A Look at What’s Trending in Baby Portraits from an Andover MA Studio Photographer

It’s hard to believe, but I’ve now been a Massachusetts newborn photographer for over sixteen years. Almost seventeen! That’s more than a decade and a half of snuggling sweet new babies, capturing fleeting little moments, and watching trends come and go. One thing I’ve learned in all that time? Styles evolve, preferences shift, but one thing remains constant: every baby is perfect in their own way, and your photos should reflect your taste and style.

Over the years, I’ve seen major changes in newborn photography from the whimsical, prop-heavy setups of the early 2010s to the clean, neutral, minimalist styles that are front and center today. This post is the final chapter in my look back at newborn photo trends through the years. First, I covered 2009–2015 newborn trends, then 2016–2020 trends in newborn photography, and now we’re diving into the current era: 2021 through 2024.

Let’s take a peek at what’s been trending recently in baby photography. We’ll look at which color palettes, styling, props, and how the vibe of a session has changed since the early days. Including a switch to neutral baby photo trends. And you can see even more on my Pinterest boards.

2021–2022: Minimalist Styling & Monochrome Magic

By 2021, newborn photography had noticeably shifted toward minimalist styling and gentle, timeless touches. The highly accessorized, over-the-top setups of earlier years began to fade as more parents embraced clean backdrops, soft textures, and gender-neutral color palettes.

In my Andover, MA studio, I saw a clear rise in requests for monochromatic setups, think all-cream, all-gray, or muted pastels with subtle tonal layering. These solid blanket backdrops offered a crisp, polished look that gave each portrait a sense of quiet sophistication.

Props still had their place, but accessories took on a more delicate feel. Gray continued to lead the way, often standing on its own or paired simply with white for a clean, gender-neutral baby portrait style. From soft rustic textures to light seasonal elements, parents were still having fun, just in a more refined, understated way.

2023-2024: Warm Neutrals & Embracing Authenticity

If the early 2020s were all about gray, these last couple of years have definitely seen a shift in trends toward warm whites, creams, and beige neutral tones for newborn baby photos. And let me tell you, these neutral newborn photo styles are absolutely dreamy. I have also seen a rise for all things floral.

While posed portraits are still very much a part of every session, there’s also a growing interest in portraits that feel relaxed. Whether it’s a simple swaddle, an open wrap to catch that adorable baby yawn, or a gently cradled moment with parents, the goal is softness and sincerity.

That said, props and themed setups haven’t gone away. If you’ve fallen in love with a rustic crate, tiny boat, or floral crown, let’s make it happen! What I love most about this stage of my career is that personal style leads the way. There’s no pressure to follow any one trend; if you love it, we’ll include it.

Some parents prefer an all-swaddled session, while others request a blend that includes naked baby poses, stretch photos, and curled-up details. And no matter what you choose, these are the photos you’ll look back on for years to come.

Why Trends Matter, But You Matter More

With over 16 years of experience as a professional baby photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how trends come and go. But the best part? The core of what I do hasn’t changed, capturing what makes your baby and your family unique.

Whether you’re drawn to cozy neutrals, fun themes, timeless black and whites, or pops of bold color, your session should reflect you. That’s why I send out a styling questionnaire ahead of time so I can craft something that’s beautiful, safe, and entirely custom.

Trends are fun to look back on, but your love story is timeless. I’m just lucky enough to be the one behind the camera, capturing the very beginning of it. The studio is conveniently located in Andover, MA making it the perfect location for parents coming from Southern NH, Boston, or beyond for their baby photographer. Contact Kate today to book your session!