a Paris and Toulouse family photographer offering maternity, newborn, and family sessions. She specializes in casual lifestyle photography with a refined aesthetic and stress-free experience. Her natural and simple photographs have been featured in international online magazines and blogs. She shares her time between Paris and Toulouse.