Atlanta Newborn Photo Session with Family Photographer | Monica Conlin Photography

Welcome Home Baby!

What better way to celebrate your newest family member than with a photo session?

Although most people think postpartum isn’t the best time to get your photos taken, I have to disagree. I know you don’t feel your best, but at the same time, you are in this sweet, short season of life where your baby is brand new and tiny. It is a wonderful memory to preserve of those first few weeks of bringing your newborn home and welcoming them to the family!

What a joy it was to photograph this family. Have you ever met someone and felt completely at ease with them from the very beginning? Well that was my experience with these two lovely ladies. They welcomed my into their home and introduced me to their sweet baby boy. I spent the next hour or so documenting the love and bond they have already formed with their newborn.

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Monica Conlin is a family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, maternity photography, family photography, first birthday and smash cake photography, school photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas (including, by not limited to: Kirkwood, East Lake, Edgewood, Lake Claire, Candler Park, Inman Park, Ormewood Park, Grant Park, Reynoldstown, East Atlanta, Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia Highland, Avondale, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Ansley Park, Morningside-Lenox Park, Druid Hills, Piedmont Heights, Poncey-Highland).

Please contact Monica Conlin Photography at hello@monconpix.com if you need a Newborn Lifestyle Photographer, Newborn at home Photographer, Lifestyle Family Photographer, newborn photographer, baby photographer, or maternity photographer.

What to Wear to a Family Photo Session

Monica Conlin Photography’s advice for creating picture-worthy outfits for your family photos

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Congrats! You have booked your family photo session with me. Now the big question —

What should I wear? What should I have my child(ren) wear?

This seems to be one of the more stressful things to figure out when getting your photo taken. So I am here to help and guide you to make this as easy as possible. Below I give you practical suggestions and tips on choosing your and your family member’s outfits so that you feel confident about what everyone is wearing for your pictures.

If after reading my tips, you still feel stumped, then don’t worry—I got you!

Lay out all the clothes you chose on the floor and take a quick picture and send it to me. I am happy to give you guidance. I am here to help make your family photo experience the best it can be!

First of all, let’s start with a few basic guidelines—

Pick out and wear weather appropriate clothing.
If a child is cold, then you are much more likely to get someone who isn’t happy, won’t smile, and is generally not having a good time. Cute sweaters and layers can keep a small body warm and still look adorable when the weather is chillier.

Have everyone try their clothes on before the day of the session.
Last minute growth spurt and pants too short? Shoes now too tight? Dress WAY bigger than expected? All these things can make last minute changes stressful, so try on clothes ahead of time to prevent needing to switch things up when it is too late.

Here are some tips to help you pick your outfits for your family photo session:

The name of the game is COORDINATION, not matching! So what does that even mean?

• Choose colors that pair well together. You can use the color wheel to do this. Colors that are on the opposite sides of the wheel look good together and colors that are right next to each other on the color wheel go well with one another.
  For example: The photo at the top, they are wearing greens (dad’s shirt and mom’s floral print skirt) and pink (baby’s romper and headband) which sit opposite one another on the color wheel. The photo below shows how the maroon (red) and burnt orange shirt look great next to one another, and they sit side by side of the color wheel.

• Layer patterns and textures. Think about using different types of fabrics, textures and layers of clothing to make your outfit and the family’s outfit more dynamic. You can use multiple different patterns, but make sure they go well together.

• Use neutrals to break it up! Combine the pops of colors that you choose with neutrals items of clothing (cream, white, black, gray). These can be the pants, the undershirt or sweater, or jacket.

• Don’t forget to personalize it to your own family’s needs. Your daughter LOVES dresses, then have her wear one. Your child has sensory issues and can’t tolerate itchy clothes, choose loose fitting cotton fabric shirt and jogger pants. Your husband wouldn’t be caught in a polo shirt EVER, then don’t do it. Choose a patterned t-shirt and layer with a linen button-up shirt.

Finishing Touches that make a BIG difference for your Family Photo Session Outfits:

It’s great that you found some clothes you love. But what will really put your photos over the top is the extra finishing touches, so:

• ACCESSORIZE! This is a fun and easy way to bring in your personality and depth to the outfit.

  • Jewelry is a must: earrings, necklace, rings, and bracelet/bangles.

  • Hats: Bring your favorite fashion hat to wear for some of the photos. Cute corduroy baseball hat or beanie for the kids.

