What Skin to Skin Does in a Photo Session

I'm a huge fan of skin to skin.  It's deeply important in bonding with your baby early on, and I think it's incredibly powerful with older babies too.  And I'm also a huge fan of skin in bonding photographs.  It's just so stunning to see your skin next to your baby's. 

But I'm not suggesting you take your top off if you're not into that.  I really think any amount of your skin is deeply beautiful.  I typically recommend that mamas wear a tank top and leggings or bike shorts, to have enough skin showing that it really feels like you're in it with your baby.  And I recommend that you have your baby nude, if you're comfortable with it, and your toddlers and older kids wearing diaper covers, onesies, or black tees and black shorts.

You're also welcome to play around with it.  Start with one clothing item, take it off, try another.

There are mamas who choose to be photographed in a sports bra, or totally topless.  This mama, above, did a variety of levels of clothing.  She had a tank top on for some of her session, and for some of it, went without most clothing.

In the frame above, the mama is wearing a tank top.  This is the most common choice, and I absolutely love it.  It shows plenty of your skin, and is really beautiful with baby's skin.
​
​But, if you're wanting a more skin to skin look, but without showing your breasts, you can hold your sweetie in front of you like this mama, below.

You're of course welcome to cover your baby up, as well.  In this session, below, the mama chose to put her babe in a black diaper cover.

You can also wear longer sleeves and still get beautiful images.  This mama, below, chose to wear three-quarter-length sleeves, and I think the images are still stunning.

And, of course, you can cover your baby more, too!  This mama, below, started with her baby totally covered in a little black dress, but then took off her baby's clothes -- and her bra -- to get a more intimate skin to skin look.

I really believe that if you're confident, your photographs will be stunning.  So, if dressing yourself and your baby up or down helps you feel more confident, go with that.  The photographs will be beautiful no matter what.