The planning guide
From bump to baby and beyond — explore inspiration, motherhood tips, and session guides
The planning guide
From bump to baby and beyond — explore inspiration, motherhood tips, and session guides
Hi, I’m Tash
a photographer and mom based in Atlanta. I help families freeze time and savor every beautiful stage — from maternity glow to toddler giggles. This planning guide is where I share photo session advice, motherhood inspiration, and local gems just for Atlanta mamas.
Whether you're preparing for your first baby or navigating toddler life in Atlanta, this blog is here to support and inspire you. You'll find a mix of client session highlights, behind-the-scenes from maternity and newborn shoots, local resources for moms, styling guides, and helpful tips to make the most of your time in front of the camera.
As a full-service maternity, newborn, and family photographer, I want this space to feel like your go-to guide for planning beautiful sessions—and embracing motherhood with intention.
MATERNITY & NEWBORN TIPS
ATLANTA MOM LIFE & LOCAL GUIDES
CLIENT STORIES & SESSION INSPIRATION
SESSION PREP & STYLE GUIDES
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Studio Newbron Session vs. In-home newborn session?
Which Is Right for Your Family?
What to Wear:
A Complete Style Guide
Everything you need to look and feel your best—from tips to shoppable looks and prep ideas for studio and sunset sessions.
Golden Light & Growing Love
A radiant garden maternity session celebrating this mama-to-be’s journey, captured just before sunset in one of Atlanta’s most scenic outdoor locations.
Explore More:
MATERNITY
NEWBORN
INFANT
CAKE SMASH
MOTHERHOOD
FAMILY
Ready to begin your journey?
Let’s chat about your vision, answer your questions, and reserve your due date. I’d love to help you create something truly meaningful.
What to Wear for Family & Motherhood Sessions
A Complete Style Guide
What to Wear for Family & Motherhood Sessions
A Complete Style Guide
Your guide to feeling confident and beautifully styled
Planning a family or motherhood photography session in Atlanta? Whether you're joining me in my cozy studio or meeting me at sunset in one of Atlanta’s scenic outdoor locations, what you wear plays a big part in how your photos look—and how confident you feel. As a professional Atlanta family photographer, I’m here to make the styling process simple, stress-free, and beautiful. This guide includes expert wardrobe tips for moms, dads, and little ones, plus links to my favorite shops, curated outfit suggestions, and access to my exclusive client closet. Let’s get you camera-ready!
What to Wear: Mom
Comfortable, elegant, and the heart of your portraits
Moms—you set the tone, both in energy and aesthetic. Your outfit is often the foundation we build the family’s look around. I recommend flowing dresses, soft silhouettes, and beautiful textures that photograph well in both soft studio lighting and golden hour glow.
What works beautifully:
Flowy maxi or midi dresses with movement
Sleeves: puff, flutter, or billowy sleeves flatter arms and add elegance
Soft textures: linen, cotton gauze, lace, or knit
Wrap or empire styles for flattering fits and flexibility
Dressy casual looks if pants are preferred—think wide-leg trousers with a soft blouse
Colors I recommend:
Earthy tones, soft neutrals, dusty pastels, or muted jewel tones. Think cream, rust, olive, dusty rose or blue, oatmeal, honey, sage, or soft blush.
Avoid: Neon colors, tight or shiny fabrics, or high-contrast prints that distract from faces and emotion.
Shop My Favorite Dresses & Outfits for Moms
What to Wear: Kids
Cozy, playful, and camera-ready
Children’s outfits should be soft, comfortable, and allow freedom to move and explore. I photograph children naturally—snuggling, playing, and laughing—so avoiding restrictive outfits is key. Think timeless, neutral, and layered.
What works beautifully:
Rompers, bloomers, or soft cotton overalls for babies and toddlers
Knitted cardigans, muslin dresses, linen sets
Layered pieces in similar tones (e.g., a beige cardigan over a dusty green dress)
Neutral shoes or barefoot (especially indoors or grassy fields)
Colors I recommend:
Cream, sage, honey, dusty blue, oatmeal, terracotta, soft brown, blush.
Avoid: Loud patterns, neon colors, large logos, or words on clothing.
