STYLE GUIDE

Choosing attire for a photo session is a bit more complex than pulling a few favorites from the depths of your closet. Why? Things that look great in person, don't always translate on camera. And let's be real here... Professional photos? They're an investment! You don't want to leave your outfit to chance.

The goal is to find a style that's authentic to your family, but feels special at the same time.

Your outfits should be cohesive not "matchy-matchy."

If your head is spinning, don't worry. Let’s break the process down step-by-step below!

1.LOCATION

Before you even consider what outfits you want to wear, let's talk about location options and what you most prefer. Will you have a casual beach session or will you be dressed up downtown? Will you be frolicking through wildflower fields or walking through a winter wonder land? Your location actually matters a lot as you choose your outfits!

2.Start With Mom's Outfit

It can be hard to know where to begin, but think of it as building blocks. Start with one outfit and then you can build upon that. My recommendation is to start with mom (or daughter), since women’s clothing tends to have more colors and prints. And let’s be honest, we are more picky about how we look, and moms are typically pulling the outfits together anyways.

My best advice is for you to wear a dress in your favorite color. Not only are dresses flattering, but you will feel good in it. If you hate dresses, think about a skirt/top combo, but choose something that is slightly dresser than your everyday look. Opt for high quality fabrics (not t-shirt material) because they hang better.

3.CHOOSE A COLOR PALETTE

After you’ve chosen mom’s outfit, think about 2-3 coordinating colors, some neutral and one of which pops and brings life to the outfits. I’ve created a Pinterest Board with family photo outfit ideas! Go check it out! Also, the color palette you choose will affect your appearance and the overall look of your photo. Warmer colors like peach, cream, brown, will give your photos a soft glowing look, while bold and vivid colors will produce a brighter and sharper appearance.

4.THINK MUTED COLORS.

Avoid overly saturated and neon colors, as they distract in the photo and can cast color shadows on the skin. Instead look for MUTED versions of the same color. For example, if you have a bright hot pink shirt, try a muted dusty rose instead.

5. COORDINATE, DON’T MATCH.

Gone are the days when everyone wears matching white polos and khakis for family photos on the beach. Choose colors that complement each other but are not overly matchy-matchy. For example, avoid wearing the same color top as your spouse or putting your girls in the same matching dresses. After mom’s outfit is chosen, begin to find 2-3 coordinating colors that complement. Need more inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board!

6. ADD VARIETY WITH SUBTLE PATTERNS.

They say that variety is the spice of life right? To add depth and interest to your photos, create dimension by having primarily solids with a few coordinating subtle patterns and textures. Patterns are great in small doses and add a lot of your photo. Avoid bold, large prints that can distract from the photo though. You want your family photos to be about you and not merely your outfits. Layers are another way to add variety with cardigans, shawls, scarves, etc.

7. DRESS FOR THE WEATHER.

You might have the perfect outfit on, but if you’re freezing or sweating to death, a family photo session can quickly unravel. Layering is the perfect solution for those chilly evenings or sweltering August days! Remember, little ones get cold more quickly than adults when temperatures are low, so pack a cardigan or sweater for them. Cold kiddos = sad photos…keep those kids warm!

8. JUST BE YOURSELF.

Don’t dress like someone else you saw on Pinterest just because you found an amazing outfit idea. You want these photos to represent the real you and your family and not be something that you aren’t. This might mean you wear shorts or torn up jeans or a boho vintage thrift store dress. Just be you!

9.OPT FOR CLASSIC OVER TRENDY

Super trendy clothes are so fun because they look amazing now, but think about classic styles and outfits that will not make you cringe in 15 years.

10. INCLUDE YOUR KIDS.

Involve your children in planning and choosing outfits. They will be much more excited about family photos if they like what they’re wearing. This doesn’t mean that you should let your daughter wear her favorite princess dress. Instead, incorporate their favorite color. Please don’t make them wear something they hate. You want your kiddos happy for your session!

11. REMEMBER THE SHOES.

Shoes have the power to complete an outfit or completely destroy it! Think about your session location. If you are in a field, for instance, you won’t be able to walk in those stilettos. Avoid bright white shoes, all athletic sneakers, and kids’ shoes with cartoon characters and sparkles. If you just can’t find shoes you love, consider having the family go barefoot for the session (just bring shoes to walk around at the location!).

12. DON’T WAIT TO TRY ON YOUR CLOTHES UNTIL THE DAY BEFORE.

Try on your clothes well in advance so you can switch it up if something isn’t working. Look at your outfit from different angles and move around to make sure it works for lifestyle photos. There’s nothing worse than a gorgeous v-neck dress that keeps gaping wide-open to show your bra as you cuddle and tickle your kiddos.

13.Stay away from logos, characters, and words on clothing

You probably already know this, but it’s super important not to wear any words, logos, or characters of any kind on your clothing. Even that tiny Nike or Carhartt logo in the top corner of your t-shirt is going to draw the eye there rather than the subject of the photo… your family! That’s the entire point of your photo session so let’s keep the attention on you.

14.Don’t put babies in skirts

I would absolutely recommend that any baby or toddler who will be held more than 50% of the photo session should not wear a skirt or dress. One reason is that their diaper is probably going to end up showing. You can definitely get some cute bloomers but there is something else to consider. Parents are always trying to make sure they don’t squish the skirt so they put it over their arm while they hold the baby. But then it looks like she’s just floating there. My images are all about connection so I want to see your arms wrapped around your little girl, not a floating baby.

So here’s a better option! Put her in a romper! Or a cute top with cable-knit tights and ruffle-butt bloomers over them. Or adorable baby bell-bottoms and a top. Something without a skirt. There are lots of super cute options out there!

Please avoid the following:

• Athletic shoes or uncomfortable shoes
• Socks that don’t go with the rest of the outfits
• Too much blue
• Clothing that doesn’t fit well
• Patterns that have too much contrast (example: a light background with a dark pattern), small checkered pattern, or close together, thin stripes.
• Matching outfits!!! Don’t do it!
• Turtlenecks, high collars, or hoodies
• Bright white, neon, or too much black
• Formal clothing
• Characters, logos, and words on clothing
• Skirts/dresses for babies
• Digital watches (like an apple watch)
• Anything in your pocket
• Messy faces or dirty teeth
• Hair ties on wrists

Whew! I know that's A LOT of info! My goal is to inform you, not overwhelm you. I hope you found this guide helpful! Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!