Family & Sibling Poses | Studio Newborn Photography

Calgary Newborn & Family Photographer

Airdrie | Cochrane | Chestermere | Surrounding Areas in Alberta

Our last blog talked about putting together the perfect outfits for your Family Session! Newborn Sessions are a smidge different and have a little bit of "forgiveness" when it comes to comfort and functionality.

Booking your Newborn Session is so exciting! If you're in your second trimester, it's the perfect time to book. Booking in advance guarantees that there will be a spot for you when your baby arrives.

And so, baby is here (finally) and you can't wait to get those precious little features of your baby captured ASAP. You know this stage is short and oh-so-sweet!

You want your session to be absolutely perfect. From the poses of your baby, to all of the props and accessories that will be used to style your session.

But, suddenly the thought crosses your mind. You want that first family photo! It's going to mean so much to you now, and even more-so down the road. What do you wear?!

Hopefully, your photographer has taken the time to chat with you and share some suggestions with you that will look great for your photos. But, if not, here are a few tips that will have you looking great for your first ever family portrait with your brand new, squishy babe.

For Moms

Choose comfort. You just had a baby. It's important that you are comfortable in your outfit of choice for your newborn session. Wear something that has some give to it (C-section mamas, be gentle on yourselves. Wear something that's not going to cause you any discomfort.) I shoot from an upward angle and focus on faces and expressions for these beautiful family portraits, so if yoga pants are the way to go, yoga pants it is! We won't see anything from the waist up.
Neutral colours. Whites, greys, creams, taupes, pastel colours. These are beautiful options that will keep your photos classy and timeless.
Tank tops, T-shirts, and half-sleeves. Any "skin on skin" contact with your baby is going to amplify that cosy, cuddly emotion to your portraits.
Delicate details. A blouse with lacy details is a gorgeous, feminine touch.
Wear your hair down. Trust me... it's gorgeous.
Natural Make-Up. I know you want to look flawless for your photos, but don't go too crazy with your make-up. Less is more, and a natural palette eye-shadow will be the perfect pop you need.
Hands. Your hands will be in plain sight for your photos. Make sure you tidy up your nails if they are in need of a little attention.
Don't forget your wedding ring! (If it doesn't fit yet, bring it along anyway.)

For Dads

Be simple. Dress shirts are great, but be mindful of any plaid or patterned shirts. Solid colours work best.
Cozy sweaters! There is just something about a nice sweater on a New Dad snuggling his brand new little baby.
Got muscles? Show them off with a fitted t-shirt or tank top, either black, grey or white. And, depending on your comfort level, consider doing a bare-chested skin-on-skin with your baby. Your partner will LOVE it!
Denim. All the denim. Textured and torn, whitewashed or dark denim pants look great!
Neutral colours. Whites, greys, creams, taupes, pastel colours. If your partner is wearing a lighter colour, mix it up with a darker shade.
Spruce Up. Do your hair nice, shave or tidy up the facial hair, and make sure your hands are presentable. If they're a little gritty from work, don't worry. We love that!
Texture. Anything with texture is going to add a real nice, masculine feel to your photos with baby.
Don't forget your wedding ring!

For Kids

Neutral colours. Same as above. :)
Comfort. Choose an outfit that your kiddo will be able to move around easily in. Stiff shirts are more difficult to tuck away for siblings shots. Something made of a soft material will work best.
NO graphics or logos. I know you really love the "Big Brother" shirt, but it's going to use up a lot of your session time trying to straighten it out so we know what is says. Logos should be avoided, as they are distracting. Pick solid colours along the same line as the outfits you've chosen for yourselves.
Boys can opt for no shirt if they are comfortable with that option.
Simple tops. Simple, simple, simple. I can't stress it enough. It will go a lot farther and look a lot better in your photos.
Skip the skirts. Tights are the way to go for little girls and jeans for the boys.
Hair accessories. Hair bows and headbands are great accessories to add on for your family portrait. If you have a younger little one, their sibling portraits will be done lying down, so add in the accessories afterwards.

For Baby

We have fabric wraps all shades of the rainbow to match your family's outfits! Those will be provided. Depending on your bravery, some shots will be done with your baby in the nude (so bring an extra set of clothes!)

Things To Avoid

Accessories on your wrists. Watches. Hair ties. Large bracelets. (Simple bangles are okay).
Shoes. They aren't necessary :) (not to mention, we have a No-Shoes Policy in the studio!)
Neon / bright colours.
Busy patterns.
Hoodies.
Skirts and shorts.

I provide all of my clients with one on one guidance in the selection of their outfits. Whether you want to piece something together with options from your own closet, or use some of the great choices I have in my client closet, you can arrive to your newborn session with confidence knowing that you've got your bases covered.

Keep it simple, keep it neutral, and always choose comfort. Warm tones will bring out the peachy tones of your skin. Skin-on-skin brings about such a pure and emotional vibe to your portraits. Acne and dry skin can be easily fixed in post-editing. You will absolutely love these precious, early moments captured during your session while your baby still fits in the crook of your arm. Breathe in those fresh baby smells and settle in the moment. And that moment will be yours to keep forever.

Want To Book With Me?

Every single family's experience starts with a conversation to begin your custom and personalized journey with Hocus Focus Photography. We encourage an open line of communication from your booking date to your session day, all the way to the delivery of your images. You want to know what's going on and exactly what to expect, and we love that, too!

From outfits to setups, we will ask you simple questions to get down to the root of what styles you're drawn to. Part of the fun of photography is getting creative and doing something new!

Our availability changes from day to day, so please contact the studio for dates and to learn what we will do for you! If you are currently pregnant and in your second trimester, you can book your session right away and will guide you through that (simple) process. :)

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