Stress Free Session Styling


Every client tells me that they struggle with styling their family for their session. The good news? Every client gets a family style guide to help them choose their looks. I'm also always available to clients via text for questions about styling their session. Some clients shop then text me when they get home and pull everything together, others text me from the fitting room! Either way, I do feel that clients who reach out and get some help with styling end up with more beautiful pictures. You may have killer style and look great in your clothes everyday, but not everything translates well on camera. Here are some of my top tips when planning your session looks for you and your family.

Avoid bright colors.


Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE neutrals. The most color I own in my wardrobe is a little navy or olive. Some people LOVE bright colors, and I'm happy for them, but they do NOT translate well in pictures. They often reflect light back onto the subject's face, and the skin takes on the color of the shirt. Super fun for me to try and edit out, and not always possible. Also, bright colors tend to be distracting in images, and often reflect so much light that they look like they're glowing. Not to mention, you can easily see sweat stains, and those are not always easily edited out of an image. I also advise clients to avoid pastels. They reflect light weirdly in images as well. I find that earth tones and muted colors tend to photograph well and flatter everyone. They also add some contrast to the natural light and skintones in a session.

I beg you. Do not wear matching outfits.


This is a big one for me (and most photographers). I know its adorable to put your kids in matching outfits, or to wear mommy and me dresses. I get it. But in photos, it creates these large globs of the same color which makes the images less interesting and can also make them look super off balanced. If multiple family members are matching and are posed next to each other, the images lose depth and interest. Also, the consensus in the photography community is that matching outfits are a bit dated and cheesy (don't shoot the messenger).


Instead of matching outfits, choose a few coordinating colors and work everyone's outfits around those colors. I have a post dedicated to some of my favorite color combos for family styling, as well as example outfits showing you how to mix colors, patterns and textures to achieve a dynamic look.

Make it interesting.


Choose clothing with different textures, made from different fabrics, and layer clothing items to make outfits more interesting. Doing some of these things will help your outfits pop in your images. This could include a chunky knit cardigan, a linen top, some eyelet or lace material, chiffon, a jacket, blazer, etc. Layering is what makes mannequins in store windows look so good! If you choose a fabric that wrinkles easily, remember to steam or iron your clothes before your session, and consider changing into those items after you arrive at your shoot location.


Also, accessories can be a great addition to an outfit! I love a wide brimmed hat for the ladies and little girls. Jewelry, belts, ties, flower crowns, and other hair accessories can all be great additions to your look!

Elevated Everyday


Some clients love getting glammed up for their session. If that's not you, that's okay too! I always want clients to feel super comfortable in their session look, but, I also always advise that they dress in a more elevated version of their everyday. Maybe that means a nicer top with jeans, or a little extra makeup or care with your hairstyling. I always suggest mamas wear midi or maxi dresses; they're super flattering and the longer length adds interest and movement in images (and we don't have to worry about mama flashing the camera while chasing her kiddos). To elevate your everyday look, I recommend avoiding the following items: sneakers, shirts with logos or graphics, character clothing on the kiddos, baseball hats, sports jerseys, heavily distressed jeans, and super loose clothing.

Flatter your features.


Your photo session is probably not the best time to try a brand new style or look. If you feel uncomfortable, you'll look uncomfortable. Think about some of your favorite items in your closet. What do you like about them? Use that info when shopping for your session look! Necklines and sleeve length are person specific- some people like a v-neck, others prefer a scoop. Some like a short sleeve, others prefer 3/4 or long sleeves. I recommend avoiding turtle or cowl necked tops and sweaters. They are not flattering in pictures because they hide your neck. If you hate the way you look in a dress, don't force yourself to wear one. Don't squeeze into a tight top or jeans if you don't like your mid-section. Keep in mind, you may be sitting for some of your session, so try on your session look and make sure you like it while standing and sitting. Don't worry, I'll work hard to get the most flattering angles in your images, but having an outfit that flatters your body is a huge help!