“Little Boy Blue” is a popular nursery rhyme that dates back to the sixteenth century, and the actual lyrics might even be older than that. But, until the nineteenth century, all infants were photographed in white. Now, this may surprise you (as it did me): In 1918, the Ladies Home Journal wrote, “The generally accepted rule is pink for the boys, and blue for the girls.” What?? Believe it or not, this trend lasted until through the 1920s and 1930s.
Now I realize that not everybody is a fan of the “blue for boys, pink for girls” thing. As a baby photographer, I certainly don’t cling to such stereotypes. But, stereotypes aside, babies in blue are pretty cute!
Need more convincing? Here’s another adorable shot of my “Little Boys in Blue,” big brother John and Baby William.
This is the T family, who live in Upper St. Clair in a gorgeous historic stone home. The weather was really beautiful on this August day, so we took advantage and took a lot of shots out in the yard. Even Mom and Dad are dressed in blue and white!
This was ostensibly a newborn session, but—as usual—the older-sibling toddler stole the show. John, age 3, followed me around and kept me company. I love this because it happens almost every time, and it’s so cute! (Plus it’s what goes on all day and night at my house!)
Baby William was a big, mellow, sweet baby (having weighed nearly 10 pounds at birth), and slept almost the whole time. We did manage to get him to open those eyes, just a little bit. By the way, notice how the blue sheet and white cable knit blanket extend the blue-and-white theme, while adding an extra comfy feeling to these newborn shots.
Mom Kim and Dad Lee are from the South and both have a flair for southern styling in their home. So naturally, we wanted to go inside for some more intimate shots. The pictures of Mom and her “Little Boys Blue” are particularly beautiful with the home’s neutral interiors, with Mom’s blouse and blue hydrangeas extending this classic color scheme. Kim chose custom gold frames to create a wall grouping to hang in their family room. These timeless “Little Boys Blue” photos will only become more classic over time.
Thank you, T family, for bringing artistic sensibility, southern hospitality, and family warmth to this photo shoot. I can’t wait to see what Baby William looks like as he grows!
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Missy Timko is the photographer behind Powder Blue Photography, a boutique photography studio located in Pittsburgh, PA. She specializes in newborns, maternity, families, seniors, and headshots. Missy’s style is simple, natural, and clean, a mix of slightly posed and lifestyle photography with beautiful natural backdrops, and Missy also runs a studio in Pittsburgh. There are many session options, from full-length custom sessions to little sessions, inside the studio or outside in a beautiful natural or urban location in Pittsburgh. Contact Missy for rates and availability.
She wore the most precious onesie for her solo portraits, perfect for summer. It fit her well and kept her hands and feet uncovered, which is what I suggest when choosing clothes for newborns.
The opportunity to photograph the H family (with Mom Emilie and Dad Jared) in their Squirrel Hill Pittsburgh home was a real treat. And what a beautiful home it was! It had a soothing neutral décor, high ceilings, and was so spacious and inviting. We took many shots in the bedrooms, and some under a particularly lovely dining room window.
To the beautiful H family—thank you for allowing me to spend some time with you in your home!
I would love you to look closely at her little pink embroidered romper (above). This is a family heirloom; Mom Corey wore it when she was a baby. When parents include details like this, the pictures become part of family history. In fact, Corey is an original “Breezer” (that’s what they call people who grew up in Point Breeze, who knew?). I’m so glad I moved my studio here!
