There are so many cute outfits available for babies, but they may not always be the best for family photos. Don’t get me wrong, I love how adorable matching baby sets are with the patterned puppy pants and a puppy shirt, but that may not have the timeless look you will be looking to display on your walls. See below for some tips for dressing baby for your next family session:

Keep it simple.

First and foremost: keep it simple. Simple textures and patterns (ie. a quiet plaid, small polka dots, stripes) are a great thing to incorporate into the outfit without it being over powering. Avoid loud patterns (like unicorns and trucks) and opt for something neutral and simple in order to ensure your photos are timeless. Often the simple outfits photograph the best, and allow the viewer to focus on the baby and family connection. They also generally make for the most comfortable outfits – putting your newborn in jeans and a cardigan may look absolutely adorable (I can confirm it does!!), but it may not be the most comfortable option for the session. I suggest a modern neutral onesie or two-piece outfit that you can pair with blankets or headbands.

Avoid tutus and choose simple accessories

Being a boy mom, I LOVE when I see little ones in tutus. No one in my house has ever owned or wanted a tutu and when I see one, I melt. They are so fun and whimsical, however they are also itchy and don’t “sit” well. Especially on babies who are laying down or being held the majority of the time. They may have a place for a toddler during a family session, but consider them a fun addition, not the base of the outfit.

Accessories like headbands are so fun to incorporate into the session. Keeping the bows small and simple allow for a feminine touch without the viewer being distracted.

Avoid bright colours

Bright colours are common in kids clothes, but they can cause reflections of that colour on baby’s skin, or onto the skin of those holding them. Keeping clothes neutral ensures that any reflection that does happen, doesn’t cause a colour cast. Side note, this is why I always wear white or gray to sessions 🙂

Coordinate with mom & dad

One of my top tips for dressing baby for family photos is for mom to choose her outfit first. After having a baby, your clothing options may be limited, and you don’t want to go investing in an new outfit that you don’t need. Choose your outfit, then make sure everyone else’s compliments yours. During a newborn session, your baby is being held for the majority of the time, so making sure your outfits are cohesive is important.

Match the room/blankets

If you have just spent time and money decorating a nursery of course I will incorporate it into the session. Finding outfits that look good in that space is important. Be sure that whatever baby is wearing compliments those settings well. If you have patterned blankets, I suggest a solid neutral coloured outfit.

If you are shopping online for neutral and inexpensive outfits for the whole family, I recommend Zara, Old Navy or Shop 61 for a local (Blenheim) option! I love what Shop 61 has to offer for the little ones in your life and highly recommend them!

When you book a family session with me I always share my session prep guide which also outlines other tips for preparing for your session. Reach out today to book your session and we can start planning together!

Brittany VanRuymbeke is a Chatham-Kent and Sarnia area lifestyle newborn and family photographer specializing in at-home sessions with families with young children

There are three things to consider when determining the best time of day for family photos for your crew. I have been photographing families for over a decade now, and taking these three things into consideration can help you decide not only the timing of your session, but also the location and time of year that is best for your family. Keep in mind that these are just guidelines and suggestions, but ultimately you know your family best! Let’s dive in!

1. Location

If you have a specific location you would like to use, take note of the lighting there throughout the day. If you are hoping to take photos at home, watch the light for a few days to see when your home is brightest. Is there harsh sunlight coming in? Which rooms are best lit during the morning? If you want to focus your time in your living room, what time of day is that room well lit?

Similarly, if you are hoping for the beach, there is typically little shade so you will want to shoot at the times where the sun is least harsh: golden hour and sunrise. Golden hour is always hailed as being the best time of day for outdoor photography, and when shade is sparse that is certainly true, but certain locations get dark quickly in the evening and earlier in the evening might be better.

2. Your family schedule (Naps/Bed time)

The majority of my families have little ones that are still napping, and we all know toddlers can be awful when it comes to skipping or cutting naps short. Every family has their own schedule, and some families are less flexible than others with bed times. Each parent has different opinions on this, and I totally understand that many people’s sanity is reliant on a schedule. If that is the case for you and your family, what time of day is best for everyones mood and engagement? If your toddler is happiest first thing in the morning, maybe we choose a morning in-home session. Or maybe your kids love the option to stay up late and play at the beach, then maybe a summer golden hour session will work for you.

3. Season

Have your heart set on a fall outdoor session? Keep in mind that here in Ontario fall is generally damp and cloudy, so even though sunset is not until 6-7pm, it is often too dark to shoot at the typical golden hour times. In the summer we are looking at harsh sun from 9am-5pm, which means a mid day session might be best indoors. Taking the season and weather into consideration is an important step in determining the best time of day for family photos.

Like I said off the hop: you know your family best! The best session is one that is low stress and high energy, so choose the best time of day for your family, and choose one that will allow you to be present in the moment with them. Still curious when you should book? Reach out today and we can discuss!

I have at the utmost privilege of documenting this family from the beginning. Ian and Stephanie asked me to photograph their engagement session and wedding in 2019, their son’s newborn session in 2020, family sessions with extended families, and now their daughter’s newborn session in 2022 (yes, I am a year behind in blogging sessions!)

