Guide to Newborn and Family Photos
There are plenty of little tips for taking successful newborn and family photos without causing too much stress for the parents . I wanted to share a few of them with you so you can use them when taking photos of your children. You can, of course, use them during your family photo sessions with me.
My advice
I. Why Hire a Newborn Photographer in Paris?
A new baby isn’t just about the arrival of a child: it’s about a complete shift in daily life, a new routine, and new skills to learn. And we often go through this time behind closed doors. Exhaustion, a whirlwind of emotions, adjusting to a new reality… It’s intense—but it’s also a time when we rarely step back to take a breath.
Hiring a newborn photographer in Paris means choosing to capture this moment in a simple and respectful way, without trying to embellish or disguise anything. It’s simply about showing things as they are: real, imperfect, yet deeply meaningful.
A photo shoot, sure—but without posing
My approach is different from that of a studio. I don’t have babies pose in baskets or hang props around them.
I suggest an alternative:
Photos taken at your home, in your natural surroundings, using natural light.
No staging, no need to tidy up: that’s not what we’re here for.
Stick to the baby’s pace: if the baby needs a break, we adjust accordingly.
You are who you are—no need to try any harder.
Being a newborn photographer means observing before taking a picture
What matters most in a newborn photo shoot isn't the backdrop, but the interactions. As a birth photographer in Paris, my role is to observe and anticipate the small gestures, the glances, and the way you adjust to one another.
I'm here to:
Capturing authentic moments without interrupting them.
Make people feel at ease, without being pushy.
Capture connections, even when they're silent.
Why at home, and not somewhere else?
Because the first few weeks are intimate—and often unpredictable. I suggest a session in your own space, for several practical reasons:
No logistics to worry about: no commuting, no stress.
It's easier for you and for baby, who stays in their comfort zone.
The images are more personal: your sofa, your bed, and your everyday gestures say so much more than any white background.
What people are looking for in a newborn photo session
It’s not about “taking pretty pictures” in the conventional sense. It’s about creating images:
People like you
That show what you're going through
That document the bond that is formed
And if you don’t feel “presentable”—that’s okay. You don’t have anything to prove. Beauty lies elsewhere. It’s in the simple gestures, in the way you hold your baby, in the little adjustments you make without even thinking about it.
II- What is the best time of day for a family photo shoot?
To choose the best time to take your family photos , there are several factors to consider: the lighting, key times of the day (meals, naps, etc.), and your children’s moods.
Paying attention to lighting seems obvious, but I’ve noticed over the course of my sessions that people don’t always have the right instincts. How many times have I been asked to schedule a session at noon in the middle of August so there would be plenty of light? While it’s true that there’s a better chance of getting bright light at that time of day, that’s exactly what I want to avoid. Light that’s too bright and direct leads to harsh shadows, unflattering glare, and squinting eyes.
We avoid scheduling photo sessions at times that are important for our children’s well-being. Skipping a nap, for example, means running the risk of having a cranky baby throughout the entire session—the same goes for changing mealtimes. Sessions should be planned around your children’s routines to ensure a peaceful experience.
Similarly, there are times of day when children are in a better mood, and it’s important to take that into account. I’ve noticed that sessions held in the morning around 9:30 or 10:00 often go more smoothly than those at the end of the day. The child hasn’t yet built up the fatigue of the day, nor has he or she had to endure the wait for the photo session, which can be long when you’re all excited.
III - What should we wear for a family photo shoot?
This is a question I get asked all the time, and it makes sense. You want the photos to capture your true selves while still looking natural. And sometimes, you’re worried about “getting it wrong” or not looking your best. My goal is for you to feel comfortable, not like you’re wearing a mask. So here are a few simple tips.
🎯 The most important thing is to make you feel comfortable
Before we talk about colors or patterns, there’s one basic rule:
Wear clothes that make you feel good.
If there’s a sweater you like but that’s itchy, or a dress you think is pretty but too tight… leave them in the closet. We’re capturing the real you, and it comes across better if you feel comfortable in your clothes.
👕 Outfits that look great in photos
While there is no dress code, here are a few helpful tips for choosing your outfits:
Soft or natural colors: beige, off-white, sage green, sky blue, terracotta… these shades blend seamlessly into any setting without overpowering it.
Avoid visible logos, slogans, or high-contrast designs: they draw the eye more than faces do.
Focus on cohesion, not uniformity: everyone doesn’t have to dress the same. But try to stick to a similar color palette so the overall look flows smoothly.
Natural textures and materials —such as linen, cotton, and wool—add richness without being over the top.
No brand-new clothes straight off the rack: if it’s the first time you’re wearing an outfit, it might look unnatural. Stick to pieces you’ve already broken in.
👟 What about the kids?
Same idea. Avoid clothes that are too stiff or delicate. You want them to be able to move, jump, and stretch out without feeling restricted. A simple T-shirt, overalls, pajamas that are a little too big... anything goes as long as the child is comfortable in it.
And most importantly:
Don't worry if there's a stain or a wrinkle.
We’re not here to put on a show; we’re here to capture moments.
💬 A few questions to ask yourself when packing your clothes:
Would I feel comfortable spending an hour in this outfit, whether at home or out and about?
Does this outfit suit me?
Will I be able to move around freely, carry my children, and squat down without even thinking about it?
If the answer is yes, that's great.
✅ In summary:
Comfort + simplicity + light coordination = a winning combination.
You don't need to buy anything new. What's in your closet is enough.
I'm here to help if you're not sure what to wear: you can even send me photos of your outfits, and I'll help you choose.
Check out my photography blog for plenty of tips on finding the perfect outfit.