Shifting Styles and Studio Milestones in Modern Newborn Photography
As a Massachusetts newborn photographer since 2009, I’ve had a front-row seat to the evolving world of baby portraiture. Over the past 16 years, I’ve watched the modern newborn photography industry grow, transform, and reflect both design trends and the cultural moments shaping our lives.
In this post, I’m diving into the second installment of my photography timeline: the years 2016 to 2020. These five years brought striking changes: from the rise of rich, saturated tones and artistic swaddling styles, to the dominance of minimalist aesthetics and the unexpected impact of the global pandemic.
I’ve split this reflection into two chapters. First, we’ll revisit 2016–2017, when bold colors, moody lighting, and the “boho baby” look began to trend. Then, we’ll step into 2018–2020, a stretch I lovingly refer to as The Gray Years. These were the years of cozy textures, calm color palettes, and an industry temporarily reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you missed the first part of this series (2009–2015), you can catch up on the early years of newborn photo trends here.
2016–2017: Rich Colors, Rustic Vibes & Studio Growth
By 2016, social media wasn’t just a place to share your newborn photos, it had become the source of inspiration for baby portrait sessions. While Pinterest had started the trend frenzy earlier in the decade, Instagram now played a major role. Hashtags, influencers, and curated feeds gave rise to more stylized requests for newborn sessions. And the buzzword of the year? Boho.
The rustic look, complete with wood floors, vintage-inspired props, and earthy tones dominated client requests. Jewel tones and deeper, moodier lighting began to replace the light and airy styles of the early 2010s. Families loved textures, but rather than chunky knits and ruffles, the trend leaned toward soft faux furs and delicate lace.
One of the biggest shifts during this time was the emergence of swaddling as an art form. While baby wrapping had always been part of newborn photography, the approach became more creative and stylized around this time. I began transitioning from cheesecloth wraps to soft, stretchy knits that offered both comfort and elegance.
And 2017 marked a huge personal and professional milestone: I moved into my new studio space in Andover, MA! After years of working from my converted garage studio in Medford, opening this new-to-me space allowed me to expand my backdrop and flooring options, upgrade storage for props, and welcome a growing client base from all over the North Shore, making my job as a Massachusetts photographer even more exciting.
2018–2020: The Gray Years and a Global Shift in Newborn Sessions
Every family who books with me fills out a session questionnaire. And between 2018 and 2020, one color kept popping up over and over again: gray.
Soft, cool, cozy, and incredibly versatile, gray became the go-to neutral for newborn photos. Whether featured as a blanket, wrap, or backdrop, this hue brought a serene, calming feel to baby portraits that many families loved. From textured knits to plush furs, gray offered subtle contrast without overpowering the softness of the moment.
Props were still very popular, but the style was shifting. Whimsical props like tiny airplanes, boats, and my beloved burlap moon made regular appearances. There was also a bit of a minimalist preference for some clients. Wooden bowls, crates, and neutral backdrops were on the rise, emphasizing simplicity and elegance.
Styling themes also became more personal. Whether it was a baby posed on a Tonka truck to celebrate dad’s construction job, or a fisherman-themed setup for a family of anglers, meaningful storytelling continued to guide my creative direction. No matter the trend, my priority has always been making sure each session reflects the family’s personality, and that baby is safe, comfortable, and the star of the show.
Through It All: Newborn Portraits from 2020
Then, of course, came 2020 and with it, unprecedented challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For the first time in my career, newborn sessions had to be paused. Safety was everything. But in the face of restrictions, creativity found new outlets. I took part in the “Front Steps Project“, traveling to clients’ homes and photographing families (from a safe distance) on their porches and front steps. While it was far from traditional, those front step images are now a lasting reminder of resilience, connection, and love during uncertain times.
Celebrating Style, Storytelling & 16 Years of Experience
Looking back at the modern baby photography trends from 2016 to 2020 reminds me that while aesthetics may shift, the heart of newborn photography remains the same. It is to capture love, connection, and the beauty of new beginnings.
Whether you’re dreaming of a bold, color-rich session or something soft and timeless, I bring 16 years of experience, creativity, and care to every shoot. And if you’re not sure where to start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Together, we’ll create portraits you’ll treasure forever.
Looking for a professional newborn photographer in Massachusetts?
Let’s talk about bringing your vision to life, from wraps and props to cozy grays and rustic textures. We are located in Andover, MA and serve clients from around the area. Contact Kate today to learn more.
