What To Wear For Newborn Portraits | Madison-Area Newborn Photographer

Madison Newborn Photographer

August 21, 2026

Milestone 

Newborn

Maternity

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Your Wisconsin Maternity, Newborn and Baby Milestone Photographer 

I'm Becky

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Do you have a newborn session coming up and have zero idea what to wear? You are not the first one to feel this way nor will you be the last.

“What should we wear for our newborn session?” Is the most common question I am asked, honestly though… it is a valid question, so let’s chat about it.

Thankfully, wardrobe doesn’t need to be complicated. As a newborn photographer serving the Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin areas, I have a few ideas. I recommend keeping newborn session outfits soft, timeless, comfortable and simple. The goal isn’t to perfectly match, it is to create a cohesive look that keeps the focus on you and your baby. Many think that they should all wear jeans and white shirts but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

The Best Colors To Wear For Newborn Portraits

Soft, neutral colors photograph beautifully for newborn sessions and complement the lighting and natural style of my Rio, WI studio.

Some of my favorites include:

Cream, ivory, oatmeal, beige, tan, soft brown, muted greens, dusty blue and other gentle earth tones.

You don’t need to dress everyone in the same colors, choose a few shades that coordinate naturally.

For example, Mom might wear an ivory dress while Dad wears a light tan sweater and big siblings could wear shades of oatmeal and muted browns. The result? Coordinated without overly matched.

What should mom war for newborn photos?

Above everyone else, choose something that you feel most comfortable in postpartum. I remember how I felt postpartum with all three of my children and the last thing I wanted was to emphasize my new body.

Your body has just done the most incredible and beautiful thing, please don’t feel the need to squeeze into something because it may photograph nicely.

Flowy dresses, soft knits, simple tops and pieces with subtle texture are all wonderful options.

My newborn photography studio has a client wardrobe that mom is more than welcome to utilize.

If you are unsure if you like what you have picked out for your family, go ahead and send me a few photos. I am more than happy to help assist.

What should dad wear?

Dad’s outfits are simple.

Neutral sweaters, henleys, solid colored shirts and casual button downs all work perfectly.

Cream, oatmeal, tan, grey, muted greens, soft browns and similar shades work well.

I recommend avoiding large logos, graphics, neon colors and busy patterns. Theses can easily pull attention away from baby and honestly, these types of items just don’t photograph well.

What should siblings wear for newborn photos?

The same general rule applies to big brothers and sisters. Simple, comfortable, and coordinated.

Soft dresses, sweaters, rompers, henleys, and neutral basics are great options.

Rather than trying to make siblings match mom and dad, choose clothing within the same color palette.

Also, don’t worry if your kids aren’t perfect- kids are kids.

What do newborns wear for newborn photos?

This part, you don’t need to worry about.

My Rio, WI newborn studio is stocked with wraps, outfits, bonnets and headbands for newborn photography.

I keep baby’s styling simple and intentional. By using soft colors, and beautiful textures that compliment your baby’s tiny features.

If you have a sentimental outfit, blanket or other meaningful items that you would like photographed, you are more than welcome to bring those along,

Can we incorporate seasonal colors?

Absolutely but I am a firm believer that a little goes a long way.

For a fall newborn session, we can create cozy feelings with warm browns, creams, knits and natural wood.

Instead of building an elaborate seasonal setup, I prefer to bring the season into your newborn photos through color and texture. This keeps your portraits timeless, while still giving a subtle nod to the season in which your baby was born.

The same approach applies to winter, spring and summer babies.

Should we bring props to our newborn session?

You don’t need to bring anything other than what is in your diaper bag to your newborn session. My studio already has a curated collection of newborn props, wraps, outfits, textures, headbands, bonnets and more.

If there is something meaningful that you wish to include, we most certainly can.

What if I still don’t know what to wear?

That is what I am here for. You aren’t expected to plan your newborn session on your own. Let’s work together to find wardrobe pieces that work well for you and your family.

Newborn Photography for Madison, WI Families

Finch & Mae Photography specializes in maternity, newborn and baby’s first year photography from my studio in Rio, WI.

The studio welcomes families from Madison, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Janesville, Beaver Dam, Tomah, Sun Prairie, and beyond for a relaxed, timeless photography experience.

If you are expecting and searching for a Madison, WI newborn photographer, I would love to help you document those first days and all the stages that come after them.

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Here is a small portion of Finch & Mae Photography’s Client Wardrobe.

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