When planning a newborn shoot, keeping colors and textures simple not only makes it easy on new parents, it also allows the true star of the photos to shine: your precious little one! Keep reading for more on how I planned this clean and classic newborn boy photo session.

How adorable is Baby Mark? When Mom booked his newborn session, she said she wanted a neutral color palette to really keep baby as the focus of the images, while incorporating some muted blue tones. 

I always advise parents to keep their baby up for about an hour before their session to make sure they arrive sleepy (click here for more tips on how to prepare for your newborn shoot). When Baby Mark came into the studio in this adorable light blue two-piece outfit, he was already snoozing. This provided the perfect opportunity for me to do some simple unposed portraits of him in his sweet outfit.

I like to incorporate some natural, unposed, and unwrapped images as long as baby is content. That’s why I encourage parents to bring their little one in in a simple, solid colored two-piece outfit like this one, or a one piece that zips or snaps in the front so it is easy for me to change. Then we can capture some of these less posed images at the beginning of the session. 

If you don’t have an outfit like this, don’t worry! I have a selection in the studio. You can also have baby wear this for the family portion of your newborn shoot instead of a swaddle if baby is calm enough. 

After capturing some relaxed photos, I moved onto a few basic poses. A stretch jersey swaddle to wrap baby up against a calming, white backdrop is always a classic set-up for newborn shoots. 

Adding a darling knit cap, still in neutral colors, is a crowning touch, allowing Baby Mark’s sweet features to remain the focus in the images.

We brought back the blue tones for a few basket and prop photos, before returning to a soft white swaddle and fuzzy blanket, then a sweet white romper that I always have available in the studio for newborn photo sessions.

I am always up for special requests from parents, and when Mark’s Mom asked for a photo of her hands holding his, I thought this sweet moment was perfect. It also shows just how tiny he is!

Because Baby Mark was so calm it was easy for me to change outfits multiple times for him, allowing me to capture a great collection of images for his parents to choose from. 

We finished with some classic family photos on my all-white lifestyle set-up in the studio. 

I love that Mom wore a white shirt as it really lended itself to her request for a neutral color palette, which  I always encourage because it helps keep the shoot planning process simple for families and it always produces some fantastic pictures.  

Mom also took the time to make herself look her best by doing her hair and makeup, which as a mom myself I know is hard to do after just having a baby. However, taking a little “me time” can really make you feel camera-ready!

(Pro tip: She told me that she did her hair the night before to save time in the morning!)

We wrapped baby in blue to match Mom and Dad’s jeans and complement Dad’s gray quarter-zip, but a white or neutral wrap would’ve been perfect too. 

After enjoying a little nap for most of our shoot, Baby Mark was wide awake but so calm and chill during the family photos. At times, he was staring right at the camera – just look at those beautiful eyes!

One of the many reasons why I love doing newborn photography is because of the bond between baby and parents and how it leaps right off of the camera. And this shoot was no different!

For more inspiration for your newborn photo session, you can check out my newborn Pinterest board and Instagram.  

If you’re in Massachusetts and looking to book your newborn shoot, please take a look at our services and get in touch! I’d love to chat with you!