By Bonnie
Photography
Newborn Family Photo Session
Style Guide
Colors:
I personally recommend neutral colors.
Example: whites, beiges, tans, grays, periwinkle, sage green, and light blush.
Patterns:
Solids, small to medium florals or polka dots and simple or boho lace.
What not to wear:
No logos, No words, No shinny or metallic material, avoid mixed patterns (example: stripes w/ florals) or very bright bold colors.
Don't worry about perfectly matching with others outfits but think of your outfits blending together. Rather than thinking "does this match" think "does this go?"
Other:
Remember to be mindful of things like the weather, temperature, and photo session location. We don't want any overheating, freezing or tripping!
May - October tend to have humid days so please be mindful of that when styling hair and choosing clothing.
For Women
What to Wear:
Pick something you feel comfortable and confident in, and you can move freely in & if needed breastfeed in.
Ideas: Dresses, Button Up Blouses etc...
Self Conscious Concerns:
Flattering the Arms-Try three quarter length sleeves & jackets. Avoid very thin straps, small cap sleeves or sleeveless
Flattering the Legs-Try Skirts that hit right at or just above the knee, jumpsuits or dresses that end just at or slightly above your ankles
Avoid too tight dresses or skirts and dresses that end mid thigh or mid calf.
Flattering the Belly-Try solid colors, open jackets, belts worn on thinnest part of your mid section, well fitting tops
Avoid undergarments that are too tight, horizontal stripes, tops are that too loose or baggy (flowy is good but not too baggy) because they can cause you to look bigger than you are.
Undergarments:
Choosing well fitting undergarments is important!
Undergarments that are too tight will give your body unwanted bumps, and lines.
If too loose they tend to slip around and can be seen.
Undergarments color should not be seen through your clothing choice.
Whatever undergarments you choose should also be comfortable for you.
Shoes:
Any shoe choice is fine.
If you want to be photographed barefoot please bring something to wear for walking and in between photos.
If you want to wear heels just please chose something safe for carrying a baby while walking outdoors on uneven or soft ground.
Hats:
Hats add great versatility to your session. Feel free to bring one or two with you.
Hair & Make up:
Simple makeup, hair, and nail polish photograph best. However, do yourself up in a way that makes you feel good.
After you style your hair I recommend spraying hair down with bug spray and rubbing bug spray on back of neck, behind ears, knees, and in elbows.
For Men
What to Wear:
Pick something you feel comfortable and confident in and can freely move in.
Ideas: Dress Shirt, Solid Tee, Bare Chest, Medium to Dark Washed Jeans, Khaki Pants or Shorts.
Uniforms:
Professional Uniforms can add a lot of personality and emotion to your session. If you want to wear your uniform I recommend considering having another outfit to change into for more variety in your photos.
Shoes:
Any shoe choice is fine. If you want to be photographed barefoot please bring something with you for walking and in between photos.
Hats:
Hats add great versatility to your session. If you want to wear a hat please bring it with you rather than wearing it to the session.
This way we can do some photos before any hat hair happens.
Hair:
Style your hair as you normally would. For a more natural look have any haircuts done about a week before scheduled photo session.
Facial Hair:
Any facial hair should be trimmed up and styled as normal. Again no major trimming right before the photo session for a more natural look.
Other:
Remember to be mindful of things like the weather, temperature, and photo session location. We don't want any overheating, freezing or tripping!
Colors:
I personally recommend neutral colors.
Example: whites, beiges, tans, grays, navy, and black.
Having one much darker or lighter color in your outfit than your partner makes a great statement.
Example: your partner is wearing a white dress, adding a gray or navy color to your outfit could be a nice contrast.
Patterns:
Solids, textures, (Example: denims) small to medium patterns .
Again think opposite of your partner.
Example: your partner is wearing a plain solid color dress, adding denim to your outfit will add texture to your overall look.
What not to wear:
No logos, No words, No shinny or metallic material, avoid mixed patterns, (example: stripes w/ partners florals) or very bright bold colors.
Don't worry about perfectly matching with others outfits but think of your outfits blending together. Rather than thinking "does this match" think "does this go?"
Colors:
I personally recommend neutral colors, just like Mom and Dad's.
Patterns:
Solids, or small to medium patterns.
What not to wear:
No logos, No words, No large buttons or characters on clothing. No bright bold colors or patterns that will clash with Mom and Dad. Again think of outfits that will all go together.
Other:
Babys tend to be the boss of the session. If they need to be soothed or fed that's fine. Please bring bottles or something you can breastfeed in for baby. A pacifier is also fine, we can remove it before photos if you dont want it seen. Also bring something for changing diapers.
Newborn
What to Wear:
Pick something baby will be comfortable in. Something either warm or cool enough for the weather. Layers tend to be good because it easier to take things off than put them on.
A backup outfit is always good to bring as well since newborns unintentionally soil their cute outsits.
Ideas: Solid color short sleeve onesies, dresses, long sleeve sweaters and comfy pants, solid color blankets
Shoes:
Babies don't need shoes unless you want them. I recommend socks. However, if weather permits, I will try to photograph those cute bare feet!
Hats:
Hats are cute, but at times hide adorable faces. I can do photos with and without the hat.
Hair:/Cradle Cap: Bring a little brush if you want to smooth baby's hair in-between photos. If baby has cradle cap that's ok, it is not always seen in the photos. If it is a big concern this is when we can do some photos in a hat, or we can use the blanket to hide it. But please don't be worried about it.
Props:
Soild color swaddle blankets are perfect. I would bring a few. If you have a moses baskets or stroller for photos that is fine. Just let me know ahead of time.
Baby safety is very important to me so please discuss any prop ideas ahead of time with me please.
Colors:
I personally recommend neutral colors, just like Mom and Dad's.
Patterns:
Solids, or small to medium patterns.
What not to wear:
No logos, No words, No large buttons or characters on clothing. No bright bold colors or patterns that will clash with Mom and Dad. Again think of outfits that will all go together.
Other:
Remember to just be mindful of things like the weather, temperature, and photo session location. We don't want any overheating, freezing or tripping!
Children
What to Wear:
Pick something they will be comfortable in. If children are uncomfortable it will be hard for them to look happy in photos.
Ideas: Solid tees, shorts, jeans, and dresses
Shoes:
Any shoe choice is fine.
If you want children to be barefoot please bring something for them to wear for walking and in between photos.
Hats:
Hats are cute, but at times hide adorable faces. Please bring one with you rather than having child wear it to the session. This way we can do photos without the hat first.
Hair:
Children's hair should be done so they aren't uncomfortable during the session. Remember children will run and play during the session.