  • Hair accessories: Bows, headbands, clips, barrettes.

  • Layered extras: Scarves, shawls, kid’s suspenders and more!

• Don’t slack on the shoes. Listen, you can have the best outfits, but if you are wearing shoes that don’t match then it is very noticeable in photos. Please NO flip flops. A cute sandal, casual shoe or boot works great. Have your shoe match the style you are going for. Feeling cute, trendy and casual-fun then put on some Vans or Converse. Have a great summer dress, then throw on those strappy sandals to finish off the outfit. 

Don’t be afraid to pick a fun print, especially if your style and personality is more bold. We want the photos to represent you, so let’s embrace and showcase your style!

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Here’s a great example of well coordinated outfits for family photos:

Mom has a beautiful floral patterned dress she loves and feels good in. It’s new, it fits, and the confidence is there. Wear it!
This mom chose excellent options for the daughters to wear. She kept in the pink color scheme, but she chose different textures of clothing items for each girl. One is in a corduroy jumper that is layered and the other is in a textured sweater. You can see how the different textures, patterns, and types of cloth looks good on the close-ups by adding depth to the photo. Dad is in a neutral sweater that goes well with each of the outfits of the women in his family. Also, they didn’t forget about the shoes! They all have cute footwear that complete the look.

Still have no clue what to wear?
Let me help style you for your family photos!

Lay out all the clothes you picked and look at them all together. Do the colors/patterns look good? Does it look cohesive. Various textures? Not sure? Take a quick picture of the clothes laid out and send it to me. I am happy to give you my opinion and some suggestions.

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Monica Conlin is a family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, maternity photography, smash cake photography, school photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas (including, by not limited to: Kirkwood, East Lake, Edgewood, Lake Claire, Candler Park, Inman Park, Ormewood Park, Grant Park, Reynoldstown, East Atlanta, Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia Highland, Avondale, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Ansley Park, Morningside-Lenox Park, Druid Hills, Piedmont Heights, Poncey-Highland).

Please contact Monica Conlin Photography at hello@monconpix.com if you need a Newborn Lifestyle Photographer, Newborn at home Photographer, Lifestyle Family Photographer, newborn photographer, baby photographer, or maternity photographer.

Family Photography Mini Sessions: What to Expect & What to Wear

Helpful tips and info from your Family & Newborn Photographer | Atlanta & Decatur, GA

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What is a Family Photography Mini Session?

• A family mini session is a photo session that is shorter in length than one of my regularly offered sessions. My mini sessions are 15 minutes versus a regular session that is about an hour.

• I choose the location for the mini sessions. These sessions are booked back to back with other families, so I pick a great location ahead of time so everyone knows where to go.

• Because the time is shorter, then you will receive less photos than from one of my regular sessions.

• Mini sessions are only offered a couple times during the year, usually a couple days in the spring & in the fall. They have limited spots as well, so join my email list to get first dibs on spots when they do come around!

How to make the most of your mini family photo session?

1. Show up about 10 minutes BEFORE the start time of you session. Kids (and adults) need a little time of transition. You don’t want to hop out of the car and right into your session. If you give yourself a few minutes before your session to let the kids see and get acquainted with the photo location then everyone will do better during the shoot itself. Also, taking a few minutes allows everyone to take some deep breaths and relax. Getting your photos taken can be such a fun experience, but you need to be calm and ready to enjoy it.

2. We all know getting a child ready to go can take time, sometimes a good amount. (Why does it sometimes take 10 minutes to put a shoe on?!?) So please have your kids picture ready upon arrival! Since these are shorter sessions, make sure your kid’s outfits are on, faces are clean, and everyone has gone to the bathroom beforehand. That way you can spend the time interacting and enjoying each other while I take photos, instead of trying to get that pesky shoe on…

3. Did you really want a picture of just the kids or another special request? Please tell me at the start of the session. I want to prioritize what you want from the photo shoot and make sure we don’t run out of time, so just let me know! Need one of just the mom and kids? Let’s do it!!

What to Wear to your Family Photo Session?

This seems to be one of the more stressful things to figure out when getting your photo taken. What in the world do you wear?

First of all, let’s start with a few basic guidelines.

Pick out and wear weather appropriate clothing. If a child is cold, then you are much more likely to get someone who isn’t happy, won’t smile, and is generally not having a good time. Cute sweaters and layers can keep a small body warm and still look adorable when the weather is chillier.