What to Wear: Dad
Relaxed, coordinated, and classic
Dads often want to keep things simple—and that works perfectly. A classic, well-fitted outfit in the right tones helps create a polished yet comfortable look that supports the overall family aesthetic.
What works beautifully:
Solid or subtly textured henley, button-up, or soft sweater
Neutral chinos or well-fitted dark denim
Layers like a knit cardigan or jacket in cooler weather
Rolled sleeves for a casual but polished look
Colors I recommend:
Olive, gray, navy, camel, taupe, charcoal, cream, or rust—complementary but not overpowering.
Avoid: Graphic tees, athletic wear, or anything too bright or trendy.
How to Coordinate (Not Match)
Creating a cohesive look without being too "matchy"
Instead of matching outfits, we’re aiming for visual harmony. Choosing pieces that share tones, textures, and overall softness will allow everyone to shine naturally, without distraction.
Here’s how:
Start with Mom’s outfit—this often helps anchor the color palette
Choose 2–3 complementary tones and build around those
Mix textures (like knit + linen or cotton + lace) to create visual depth
Limit patterns to one or two outfits—florals, subtle plaids, or small stripes work best
Keep shoes neutral and avoid sneakers unless they’re intentionally styled
Favorite Shops for the Whole Family
These are the shops I return to again and again for timeless, high-quality wardrobe pieces that photograph beautifully in both studio and outdoor sunset light.
Mom: Baltic Born
Kids/Babies: H&M
Dad: ASOS
General styling favorites: Visit my ShopMy Storefront
Final Tips: Preparing for Your Family Photo Session
Lay everything out in advance and try on full outfits a few days before.
Stick to the color palette while allowing everyone to feel like themselves.
Keep shoes neutral and clean. No bright sneakers!
Coordinate—not match. Avoid everyone wearing the same exact color.
Bring a backup outfit for little ones—accidents happen!
Ready to Feel Confident and Camera-Ready?
I hope this guide has taken the stress out of planning your wardrobe and given you inspiration to help you show up feeling confident, connected, and fully present for your session. Whether we’re shooting in my Atlanta studio or during golden hour outdoors, I’ll be there to guide you every step of the way. If you have any questions or would like help finalizing your looks, don’t hesitate to schedule a virtual styling consultation—I’d love to help you feel your absolute best.
Let’s create something beautiful together.
Studio Newbron Session vs. In-home newborn session
Which Is Right for Your Family?
Studio Newbron Session vs. In-home newborn session
Which Is Right for Your Family?
One of the most common questions I hear as an Atlanta newborn photographer is whether families should choose a studio newborn session or an in-home newborn session. The truth is, there’s no wrong answer. Both options create beautiful images, but they offer very different experiences.
The best choice simply depends on the experience you want and the style of images you envision for your family.
As an Atlanta newborn photographer, I offer both studio newborn photography and in-home lifestyle newborn sessions because every family is different. This guide will help you decide which type of newborn photography session is the best fit for your family.
Studio Newborn Photography
A studio newborn session is perfect for families who love polished, timeless portraits with a clean and cohesive look.
My Atlanta studio is designed specifically with new parents in mind. Everything is prepared before you arrive, allowing you to focus on your baby while I take care of the details.
Benefits of a Studio Newborn Session
Access to a Curated Client Closet and Styling
One of the biggest advantages of a studio session is that nearly everything is provided for you. From newborn wraps and blankets to carefully selected props and accessories, your session is fully styled for a beautiful, cohesive look.
Parents also have access to wardrobe guidance to help create images that feel timeless and effortless.
Consistent Lighting and Professional Environment
Studio sessions offer complete control over lighting and temperature, creating ideal conditions for photographing newborns.
Because the environment is carefully prepared, we can create soft, dreamy portraits regardless of weather, season, or time of day.
Beautiful Posed Newborn Portraits
If you've fallen in love with those sleepy newborn images featuring delicate poses, tiny details, and artistic setups, a studio session is likely your best fit.
The studio environment allows for safely posed newborn portraits while your baby remains comfortable and relaxed.
Simply Show Up and Relax
There is no need to clean your home, rearrange furniture, or worry about finding good window light. Everything is ready when you arrive.
Many new parents appreciate having a calm space where they can sit back, enjoy refreshments, and rest while I work with their baby.
