Style Guide

Coordinating outfits often gets pushed on the back burner when it comes to photoshoots. The question I often get asked is, “What do we wear?” Wanting to look just right for the space on your wall you’ve been dreaming of can be overwhelming. I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be that way!

Where is Your Photoshoot Location?

The first thing to consider when thinking of outfit choices is where you are planning your photoshoot and the season. It’s important that your clothes are functional and look cohesive. For example, if I’m scheduled for springtime in a grassy field I like light neutral colors with one darker color for contrast. A female in a light flowy dress pairs well with a male in a darker shirt with neutral pants.

Choosing a Color Palette

When choosing outfits for your session, color is the first thing to think about. To be honest… neutral and earthy tones are best! I value natural moments and that means most of my sessions are in natural environments. It’s important that your outfit doesn’t clash with the background environment. You can’t go wrong with a neutral palette! White, subtle pastels, muted greens, and beige always work great!

Types of Clothing

The shape of an outfit is how we highlight our best attributes! Flowy dresses add movement and natural beauty in outside environments, while a more form fitting dress gives attention to your beautiful baby bump in a maternity session. If you want your session to feel more relaxed and romantic choose looser fitting clothing. If you want your session to look more chic and sophisticated try more form fitting styles.

Should Your Outfits Consist of Patterns and Texture?

When it comes to patterns, it’s best to have just one person in a pattern for immediate family sessions. Patterns can be a great tool to breakup solid colors, but keep the patterns subtle. For example, a simple floral dress on your daughter can add in her personality as well as tie the green the husband is wearing into the pastel pink dress the wife is wearing.

Texture is another story. The truth is, textures can add a lot of personality and uniqueness to your session. Denim, knitwear, linen can all enhance your aesthetic. If you love your velvet dress you bought for a wedding last year wear it! Give your man some neutral colors to go with your dress and rock your session!

Putting Your Outfits Together

First, plan Mom and Dad’s outfits! It’s so much easier to decide what to put your children in when you already know what you are wearing. On top of that, the parents are going to fill more of the frame, so it’s key to make sure their outfits are coordinated.

Second, don’t forget about the shoes! Shoes make the outfit. Shoes are often overlooked but they are SO important for the overall look of your family session. In the winter boots are just fine, just be sure they are all one color. In the summer and sandal seasons, everyone can wear shoes made from natural materials, like leather.

Finally, little details. Don’t be afraid to dress it up or wear something you normally wouldn’t. Adding simple jewelry can enhance and add character to your portraits. Hands are also a major point of focus, especially in engagement sessions. Freshly manicured hands can go a long way!

Some Things to Avoid

Logos, unnatural colors, intense plaid and bold patterns. Avoiding these things just helps create natural photos and prevents clashing of different elements in your photos.