Bettendorf, Iowa Photographer | What to Wear for Your Newborn Family Photos?

A Quad Cities Studio Newborn Photographer’s Guide to Timeless Styling

Planning your newborn session is such an exciting part of welcoming your baby home, especially when you’re counting down the days until you finally get to capture the little details and beauty of this season in photos. One of the most common questions I get as a newborn photographer in the Quad Cities is: “What should we wear for the family portion of our newborn session?” I totally understand why you ask. You want your photos to feel beautiful and timeless, but you also don’t want to overthink it or show up feeling uncomfortable.

The good news is that when you keep things simple, your images automatically look more elevated. Less is more in my book! If you’re preparing for your session in our Quad Cities newborn photography studio, this guide will help you choose outfits that photograph beautifully and create a cohesive gallery you’ll love forever.

Your newborn session isn’t about trendy outfits or stiff posing, it’s about connection. All about connection! The way you hold your baby, the softness in your expressions, the quiet moments between you and your family… those are the memories you’ll want to relive over and over again. That’s why outfit choices matter and as your photographer I’m here to guide you every step of the way while also making it as stress free and simple as possible. The colors and textures you wear set the tone of the images. When you choose timeless neutrals, your photos feel calm, emotional, and classic without distractions. As a Quad Cities studio newborn photographer, I always recommend styling families in a way that complements the soft, clean look of studio newborn portraits.

The Best Colors to Wear for Newborn Family Pictures

If you want your newborn gallery to feel timeless, cohesive, and high-end, stick with these colors: Black, white, beige, cream, and soft greys. These tones photograph beautifully in studio lighting and work perfectly with neutral backdrops, soft wraps, and cozy textures. Neutrals also flatter every skin tone and keep your newborn as the main focus, which is what all the mamas tell me they’d like. Patterns can be cute in real life, but in photos they tend to steal attention. Stripes, florals, busy prints, and loud logos can quickly become distracting and can even date your images years down the road. Solid colors are the easiest way to keep your newborn session looking classic. When everyone wears solids, the images feel softer and more emotional. Your baby’s tiny features, your connection, and the sweetness of this season become the center of the story. Solid neutrals are my go to recommendation for families who want a clean, timeless look from their newborn session.

What Mom Should Wear for Newborn Family Photos

Moms often feel the most pressure walking into their newborn session, especially in the postpartum season. There is a beauty beyond your postpartum body that cannot be put into words, and rest assured that we know the best ways to photograph the most flattering and beautiful photos that you will fall in love with. The best outfits for moms are pieces that feel soft, flattering, and comfortable because comfort always photographs better. Some favorite mom outfit choices for studio newborn sessions are: knit sweaters, neutral dresses (black, beige, or cream), or a simple white blouse with soft neutral pants. Soft textures photograph beautifully in studio lighting and add depth without distraction. Knits, linen, ribbed fabrics, and cotton are perfect choices for a cozy, timeless feel.

We also have a client closet full of choices for our mamas to have some variety! Show up in a comfy lounge set and we’ll take care of the rest.

If you’re expecting and looking for a newborn photographer in the Quad Cities, I would love to help you plan a session that feels calm, beautiful, and completely stress-free. Whether you’re in Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, or anywhere nearby, our studio newborn sessions are designed to help you slow down and preserve this season in the most timeless way. And if you ever want help choosing outfits, you’re always welcome to send a photo of your options, I’m happy to guide you so your family looks and feels amazing.

Because these moments are fleeting… and they deserve to be remembered forever!

If you’d like to see more outfit inspiration be sure to checkout our next blog: Creating Memorable Newborn Family Portraits