A Studio Session May Be Perfect For You If:
You love timeless, posed newborn portraits.
You want access to wraps, props, and professional styling.
You prefer a clean, polished aesthetic.
You don't want to prepare your home for photos.
You enjoy a full-service photography experience.
In-Home Newborn Photography
An in-home newborn session focuses on connection, emotion, and the story of your growing family.
Rather than creating highly posed portraits, these sessions capture genuine interactions and everyday moments in the place where your baby's story begins.
Benefits of an In-Home Newborn Session
The Comfort of Home
The days following birth can feel overwhelming. An in-home session allows you to stay in your own environment without worrying about packing diaper bags, loading the car, or keeping a strict schedule.
Everything your baby needs is already within reach.
Meaningful Personal Details
Your baby's nursery, favorite rocking chair, family heirlooms, and the home you've lovingly prepared all become part of your story.
Years from now, these details often become some of the most treasured memories in your photographs.
Natural and Relaxed Images
Lifestyle newborn photography focuses on genuine connection rather than extensive posing. Think cuddles on the bed, rocking your baby in the nursery, siblings peeking into the crib, and quiet moments together as a new family.
Great for Siblings and Pets
Young children and pets are often most comfortable in familiar surroundings. Being at home can help everyone feel more relaxed and allow interactions to unfold naturally.
An In-Home Session May Be Perfect For You If:
You love candid, storytelling images.
You want your home included in your photographs.
You prefer a relaxed, baby-led experience.
You have older children who may feel more comfortable at home.
You want to document your family's everyday connection and routines.
Studio vs. In-Home Newborn Photography
A Quick Comparison
Studio Session
Timeless, polished portraits
Access to wraps, props, and styling
Controlled lighting and temperature
Ideal for posed newborn photography
No home preparation required
In-Home Session
Natural, lifestyle-focused images
Meaningful personal surroundings
Relaxed and documentary-inspired approach
Great for siblings and pets
Captures your family's everyday story
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Book My Newborn Session?
The best time to reserve your newborn session is during your second trimester. This ensures availability around your due date and allows us plenty of time to plan your experience.
What Age Is Best for Newborn Photos?
Studio newborn sessions are typically photographed within the first 7-14 days after birth when babies are sleepiest and most flexible for posing.
Lifestyle newborn sessions offer more flexibility and can be photographed during the first several weeks of life.
What If My Home Isn't Picture Perfect?
Please don't worry about having a magazine-worthy home.
For in-home sessions, I only need a few areas with good natural light. Most sessions use just one or two rooms, and I'll help guide you before your session so you know exactly what to expect.
Can Parents and Siblings Be Included?
Absolutely. Whether you choose a studio newborn session or an in-home newborn session, family photographs are encouraged and often become the most meaningful images from the experience.
Is a studio newborn session or an in-home newborn session better?
Neither is better—it's simply a matter of preference. Studio sessions provide a polished, styled experience with access to props, wardrobe, and professional lighting, while in-home sessions focus on documenting your family's connection in the environment where your baby is growing up.
Which Newborn Session Is Right for You?
If you dream of beautifully styled portraits with a timeless, polished look, a studio newborn session may be the perfect fit. If you want to document your family's connection in the comfort of your own home and capture the environment where your baby's story begins, an in-home newborn session may feel more meaningful.
Many families are drawn to one option immediately, while others appreciate elements of both. No matter which experience you choose, the goal is the same: preserving this fleeting season before those tiny details change.
Looking for a Newborn Photographer in Atlanta?
If you're expecting and would like to learn more about newborn photography, I'd love to help you decide which session is the best fit for your family.
About The author
Hi, I'm Tash, an Atlanta newborn photographer and mom based in Forest Park. Since 2016, I've helped Atlanta families preserve their baby's earliest days through studio and lifestyle newborn photography. My goal is to create a relaxed, full-service experience that allows parents to focus on what matters most—their growing family.
I specialize in both studio newborn photography and in-home newborn photography for families throughout Atlanta, Forest Park, Decatur, East Point, Smyrna, Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Fayetteville, McDonough, and surrounding communities. From planning and styling to final artwork, my goal is to make the experience simple, stress-free, and meaningful.