Color matters in newborn photography
One of the most important parts of planning a newborn session is getting the colors right. Whether you’re a photographer styling your setups or a parent getting ready for your baby’s first professional photo shoot, the colors you choose will determine the mood, emotion, and overall look of your final images.
As someone who creates props by hand and has a background in painting and visual arts, I’ve learned how powerful color harmony can be. And I’ve also seen what happens when the wrong combinations are used—colors that clash, overwhelm the baby, or simply don’t photograph well. So I thought I’d share some tips and ideas that might help, especially if you’re just starting out or you feel unsure when it comes to choosing colors.
Build a base neutral collection and add color
Let’s start with the basics. In newborn photography, soft and balanced colors usually work best. Neutral tones like ivory, beige, or warm greys will never go out of style. They let the baby take center stage and they blend easily with most skin tones, lighting conditions, and editing styles. These tones are the easiest place to start if you’re building your prop collection from scratch. You can add texture or interest through layers, fabrics, or accessories without adding harsh contrast.
But color doesn’t have to mean beige all the time. Muted pinks, dusty greens, warm terracotta, or clay tones can look absolutely beautiful, especially when used thoughtfully. It’s all about how they’re combined. A soft pink wrap paired with a faded grey background and a tiny floral headband in matching tones can look dreamy and timeless. On the other hand, mix a saturated pink with a bright purple and a shiny white lace and the result might feel more like a carnival than a calming newborn portrait.
Avoid common mistakes and choose wisely
I’ve seen some prop designers make the mistake of putting together fabrics and accessories in colors that might look cute individually but don’t work well together. Sometimes it’s just a matter of taste, but often it’s due to a lack of understanding of how tones relate to each other. As a result, you’ll find props on the market that may not work well for creating harmonious and balanced pictures. That’s where a bit of color theory can really help.
Personally, I grew up in an artistic environment and took art classes from a young age. I learned to mix paints on a palette, to notice undertones, to create balance between warm and cool shades, and to understand how colors react in light and shadow. These lessons stay with me every time I choose fabrics, dye materials, or assemble a new prop set.
* Shop the wraps featured in this look here: https://photo-props.com/products/newborn-photography-wrap-soft-cotton-stretch-swaddle-10-color-options
Simple tools you can use to build your color confidence
But even if you don’t consider yourself artistic, you can still train your eye. A great starting point is using tools like the color wheel. It helps you see which colors are neighbors, which are complementary, and which combinations bring harmony or contrast. You can even find free apps or online color palette generators that are very easy to use.
Another trick I always recommend is to take inspiration from interior design. Wall paint brands like Farrow & Ball, Sherwin-Williams, or Behr often publish curated color palettes that are designed to look good together in real life. These brands test their combinations under natural light, in different moods and settings—just like what happens in a photography studio. So if you’re not confident in your own instincts yet, you can absolutely lean on the professionals. Their palettes are a great guide.
It also helps to create mood boards. You can pin images on Pinterest or screenshot color combinations you love. Over time, you’ll start noticing the tones you’re naturally drawn to—and also which ones don’t really reflect your style. You’ll be surprised how quickly your eye adjusts once you start paying attention.
Discover more creative color ideas in our newborn photography outfit collection:
https://photo-props.com/collections/newborn-outfits
Over time, your sense of color will naturally sharpen. The more you work with different tones, the more confident you’ll become—and that’s when you can start experimenting with bolder, more unexpected combinations. These unique pairings can help your work stand out and give it a signature look that clients will remember. Some photographers are known for their fearless use of color, creating images that feel fresh, original, and instantly recognizable. Whether or not you choose to follow that path, developing your own distinctive style can be one of the most rewarding parts of your creative journey.