Try on the clothes before the day of the session. Last minute growth spurt and pants too short? Shoes now too tight? Dress WAY bigger than expected? All these things can make last minute changes stressful, so try on clothes ahead of time to prevent needing to switch things up when it is too late.

CLICK HERE FOR MY ADVICE ON WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR FAMILY PHOTOS!

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Still stumped? Lay out all the clothes you chose on the bed or floor and take a look at them. Do the colors/patterns go together? Does it look cohesive.

If you are still unsure, then take a quick picture of the clothes laid out and send it to me. I am happy to give you my opinion and some suggestions, because I am here to help make your family photo experience the best it can be!

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Monica Conlin is a family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, maternity photography, smash cake photography, school photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas (including, by not limited to: Kirkwood, East Lake, Edgewood, Lake Claire, Candler Park, Inman Park, Ormewood Park, Grant Park, Reynoldstown, East Atlanta, Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia Highland, Avondale, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Ansley Park, Morningside-Lenox Park, Druid Hills, Piedmont Heights, Poncey-Highland).

Please contact Monica Conlin Photography at hello@monconpix.com if you need a Newborn Lifestyle Photographer, Newborn at home Photographer, Lifestyle Family Photographer, newborn photographer, baby photographer, or maternity photographer.

What to Expect: Family Photo Session with Monica Conlin Photography

Before our family photo session

• We will have set a date & time (read about the best time of day for outdoor photos)

• We will have chosen a location (here are some location suggestions)

• And I will learn a little more about your family. I like to know your names, the kid’s ages, and if there is anything important you’d like me to know about you.

What to wear for your photos

Here is a blog post all about what to wear and how to pick out your outfits. I give you all the info to make it as easy of a process as possible to choose your clothes and be photo ready! It is full of tips and examples. I will help style you and choose outfits if you would like.

What to bring with you to your family photo session

• Bring a blanket or quilt. We will use this for sitting photos and for your family to get cozy with one another. A neutral or color that goes well with your outfits is preferred. I also have some as well if you don’t have one that you love or works with your outfits.

• Snacks. If your kids are like mine, snacks are an essential item to have on hand. If you do pack a snack, please make it a dry one that is easy to clean up (avoid yogurts/pouches or foods that spill all over clothes).

• You may want to pack an extra change of clothes for young kids. Let’s just say that sometimes things happen. Right before we begin taking pictures, your little one finds a mud puddle to dive into or there is the case of the unfortunate diaper blow out on the ride over. It’s better to have a backup then to be frustrated!

Day of the session

Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your session start time. Most kids (and adults) need a little transition time between activities. It’s helpful to have a minute after arriving at a new place before we begin. That way you can get out of the car and breathe, relax, and be ready to have some fun!

I like to remind people that children usually don’t like to be told to smile. The shoots (and pictures) turn out best if you let children run, play and allow them to be themself.

During the photo session I will guide you on where to stand or sit, various poses, and give you prompts to encourage you to interact and enjoy your family. We want to capture those genuine smiles and precious moments of just being together. Think about how you like to play and interact with your kids normally-and do that! If you give piggyback rides, then have your child hop on your back. If your kid is more snuggly, then let him sit on your lap and take a moment to get close. These photos are meant to represent YOUR family and let your personalities shine.

After your session

I will send out your online gallery within 4 weeks of our photo session. At that time you will be able to view all the edited images and choose your favorites to download. You will be able to download the number of pictures that comes with the session package you purchased, but you will also have the option to purchase more images if desired.

Do you have a question? I am here for you!

My goal is to make family photos an enjoyable process from start to finish. So whether you need help picking out clothes, locations for the shoot, or are nervous about anything, I am happy to answer any questions.

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Monica Conlin is a family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, maternity photography, smash cake photography, school photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas (including, by not limited to: Kirkwood, East Lake, Edgewood, Lake Claire, Candler Park, Inman Park, Ormewood Park, Grant Park, Reynoldstown, East Atlanta, Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia Highland, Avondale, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Ansley Park, Morningside-Lenox Park, Druid Hills, Piedmont Heights, Poncey-Highland).

Please contact Monica Conlin Photography at hello@monconpix.com if you need a Newborn Lifestyle Photographer, Newborn at home Photographer, Lifestyle Family Photographer, newborn photographer, baby photographer, or maternity photographer.