IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Pairing an accessory or two with your outfit can really help bring some extra dimension to your images, and be a nice tie-in when you're coordinating with a group. 

Dainty bracelets (that won't hurt bubs head) and earrings bring great visual interest, so choose one or two that don't compete for attention. 

Although it might seem counterintuitive, and not all too common for newborn sessions, I still feel the need to mention that I recommend that you do not get a spray tan before your session. Spray tans tend to photograph orange even when it's applied subtly and by a professional. Your actual skin tone will photograph the most beautifully and naturally.

HAIR AND MAKE-UP

While certainly not a necessity, professional hair and make-up really removes the stress of getting ready on your own with a new bub occupying your time.

Whether it's lash extensions or blown-out hair, professional hair and make-up will give you an extra boost of confidence in front of the camera and it always photographs like a dream. 

Good make-up artists know how to get it all just right for the camera - and a lot of them do make house calls so you don't even have to go anywhere.

THE BEST FIT

Long, fitted pants and knee length shorts are the most masculine looks for men.  Leave any loose fitting, baggy pants in the cupboard. Fitted dress pants or fitted coloured pants work best on camera. 

I highly recommend staying far away from graphics and logos. You will find that they are extremely distracting in the final images and they will make your images date. Choose smarter dress shirts with a rolled up sleeve over t-shirts. Accessorise with a smart, masculine watch for a nice touch.

Keep it simple

A super simple neutral coloured body suit is all that your little one needs. If we're in the heat of summer, make it short sleeves so we can see those chunky little arms, and in winter long sleeves, no legs. That way we have easy access to those adorable little fingers and toes for all the squishy detail shots.

have multiple options

As glamorous, relaxed and easy as newborn sessions can appear, they are often filled with multiple changes due to spit-up, blowouts and milk spills. Try to have multiple outfit options on hand so we can get them changed and ready again stress free.

accessorise

If you feel so inclined, feel free to add a simple co-ordinating headband. My style of photography is very natural, so emphasis on simple. 

wrap them up

I will absolutely get those precious little toes and fingers detail shots, but I highly recommend that for the most part, bub is wrapped up nice and securely in a stretchy, plain white/neutral wrap. Wrapping them up is often the saving grace in keeping little ones calm, secure and happy during your session.

CO-ORDINATING THE CREW

As you're co-ordinating your outfit with your family, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the colour palette and wardrobe pieces co-ordinate, but don't actually "match". In fact, I recommend that you avoid thinking about "matching" and instead think about what "fits" together. This will create more visual interest and allow each personality to shine through.

The goal for coordinating a family is to visually break up the colours and shades so that you're not all wearing the same colour on top and bottom. Remember the 80's style white t's and blue jeans? Yeah, we don't want that.

MIXING UP THE PIECES

If you have multiple children, don't feel like you need to put them all in the same type of outfit. For example, one of your daughters could wear a dress, while the other wears a skirt and top. One of your sons could wear a bowtie, while the other one wears suspenders. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring great visual interest to the photos.

I believe that the little ones don't need much by way of accessories, however a sweet headband will add some lovely visual interest and an element of personality to the images.