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)

  • The last updated to the dress list: May 2023. Dress availability and price might have changed since the last update.
  • There are different options to accommodate various budgets with prices between 30€ and 300€
  • You simply click on the link below each dress to go straight to the shop.
  • If ordering your dress online, it is best to buy 2-4 dresses to give you plenty of options to choose from and avoid having a dress that doesn’t fit your body shape well or the sizing is a bit off. Then, if you wish, you can simply return the dresses you didn’t select for your session.
  • Some white dresses might be see-through and you might need a slip undergarment like this.
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.