A lot of parents debate on whether or not to get family photos during their studio newborn session. I get it – I was one of those moms after having my first son that I didn’t want many pictures of me right after having a baby.  I know a lot of moms feel self-conscious about their post baby body, but I highly recommended having this part of your newborn session!

The biggest reason to consider taking parent photos during your newborn session is your baby will love being able to look back at how Mommy and Daddy looked when they were a tiny newborn.  It’s okay if Mommy is a little bigger than normal – it will show your baby once they’re older the confidence Mommy had to look beyond that and they will just see the love you have for them.

As for wardrobe, parent should try to stick with very neutral colors that compliment each other. No bright colors and stay away from bold designs on clothing. This will keep the focus on the relationship between parents and the baby and minimizes distractions. I reassure moms that I shoot from the waste up and at a slightly higher angle to make Mom and Dad look more flattering.  I seriously tell mom’s to just worry about a shirt and they can wear sweat pants – which most are very happy hearing!  I shoot parent shots at the end of my newborn sessions so I tell parents to come in something comfortable, then they can change and freshen up in the bathroom right before we take parent pictures.  Parents won’t need to worry about baby with all the different colored wraps and bows that they can choose from at my studio. I try to make things easy and simple!

Check out the below shots of some of my most recent newborn parent sessions that took place at my home studio in McKinney.  I am also more than happy to add grandparents in the mix – the more the merrier!  Be sure to check out the last two photos below that include grandparents – the shot of just the grandpa and his grandson puts a smile on my face every time I see it!