Style Guide for Portrait Sessions

To help you prepare for your upcoming portrait session and achieve the look you see on my Instagram, Facebook, and website, here are some styling tips that will complement my light, warm, and airy photography style.

Outfit Recommendations:

• Neutral Colors: Timeless hues like white, cream, grey, and beige photograph beautifully and complement the soft, natural vibe of my work. Soft greens like sage and olive, as well as muted shades like dusty rose, mauve, and slate blue, also look amazing on camera.
• Avoid Harsh Colors: Bright colors like black, bold reds, neon oranges, and deep purples can create harsh contrasts and cast dark shadows on your face. I recommend steering clear of these shades to keep the focus on you, not your clothing.
• Simple Patterns: When adding patterns, try to keep it minimal—one or two patterns are best. Simple designs that don’t overpower the shot will keep attention on your face, rather than distracting from it. I’ll share examples of great patterns on the next few pages.
• Comfort is Key: I want you to feel comfortable, relaxed, and beautiful during your session. If you’re constantly adjusting your clothing, it could distract from the natural moments we’re aiming to capture. Choose clothing that allows you to move freely and confidently!
• Be Yourself: It’s important to choose an outfit that feels true to your personal style. Avoid wearing something drastically different from what you’d typically wear—you want to look back on these photos and say, "That’s me!"
• No Logos: For timeless photos, it’s best to avoid clothing with large logos or graphics. You don’t want to look back years from now and be reminded of a cartoon character or brand name!

Other things to think about...

• Styling Your Hair: If your session is outdoors, be sure to check the weather, especially the wind. The last thing we want is hair flying all over the place! Your hair doesn’t have to be down for the photos. Consider braiding it, using a clip to pull it back, or styling it in a cute bun—anything that keeps it in place and adds to the overall look.
• Shoes: For beach sessions, most families opt to go barefoot, as it creates a relaxed, natural look in the photos. It’s not common to see families strolling along the beach in sneakers. If one person goes barefoot, I recommend that the whole family does the same for a cohesive feel.
• Diapers: If your little one is wearing a dress and diapers, I suggest adding bloomers or plain underwear underneath. Unfortunately, I can’t fully edit diapers out of photos, so this helps keep things looking smooth and neat.

Gone are the days of everyone in matching outfits. Instead, focus on coordinating colors and textures. Aim for a palette of at least three colors to help create balance in your photos while keeping everything cohesive. Mix and match shades of neutrals and accent tones to complement each other and add depth to your family’s look. The coordination makes your photos feel more natural and timeless, without looking like a throwback to those JCPenney family photos from the ’90s 😉 I suggest choosing your outfit first and then styling the family around you so that you know you are comfortable with what you are wearing!

One last tip: if you're planning on hanging these photos in your home, it’s worth considering how your outfits choices will complement (or clash with) your home decor. A little thought about how the colors fit in with the spaces where you’ll display these portraits can make a big difference in how they’ll feel in your home.