You know your client is special when they tell you they've waited to finish appointing their new home in any furnishings, or colors, until after their in-home newborn photo session. I love the minimalistic simplicity of these newborn portraits, and I have to give Mom major credit for recognizing the importance of documenting her new baby boy in this timeless manner. Eliminating the distraction of color, and pattern, helps to focus on what is important - family.

Scroll on to view a few of my very favorite images from this all white, minimal and airy, in-home newborn photo session. And be sure to pay close attention to Big Sis, who lovingly caresses her new baby brother. She wasn't going to let anyone, including me, get close to her "baby doll".

I'm often asked prior to my photo sessions - "What should we wear?" My answer is and always will be simple - whatever makes you comfortable. Be sure to eliminate the distraction of color and pattern. Now it must be said that I primarily photograph the early years, or the coast for families, so eliminating the color or pattern in a photograph is natural in achieving the goal of a timeless portrait. That is not to say that an interesting photograph cannot have bright colors or patterns, in fact, some of my very favorite photographs of all time do indeed contain colors. I feel though that bright whites and layered neutrals lend to a timeless feel for newborn photographs during the early years. I know personally that when I reflect on a newborn portrait, or even a coastal one, that a light and bright, almost ethereal, memory is evoked and I'm instantly transported to a nostalgic time of childhood and innocence.

So my advice to clients...if you want a timeless portrait, one that will stand the test of time and not look "dated" in five years time, stick to neutrals and keep it minimal. Leave the character to the subjects in the photograph. Keep it simple and the rest will happen organically within the frame.