Taking family pics with a newborn can seem like something only “expert” (or crazy?) moms want to try. Coordinating the outfits, feeling beautiful after having a baby, managing siblings, etc. I can see why a lot of moms come to me saying “We JUST want photos of the baby.” I hear you moms, but I am here to hold your hand through this process, you are not alone and no way am I going to let you miss out on family pics with your newborn!

Why Family Photos Matter Just as Much as Solo Newborn Shots

This exact age is the only day they will ever be like this again. Tomorrow, they will be bigger and stronger and we will be losing our time with them a millimeter more. Today is the sweetest day to capture it all, and so is tomorrow, and the next day. To pause and simply capture the beautiful chaos you have is the best gift you can give to yourself. Because one day you will long for the newborn scrunch, the wiggles of your toddler, the imagination of your child- all of it.

As your Best in 405 Photographer in Oklahoma City, I will not let you miss your chance. I have curated a process that eases the minds of new moms as we plan newborn and family photos.

Family Portrait Ideas With Newborn

No need to come up with your family photo ideas with an infant. I’ve got years of practice making sure my process works best for any family. We always start with family and sibling photos. That way it is easier for siblings to relax, play, or head home with a family member/friend after their photos. Here are a few of my go to shots and poses. Each gallery is different, and since baby is in charge of the session I don’t promise a certain pose!

Whole family together- the classic group photo!

Mom and Baby, Dad and Baby

Siblings

And then of course, there will be plenty of baby, including all the small dainty details.

What to Wear as a Family

This is the part that sends most parents into a downward spiral. I’m here to tell you that we can make it easy. It’s hard enough heading into a season of giving birth, caring for a newborn, and making sure your family is rested and fed. But adding photo outfits on top of it? Oof. Don’t worry, I’ve got some great, easy ideas that work well for any family.

First of all, I have a client closet for mom and girls. These are beautiful gowns that dress up the occasion while keeping the colors and neutral and balanced.

Is the client closet not your style? Here are a few simple outfits that are easy to pull together.

For new moms, I suggest something flowy or looser fitting. Something tight just isn’t comfortable after having a baby and we want you to feel confident. Look for warm neutral tones- creams, light browns, pastel blues, sage greens- and textures are always nice.

For dads, a nice pair of slacks or jeans plus a neutral color button down, polo, or quality t-shirt. Here is a shirt I really like to suggest to the dads.

For sisters, a neutral color dress is the easiest way to go! A cream, blue, or sage green is always beautiful for girls. Here is a dress I love and it’s easy to order.

For brothers, nice jeans and a button down are easy and most of the time you can find them in your closet!

And of course, the baby! What should they wear? Bring them in a loose fitting outfit (footie PJs work great!). I have everything else for them. Wraps, props, headbands, etc. If there is something special or sentimental you want them to wear, bring that.

The key part on outfits for a family picture with newborn is no loud prints or colors. Keep it simple. The poses, props, backdrops, and beautiful faces will bring the image to life.

Tips for a Smooth Family Session with a Newborn

Need some tips or encouragement for your session? Here is a list for you!

• Bring your newborn in loose fitting clothes (like footie PJs). This keeps wrinkles or marks from showing up on the skin..
• If your baby uses a pacifier, bring it! These help them while transitioning poses.
• I allow all the breaks baby needs for the session- we can feed and change as many poopy diapers as need be!
• Bringing the siblings? Yay! They are welcome to stay for the whole session. Their wiggles and giggles don’t bother me. Some parents prefer to have one parent, a family member, or friend take the siblings after their photos back home so mom and dad can kick their feet up and relax for the rest of the session. Either way, I am good with them being there 🙂
• If you are bringing siblings, plan the session around their nap + meal times, when possible.
• Lastly, breathe! I make sure the session goes smoothly. You just soak it up 🙂

Newborn and Family Photos: Meet the Whitlocks

This sweet big brother was so excited to be welcoming his sister! So many kisses, hugs, giggles, smiles, and checking on her. He was made to have a sister and protect her. We cheered him on during the session and let him have his own little fun jumping on the bed to get some wiggles out. Bonus for mom, she got a couple sweet brother pictures in the mix ❤️

Ready to reserve your newborn session? I suggest that you reserve your newborn session in the second trimester. This gives ample time to secure a spot with me as I have limited availability each month.