A STYLING GUIDE FOR YOUR PHOTO SESSION
DRESS FOR THE OCCASION
Your photo session is more than just a casual snapshot—it's an event worth dressing for! These images will grace your walls for years to come, telling the story of your family during this special season of life.
When planning your wardrobe, remember these key principles:
Compliment, don't match.
Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical outfits. Instead, choose pieces that work harmoniously together while allowing individual style to shine. Patterns are okay when used in moderation and mixed with solids.
Embrace the experience.
Have fun with your selections! This is an opportunity to wear something that makes you feel truly beautiful and confident.
Prioritize comfort
Your outfit should allow free movement for natural poses, twirls, and sitting without constant adjustment
Create depth through texture
Blend different fabrics to add visual dimension and interest to your photographs
Choose lightweight materials that catch the breeze and create dynamic, flowing lines in your images
Select longer hemlines
Midi and maxi skirts provide worry-free comfort during family sessions, allowing you to fully engage in moments without clothing concerns
Choose strategic undergarments
Opt for seamless, skin-tone matching pieces and consider adhesive options to eliminate visible straps
Enhance makeup thoughtfully
Apply slightly heavier than everyday makeup but avoid SPF moisturizers that can create unwanted shine in photos
My philosophy
I believe in the beauty of simplicity, delicate textures, and natural elegance. My light and airy photography style thrives when paired with:
- Special pieces featuring thoughtful details like lace and tulle
- Natural shades, pastels, and muted tones
- Ivory, white, gray, and tan as base colors
- Delicate accent colors that add dimension without overwhelming
These choices aren't just aesthetically pleasing through my lens—they create timeless images that will look beautiful displayed in your home for years to come.
Note to Moms:
Start with YOUR outfit first! This is the secret weapon for family photo styling. Once you've found something that makes you feel amazing, use your look as the anchor to build everyone else's outfits around. Not only does this ensure you'll feel confident (because let's be honest, you're usually the last one to get ready anyway), but it creates a naturally cohesive family look that flows from the person who's often the heart of the family photos. Trust me - when mom feels good, it shows in every single photo!
Styling ReVIEW
Do :
- Wear complementary color tones that create a harmonious palette
- Mix patterns with solids (aim for 1 pattern for every 2 solid pieces)
- Dress men in colored slacks or dark wash jeans paired with button-downs or simple sweaters
- Place bloomers under dresses for little girls and infants
- Select thoughtful accessories that tie everyone's looks together
- Consider the location and choose colors that will stand out beautifully in that environment
Don't :
- Wear sporty tennis shoes (opt for leather shoes, boots, or cute sandals instead)
- Choose clothing with large logos or graphics
- Select neon or extremely bright colors that can reflect onto skin
- Dress in baggy or ill-fitting clothes that don't flatter your shape
- Try to match everyone in identical outfits or colors
Finding the Dress
Moms, I know it can be overwhelming trying to find that "perfect dress" for your family photos.
Here are links to my favorite online shops to order from:
Under $200
Over $200
Still having trouble finding that dream dress?
Did you know your phone camera doubles as a shopping assistant? That's right! With the Google mobile app, any image on your device—whether it's your own photo or a screenshot—can instantly become a powerful shopping search tool. Simply upload the image on the image search tab and watch as Google tracks down that exact item across the internet!
This feature has been a game-changer for me. Can't stop thinking about a dress you saw on Pinterest? Found something you love that's sold out at your favorite store? Spotted an item you can't afford at full price? Your image search can uncover it at different retailers, often at better prices. It even scans through consignment platforms like Poshmark, matching your desired piece with secondhand listings based on their photos.
Kids clothes
My go-tos for dressing the family are Zara, H&M, Gap, Old Navy, and J. Crew. For little girls, I especially love Rylee & Cru, Nothing Fits But, and Ivy City Co.
The Focus is You
Remember, the most important element in your photos is the authentic connection between you and your loved ones. Your wardrobe should enhance—not distract from—these precious moments. We'll work together to design a look that is simple, fresh, and flattering while allowing the beauty of your family to take center stage.
I'm here to help!
Need help putting together the perfect ensemble? I'm happy to provide personalized recommendations for where to shop or how to style pieces you already own. Just ask!
I can't wait to capture your family's unique story. Let's create something beautiful together!
