This is one of the most common questions we get, no matter what kind of session you're booking with us: what should I wear? Whether you're photographing a growing bump, a an itty bitty baby, or the whole family together, the same core principles apply, but the details shift depending on the session. We put together this guide to help take the guesswork out of it so you can feel confident and comfortable when we show up with our cameras.
General Outfit Principles for Any Session
No matter which session you're planning for, a few things hold true across the board.
Dress comfortably and confidently. If you're wearing something that doesn't feel like you, it's going to show in your photos. Pick pieces you'd actually feel good in for a few hours, not just something new for the occasion. Practice wearing any outfits in real life before putting them on for photos to make sure you're comfortable moving around in them, not just standing in front of the mirror.
Plan complementary outfits, not matching ones. This goes for colors, textures, and styles alike. A family that's all wearing the exact same shade of blue tends to look flatter in photos than a family working from a shared palette with some variation.
Stick to a cohesive color palette.
- Jewel tones
- Earth tones and neutrals
- Muted colors generally
- Layers!!! Think a cardigan, jean jacket, or light wrap - these all add texture and dimension.
A few things to avoid, across every session type:
- Clothing with visible logos or labels
- Graphic tees (unless there's intentional meaning behind them)
- Neon or very bright colors - these tend to throw off skin tones and can look strange in your final images
- All black for everyone - great in daily life, but in a group it can flatten people into silhouettes rather than showing detail
- Head-to-toe matching, especially with patterns
When in doubt on any of this, send us a photo of your planned outfits ahead of time and we're happy to give feedback before session day.
What to Wear for Your Maternity Session
Maternity sessions are all about celebrating this specific stage that relies more heavily on your silhouette than most other session types.
Silhouette options to consider:
- Fitted dresses or bodycon styles show off the bump's shape more directly, if that's the look you're going for
- Flowy maxi dresses in lightweight fabrics (think tulle or chiffon) move beautifully outdoors, especially with any kind of breeze or golden hour backlight
A few maternity-specific notes:
- Fabrics with movement photograph beautifully, regardless of setting
- Bare shoulders, bare feet, and hands resting on the belly are classic maternity poses that pair well with simpler silhouettes
- Comfort becomes more important the further along you are. If you're planning your session for later in the third trimester, prioritize pieces that don't feel restrictive for an hour or more of standing and walking
What to Wear for Your Newborn Session
Newborn sessions have their own set of considerations, especially since most of ours take place right in your home.
Keep baby simple. Soft, solid-colored wraps or simple outfits let your baby be the focal point without competing patterns or bulky accessories near their face. "Less is more" truly comes to life in a newborn session.
Coordinate the rest of the family without matching. If older siblings or parents are joining part of the session, apply the same complementary-not-matching principle. Soft neutrals and muted tones tend to photograph best alongside a swaddled newborn.
Since most newborn sessions happen in your home:
- Cozy knits, soft textures, and layered neutrals tend to suit a home setting more naturally than they would a studio backdrop
- Have a backup outfit(s) on hand for both baby and parents - anything can happen. Newborn sessions can run a little longer than expected to work around feeding and settling, so comfort over the full session matters.
- Not wanting to tidy your home while in the newborn trenches, we get it. We work with an awesome studio in Los Altos that can still give some of that same in-home warmth if you're up for getting out of the house. We can tailor outfit suggestions for that space specifically.
What to Wear for Your Family Session
Family sessions usually involve the most moving pieces! With kids in the mix, building a simple, flexible palette goes a long way.
Start with a family palette, not individual outfits. Pick 2–3 core colors, then add one accent color for variety. This gives everyone room to wear something they're comfortable in while still looking cohesive as a group.
For kids specifically, prioritize comfort and movement over "new and stiff." A brand-new outfit your child has never worn before is more likely to cause mid-session meltdowns than a well-loved favorite that fits well and moves easily.
Still Feeling Stuck?
Outfit planning can feel like a lot, especially if you're coordinating for a whole family or juggling a maternity look with a toddler's opinions on clothing. Send us a text or email with what you're considering, and we'll happily share feedback before your session.
