Styling Guide
A thoughtfully curated guide to help you feel confident and look effortlessly beautiful in your photos—because the most stunning images happen when you feel completely yourself.
The Art of Coordination
Creating cohesive family portraits is about harmony, not uniformity. Choose colors that complement each other while allowing each person's unique style to shine through naturally.
Coordinate, Don't Match
Select 2-3 complementary colors as your foundation and weave them throughout everyone's outfits. Skip the identical looks—instead, think of your family as a beautifully curated color story where each person adds their own chapter.
Embrace Solid Colors
Solid tones create a timeless, editorial aesthetic that keeps the focus on your connections and expressions. If patterns speak to you, choose subtle ones—delicate florals, fine stripes, or soft textures that complement rather than compete.
Layer in Texture
Mixing fabrics like linen, cotton, soft knits, and denim adds beautiful visual depth without distraction. These textures catch light naturally and photograph gorgeously, especially in golden hour.
Prioritize Comfort
Wear pieces that make you feel amazing. When you're comfortable and confident in what you're wearing, it radiates through every photograph. Authenticity is always your best look.
Your Color Palette
These warm, timeless tones photograph beautifully across all seasons and lighting conditions. They create a cohesive, elevated look that will feel just as stunning decades from now.
Accent with rust, soft olive, or muted blues for seasonal variation and depth.
Hair & Makeup
Keep things natural and true to who you are—just a touch more polished. The goal is to look like your best self, not someone else.
Hair Styling
Wear your hair in a way that feels authentic to you. Soft waves, natural texture, and effortless styles photograph beautifully. Avoid overly styled or structured looks. If you're feeling unsure, a loose low bun or relaxed braid is always elegant.
Makeup Application
Less is often more. Enhance your natural features with neutral, warm tones, well-defined brows, and a touch of color on the lips. Skip heavy contouring or excessive shimmer—soft matte finishes photograph most beautifully and age gracefully.
Grooming for Him
Schedule a haircut about one week before your session—fresh but not too fresh. Trim or shape facial hair to your preference. Even small grooming details make a noticeable difference in the final images.
For Little Ones
Keep children's hair simple and natural. Avoid tight updos or overly styled looks that might make them uncomfortable. Let their personality shine—a little wild hair often creates the most authentic, joyful images.
Dressing for Your Location
Let your surroundings inspire your wardrobe choices. What works beautifully in nature might feel different in an urban setting or the comfort of your home.
Nature & Outdoor Sessions
Earthy, organic tones feel at home in natural settings. Think flowing fabrics, linen dresses, soft denim, leather boots, and cozy layers. Textures that echo the outdoors—like chunky knits or raw linen—create beautiful harmony with greenery and golden light.
Urban & In-Home Sessions
Refined neutrals and classic silhouettes shine in modern, architectural spaces. Opt for elevated casual pieces—a crisp white button-down with tailored jeans, a simple midi dress, or well-fitted trousers with a soft sweater. Keep accessories minimal and intentional.
Golden Hour & Beach Sessions
Light, breathable fabrics in soft neutrals or warm pastels look ethereal near water and during magic hour. Flowing maxi dresses, linen pants, gauzy tops, and bare feet create an effortless, romantic atmosphere that feels both intimate and timeless.
What to Avoid
A few thoughtful guidelines to ensure your photos remain timeless and the focus stays on what matters most—your connections.
- Neon or overly bright colors that draw attention away from faces
- Visible logos, busy graphics, or licensed character prints
- Head-to-toe black (can photograph heavy and absorb light)
- Perfectly matching outfits that look overly coordinated
- Bold, high-contrast patterns or wide stripes
- Uncomfortable clothing that restricts movement or causes fidgeting
- Mixing cool and warm undertones within the same color family
- Brand new clothes that haven't been washed or worn in
- Overly trendy pieces that may feel dated in a few years
Your Final Prep Checklist
The evening before your session, take a few quiet moments to review this checklist. It will help ensure everything is ready so you can simply show up and be present.
- Try on complete outfits to check fit, wrinkles, and any stains or damage
- Steam or iron all clothing and hang them ready to go
- Gather accessories, shoes, and any meaningful items you'd like included
- Confirm hair and makeup plans, or keep it simple and natural
- Check the weather forecast and adjust layers or backup location accordingly
- Get a good night's rest and stay hydrated throughout the day
- Pack a small bag: lip color, brush, safety pins, lint roller, baby wipes
- Plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early, take a deep breath, and trust the process
Need More Inspiration?
Explore my curated Pinterest board filled with wardrobe ideas, color combinations, and real session examples to help you visualize and plan your perfect look with confidence.
View Pinterest Board