Tips for Choosing Outfits for In-home photos

One of the top questions I get as a family and newborn photographer, is what the heck should we wear? I go in depth about tips for any family photography session here, but there are some tips I have that are specific toward choosing outfits for in-home photos, whether that be newborn photos or family photos.

In-home family photos are some of my very favorite to photograph and good styling can make or break a session. The session featured in this post is an amazing example of this. The family complimented their home perfectly, and utilized every single one of these tips.

So here they are, my top tips for choosing outfits for in-home photos:

• Keep it simple, but not boring
  Solid colors are always a win, but think about adding visual interest through texture, subtle patterns, or accessories. A chunky knit, soft gauze, or even a small floral or stripe can bring depth without being distracting. If you have a more maximalist home, you may want to go more minimal in your clothing, and if it’s more neutral, you can lean into visually interesting pieces to spice things up a bit.

• Think about how it moves
  You'll be sitting, standing, playing, and snuggling during your session, so make sure your outfit is one you can move in easily. Try it out ahead of time and see how it sits when you bend down or twist around. This is especially important with newborns, as you’ll be on seated for at least a portion of the time. You’ll also want to make sure that if you are a nursing mom and you are bustier than you usually are, that you are comfortable with the amount of cleavage in your outfit if you are moving around and it doesn’t slip too low easily. Women’s comfort level with their cleavage is so personal, and I will not comment unless it’s really apparent, because you might be totally cool with a little more bustiness! You may also want to consider shape wear as a postpartum mom, or even maternity pants, which won’t dig in in the same way your regular jeans would.

• Shoes optional
  I would highly recommend going barefoot for in-home photos. You don’t wear shoes at home, and it looks the most natural. Don’t worry, I won’t be zooming in on your feet! You don’t need a perfect pedicure, but I would recommend removing chipped polish and going with a neutral if you are getting one. Socks also can look awkward in in-home photos, so I recommend skipping those.

• Match your home’s vibe
  These pictures are likely going to be hanging up in your home, so make sure you wear something that compliments your home! If you are a bright and colorful family, go that route! If you have a more formal, classic look, match that vibe. Your home is so tailored to you and you want to make sure your clothing really fits that vibe. The only exception is bright colors if you have a newborn. Since you are holding them close, you’ll want to avoid bright colors so you don’t have color casts on their face.

• Don’t overthink the weather
  Since your home is climate-controlled, you can wear whatever you’re comfortable in. Just skip bulky coats or winter gear as they’ll photograph awkwardly and can quickly look out of place.

Now that I’ve said all that, my top tip for choosing outfits for in-home photos is to make sure your clothes fit YOU! Not a dress girlie? Don’t wear one. You want to look back on your photos, especially, and see who you truly are, not just pretty clothes that aren’t your style. Need some more style inspo? Check out my in-home gallery.

To book your very own in-home family photo session and put these tips for choosing outfits for in-home photos to use, click here!