10 Style Tips for Picture-Perfect Results
You’ve booked a session, picked the date, and maybe even chosen the location. Now comes the big question: what should everyone wear? Your wardrobe choices can make a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your images. Here's a guide to helping your family look their best and feel great on camera.
1. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans. Instead, opt for a color palette of 2–3 complementary tones and let each person express their style within that range. Think soft neutrals (like beige, cream, navy, or sage) or cozy earth tones (like rust, olive, and brown).
2. Skip Loud Patterns and Logos
Keep the focus on your family's connection. Bold stripes, neon prints, and logos can be distracting in photos. Choose solid colors or subtle patterns to keep things cohesive and timeless.
3. Dress for the Location and Season
Choose outfits that make sense for where we’ll be shooting. Flowing dresses and light linens are great for beaches and parks, while layers like sweaters, boots, and scarves add warmth and texture for fall or city shoots.
4. Add Layers and Texture
Layers give your images depth and dimension. Try layering with vests, jackets, cardigans, or scarves. Textured fabrics like denim, corduroy, linen, or knits photograph beautifully and add visual interest.
5. Keep It Timeless
While it’s tempting to dress everyone in the latest fashion trends, consider outfits that will still look great 10 years from now. Classic cuts and neutral tones tend to age best.
6. Comfort Equals Confidence
Choose clothes your family feels good in. If something itches or pinches, it’ll show in their expressions. Happy, comfortable kids (and adults) make for the best photos.
7. Plan and Try On in Advance
Lay out all the outfits together a few days before the shoot. This lets you see how they look side by side and gives time to make changes if something doesn’t quite work.
8. Shoes Matter Too
Shoes should complement the outfit and setting. Avoid neon sneakers unless they fit the look. For beach sessions, barefoot is perfectly fine. For urban sessions, polished boots or flats work well.
9. Pick Pieces That Move
Clothing that flows or sways slightly adds a natural, organic feel to your photos. Dresses and skirts with movement can look beautiful, especially outdoors or at golden hour.
10. Minimal Accessories, Maximum Impact
A felt hat, a layered necklace, or suspenders on a toddler can be a charming touch but avoid anything too flashy that draws attention away from faces.