FAMILY STYLE GUIDE

MYTH ONE: Avoid neutrals because they will wash you out! Whatever color you chose, know that this myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Sure some colors don’t work for some people but the truth is, neutrals are the most photogenic color for portraits.

MYTH TWO: You have to wear black to look thin! Sure, black is slimming but it also creates a more serious look in portraits. If you love black, go for it! But if you’re wearing it only to hide, we’ve got you. Everyone photographs beautifully in their own way, flattering posing and lighting often makes all the difference! Subtle retouching is available if needed, but our goal is always to enhance you, not change who you are.

MYTH THREE: We need to have exact matching outfits! False! Think of matching black turtlenecks with jeans. With that said, coordination is a great idea, chose colors that compliment each other. For the love of all things beautiful, please don’t try to have exactly matching outfits.

MYTH FOUR: You have to buy something new! False! If you know you awesome in an outfit that you already have and it fits the style you want for your session, that would be a great choice!

Outfit Myths

Top Tips

THINGS TO DO

HYDRATION PREP: Stay hydrated. Water helps your skin look clear and glowing.

STEAM & PREP OUTFITS: Hanging outfits the night before helps everything photograph clean and polished.

PARKING FEE: This may not apply to your shoot but you always want to have cash on hand for parking fees.

TIMING: Allow additional travel time when life throws an unexpected curve ball or heavy traffic your way.

POCKETS: Empty your pockets! Literally. Don’t look back and see your phone or keys through your pockets.

LIP BALM: Keeping your lips hydrated, makes a big difference.

TOUCH UP KIT: Hair ties, bobby pins, hair spray, deodorant, and a small mirror can be lifesavers.

COMFY SHOES: Fabulous shoes can be difficult to walk in, bring comfy shoes while walking between locations.

ACCESSORIES: Bring blanket, hats, jewelry, scarves, vehicle, or other props you would like.

WATER & SNACK: Staying hydrated and energized helps keep smiles relaxed and natural.

THINGS TO AVOID

NOT THE RIGHT FIT: Clothes that fit poorly. (Too loose or too tight).

NOT REALLY YOU: Style(s) you’re not comfortable with (feeling awkward will reflect in your photos).

FADING INTO THE BACKGROUND: Avoid colors that blend into the background as they can make you disappear into the background.

EXACT MATCHING OUTFITS: Think awkward 80s matching outfits. If this is the goal, go for it!

ONLY HAVING RUNWAY SHOES: Uncomfortable shoes (you will be walking and moving around).

NEON COLORS: these colors can reflect onto skin tones and overpower the image.

SPRAY TANS RIGHT BEFORE: fresh spray tans can sometimes appear uneven or orange on camera, we usually recommend giving yourself at least a week buffer just in case.

Deciding Your Style

  • Creams, ivories and whites create a soft, timeless and romantic look. These lighter shades beautifully reflect natural light, helping your images feel brighter, softer and more elegant. Pairing different shades and textures within the same color family also adds dimension while keeping your overall look cohesive.

  • Black is timeless, elegant and effortlessly flattering! Choosing black clothing creates a more classic and sophisticated look while adding depth and contrast to your images. Black photographs beautifully in both natural and dramatic settings, making it a great choice for a polished, timeless style that never goes out of fashion.

  • Soft, neutral tones create a light, airy and romantic look! Shades like blush, light pinks, light blues, greens, creams, light grays and whites photograph beautifully, helping your images feel softer, brighter and more timeless. Pairing these colors with flowing fabrics, feminine details and lighter pants can add even more softness and movement to your images.

A young girl in a red dress holding a pink umbrella in the rain, smiling.
A man with a beard lifting a young girl in a yellow dress with a white bow in her hair outdoors, with green foliage in the background.
A woman with long brown hair smiling and surrounded by four young girls in a forest setting. The girls are wearing matching rust-colored dresses, and the woman is also dressed in a pink top. The girls have blonde hair, some with pigtails, and are looking at the camera.
Family four smiling outside in a park during autumn, including a young man, middle-aged man, middle-aged woman, and young woman standing close together.
A young boy and girl sit on the grass in a garden, with trees and a greenhouse in the background. The boy has glasses, a red shirt, and dark shorts, while the girl wears a blue dress with floral embroidery. The boy has his arm around the girl, and they both look at the camera with neutral expressions.

  • Bold colors and eye-catching patterns create a fun, vibrant and energetic look! Choose one bold color or pattern as the statement piece, while keeping the rest of the outfits more simple and neutral for balance. Larger-scale patterns photograph beautifully, especially when paired with solid or neutral backgrounds that complement the overall look.

An older man in a navy blue suit with a white shirt and a woman in an orange traditional saree sitting together on a park bench, smiling and relaxed, with trees and sunlight in the background.
A couple standing close together outdoors with mountains and trees in the background, their foreheads touching, sharing an intimate moment.

  • Elevate your session with a polished, sophisticated and timeless look! Think suits, dresses, ties, button-ups and coordinating shoes for a high-end feel that stands out. Stick with a few complementary colors and use pops of color as accents to create a cohesive, elevated look. Most importantly, choose something that feels comfortable and true to your personality!

Family of four standing in tall grass with trees and mountains in the background, smiling at the camera.

  • Classic styles create a timeless, polished and coordinated look while keeping everyone comfortable! Sweaters, blouses, button-down shirts, polos and sundresses are great choices for both adults and kids. Choose a general color theme and coordinate complementary colors and accent pieces throughout the group for a cohesive look.

  • Have fun with a unique, stylish and confident look! Western and trendy styles are perfect for incorporating statement pieces like hats, boots, jackets, scarves, necklaces and other accessories. Mix and match styles, colors and textures to create a look that feels bold, expressive and true to your personality.

  • Casual has never looked so good! This versatile style offers plenty of room for personality, whether you prefer a bold and beautiful look or something light and airy. Have fun with patterns and prints like flannel and animal prints, or keep it simple with solid colors. Most importantly, choose outfits that complement your personal style and make you feel confident!