As always when you are welcoming a newborn to a home with a toddler, there are lots of breaks and snacks, but there are also lots of snuggles and giggles. This sweet little family does not disappoint when it comes to showing affection, and it makes for a smooth and fun gallery of images.

Dresden Newborn Photographer in home session checklist

If you are looking to book an in-home newborn session with me in the Chatham-Kent/Sarnia area, here is what you need:

1. A newborn baby. Although I am just as happy to do any type of family session in your home
2. At least one room in your home with a bright window and neutral colours. Most homes these days are painted in neutrals which is great for an in-home session. Variety is great, but don’t worry too much if there is only one bright spot in your home. 90% of this session was shot in the dining nook of their kitchen because the light was prettiest there.

If you are looking for a Dresden Newborn Photographer who specializes in at home sessions, please reach out today! I can’t wait to meet you!

Newborn session at home in Chatham, Ontario

I met this lovely family during an extended family session while mom was pregnant, and I was thrilled them they reached out for a newborn session at home. They welcomed their daughter home last fall, and we had a lovely morning together.

What to expect in your newborn gallery

What can you expect from me at your in home newborn session? I am always sure to get the following images in every session:

1. Full family photo
2. Mom with baby
3. Dad with baby
4. Sibling(s) with baby
5. Details of nursery/setting
6. Just baby.
7. Details (ie. toes, belly button, hair, hands etc)

Every family looks different, as does every home. But these 7 images are sure to be a part of your gallery if you book a newborn session with me!

How cute are those two? Becoming a big brother is hard, but this guy did so great! Like most toddlers, he was a little apprehensive of having a stranger in his home, but don’t worry! I’ve got lots of tips and tricks to be sure we get some good smiles and authentic moments out of each family member.

If you’re interested in an in home session, please reach out! I would love to meet you and your beautiful family. If you’re expecting, check out this maternity and newborn combo session!

Did you know I offer a discount if you purchase a Maternity and Newborn Bundle? Not only do you get two full sessions at a discounted price, but you also get all of your photos conveniently stored in the same online gallery that will never expire!

When to book your Maternity and Newborn Bundle

Typically I book sessions approximately 2 months in advance. If you are pregnant and looking for maternity photos, you can reach out any time to get your name on my list. I usually recommend your maternity photos to take place at around 7-8 months, for a few reasons:

1. Your last month of pregnancy is often uncomfortable, and walking a trail or sitting on the ground may not be very accessible to you at that point
2. Although pregnancy is incredibly beautiful at all stages, many women do not feel their best near the end. The 7-8 month mark usually would offer us a big belly without swelling or discomfort

Once baby arrives, I recommend booking your in-home newborn session within the first 4 weeks, with 2-3 weeks being the sweet spot. At this time, I keep Saturday and Monday mornings available for newborns and once everyone is ready to have me in your home as solidify the date!

Booking a bundle allows us to meet before baby arrives

Inviting someone new into your home can be stressful at any time, but especially after welcoming a new baby. Having the opportunity for us to meet in person before and get to know each other may alleviate some of that stress for you. An additional bonus is if this is not your first baby, it gives me an opportunity to build a rapport with any toddlers or older children who might be present at the newborn session

Looking for more information on a Maternity and Newborn bundle? Reach out here today!

Would you believe me if I told you I can shoot an entire newborn session in one or two rooms of your home?

When you are planning your newborn session, if an in home lifestyle session is what you decide you would like to do, many people fret about lighting and space. Typically not every home is white and bright like in the magazines, but I promise you all I need is one decent window to make it work.

You may be concerned that your house is not big enough, bright enough or clean enough, but I am here to tell you that it is!

This entire session was shot in Holt’s nursery and the master bedroom on a cloudy day. Both rooms only offered small windows, and to be honest, one room would have been enough but I loved the large blank wall that the master offered.

Having your newborn session in your home makes for a relaxing experience

Leaving the house with a newborn is tough! Especially if it is your first baby. Packing diaper bags, extra clothing, formula, blankets, props and who knows what else can be enough to turn you off from a studio session – and this isn’t even considering what a new mother might need!

Opting for an in home newborn in your own home allows everyone a little more grace when it comes to preparing for the session, and it also ensures everything you might need is within reach.

Looking for a Wallaceburg ON Newborn Session?

Get in touch today! I would love to meet you and document this beautiful time for you. And don’t fret too much about the size of your home, whether it is clean (mine’s not!) or looks like it was professionally styled. We can work together to create beautiful images.

If you’re looking for advice on how to prepare for your session, you can read my blog post here with lots of tips on preparing for your Wallaceburg ON Newborn Session!

Adding a new baby to the mix is always an exciting time, especially for a toddler, but this proud big brother did great for their at home session. He was so excited to love on his new baby sister and show me around their cute little play space. I have a soft spot in my heart for dad’s who love on their boys, and this dad was not afraid to give his little man hugs and kisses. That physical affection is so refreshing to see and I’m so thankful it is documented for this family.

Looking for your own at home session? They are great for kids of all ages – not just newborns! Get in touch today if you’re interested in booking a lifestyle session in your home.