What do I wear for my photo session?

Most people overthink what to wear for a photo session. I am a Dublin-based newborn and maternity photographer, and because I shoot exclusively on 35mm film, my advice is based on how the film reacts to light and colour. You are in your own house, so you should be comfortable.

Film Loves Colour

35mm film reacts differently to colour than digital cameras. It makes tones look warm and deep rather than "neon" or plastic. Primary colours like reds, blues, and yellows look great and create a clear focal point in the frame. Earthy tonesbrowns, greens, and rust work well with the natural light in most Dublin homes. White and cream are also useful because they help reflect window light back onto your skin, which is helpful during a darker Irish winter.

Film loves colour

Texture and Grain

35mm film has grain, and grain loves texture. Avoid flat, thin, synthetic fabrics. Instead, choose materials that have a physical feel to them, like knits, wool jumpers, linen, denim, ribbed cotton, or corduroy. Texture makes the photo look more three-dimensional and interesting when it is eventually printed.

White cotton and skin tones allow the natural grain of the film to add depth to the smallest details

Coordinate with Your Home

Since we are shooting in your house, your decor is part of the photo. Look at the rooms we will be in, usually the nursery, the master bedroom, or the living room. If your sofa is grey, don't wear grey, or you will blend into the furniture. If you have busy, patterned wallpaper, wear something simple so you don't clash. The goal is to stand out from your environment while still looking like you belong in the room.

Being at home means being comfortable. Wear what you’d actually wear on a normal day so the focus stays on your family

Subtle Patterns vs. Graphics

Patterns can be good, but they need to be subtle. Small florals or thin stripes work well. Avoid big logos, slogans, or brand names because they draw the eye away from your face. If your home is busy with lots of textures and shapes, a simple, solid-coloured outfit is usually the best choice to help you stand out.

The "Same Clothes" Tradition

One couple I photographed decided to wear the same clothes for their maternity, newborn, and 1st birthday session. It was their choice, but it was a great way to show how things had changed over the year. It serves as a clear marker of time while keeping the focus on the growth of the family rather than the fashion.

Wearing the same outfits a year - Maternity Session

Wearing the same outfits a year - 1st Birthday

Accessories and Distractions

Wear the jewellery you usually wear, like your wedding ring or an everyday necklace, as it adds a personal detail.

Hair and Makeup

Look like yourself. If you don't usually wear a lot of makeup on a Tuesday morning, don't do it for the shoot. 35mm film is kind to skin tones. If you are getting your hair or makeup done professionally, schedule it to be finished an hour before I arrive so you aren't rushing.

Have a backup

You’re at home, so if your baby has a mishap, just change them and keep going. We aren't in a rush. If we need to take five minutes to swap a shirt, then do it! It is better to have a fresh outfit ready just in case.

Avoid the "Black Hole"

Solid black often turns into a "black hole" in the frame where the folds of your clothes and the shape of your body disappear. If you want a dark tone, go for charcoal or navy instead. This allows the film to actually see the texture of the fabric rather than just a flat dark shape.

The Do's & Don'ts

• DO wear what you actually like and feel like yourself in.

• DO choose fabrics with texture like knits, linen, denim, and corduroy.

• DO look at your room colours first. Make sure you don't blend into your own sofa or wallpaper.

• DO pick earthy tones or primary colours.

• DO embrace bare feet or simple socks. It looks more authentic for an in-home session.

• DO have a backup outfit ready for the baby (and yourself) in case of mishaps.

• DON'T wear solid black. You will lose all detail and turn into a silhouette.

• DON'T wear clothes with big logos, slogans, or graphics.

• DON'T wear neon or fluorescent colours. They don't react well with film grain.

I am currently booking 2026 Newborn and Maternity sessions in Dublin, Wicklow, and Kildare. My sessions are slow, honest, and unscripted.