Creating timeless, genuine images that feel like you

Family sessions are all about connection — the laughs, the snuggles, the tiny hands holding yours, the real in-between moments that tell your story. But wardrobe plays a huge role in how those moments feel in photos. The right styling can elevate your images and help your family stand out while still feeling natural, comfortable, and true to who you are.

Below are my best tips for styling your family session — not to make things complicated, but to help you feel confident and cohesive in every frame.

The Big Picture: Coordinating, Not Matching

You’ve probably heard this before, but it’s worth repeating: coordinating is key — matching is not.
Gone are the days of identical jeans and white shirts (we’ve all been there). Instead, focus on a shared color palette that ties everyone together naturally.

Think of your family’s wardrobe like a well-curated room — the colors complement each other, but no single piece screams for attention. Start by picking 2–3 main tones (like soft neutrals, earth tones, or muted pastels) and build around them. Then, add one or two accent shades that feel seasonal or personal — maybe a soft olive green, rust orange, dusty blue, or a hint of blush.

A few quick examples:

• For an earthy autumn look, try olive, cream, rust, and denim.

• For spring or coastal vibes, think soft blues, beige, and hints of sage or blush.

• For a timeless indoor session, go with warm neutrals, cozy knits, and subtle patterns.

Your goal is harmony — when everyone looks coordinated, your family looks connected, not color-coded.

Textures Add Dimension

Texture is one of the easiest ways to make your photos feel rich and layered. Mixing materials like linen, corduroy, denim, knits, or cotton helps add visual depth without introducing busy patterns.

Think:

• A cozy knit sweater paired with a flowy cotton dress

• A denim jacket layered over a soft tee

• A linen shirt next to a lace blouse or a suede skirt

Textures photograph beautifully, catching light and shadow in ways that make your images feel tactile and warm.

Patterns — Keep It Simple, Keep It Balanced

Patterns are wonderful when used intentionally. They bring personality and interest — but too many competing prints can feel

overwhelming in photos.

As a rule of thumb:

• Choose one or two patterned pieces total in the family, and let the rest of the outfits stay solid or textured.

• Small-scale prints (florals, stripes, checks) tend to photograph best.

• Avoid anything with large logos, neon colors, or super-busy patterns that draw attention away from faces.

If mom’s wearing a floral dress, have dad wear a solid color that complements it — and the kids can pick up a shade or two from

within the same palette. This keeps the focus right where it belongs: on your connection.

Comfort = Confidence

You’ll be chasing kids, sitting on the ground, walking through grass, and cuddling a lot — so choose clothes you can move in.

When you’re comfortable, it shows. Avoid anything that needs constant adjusting or feels stiff.

Instead, opt for pieces that flow and breathe: maxi dresses, soft button-ups, cozy knits, and linen shirts are always a win.

And don’t underestimate the power of feeling confident in your outfit.

When you feel good, you relax — and that translates directly into natural, beautiful photos.

Color Palettes That Photograph Beautifully

Colors have a huge impact on the overall tone and emotion of your photos. Here are a few tried-and-true palettes that always photograph well:

Earthy & Warm: terracotta, olive, mustard, cream, taupe, denim
Cool & Natural: sage, gray-blue, soft ivory, tan, muted blush
Neutral & Timeless: beige, ivory, soft gray, dusty rose, forest green
Bold but Balanced: navy, camel, rust, warm white, muted mustard

Try to stay away from pure white, which can wash out skin tones, and bright neons, which tend to reflect light (and color!) onto faces.

If we’re shooting in nature, earthy neutrals and soft hues will complement the scenery beautifully. For an urban or studio session, richer tones or a pop of contrast can work well.

Shoes Matter (More Than You Think)

• Footwear can make or break the overall look. Choose shoes that feel true to your style and make sense for the setting.

• For outdoor sessions: boots, sandals, loafers, or neutral sneakers work best.

• Avoid athletic sneakers or flip-flops unless they truly fit the vibe.

• Make sure everyone’s shoes are clean and cohesive — mismatched colors or styles can pull focus in photos.

• Barefoot is even better for certain sessions — especially beach, field, or in-home shoots.

The Little Details

• Sometimes it’s the finishing touches that make everything feel complete.

• Accessories like hats, scarves, and jewelry can add depth — just don’t overdo it.

• Keep hair natural and soft, allowing movement and personality.

• For makeup, go for natural tones that enhance rather than mask — warm neutrals and subtle shimmer photograph beautifully.

• Nails matter more than most people realize — keep them neat and neutral to avoid distraction in close-up shots.

What to Bring

For family sessions (especially with little ones), preparation helps the flow feel relaxed:

• A neutral blanket or quilt for sitting

• Snacks and water for kids (mess-free is best!)

• Backup outfits for little accidents or spills

• A favorite toy or book to help little ones feel comfortable

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, your family photos aren’t about perfection — they’re about connection. It’s okay if a hair is out of place, a kid gets dirt on their shoes, or someone laughs too hard mid-photo. Those moments are the ones you’ll treasure most later.

Trust the process, embrace the chaos, and show up as yourselves. I’ll take care of the rest — capturing the love, laughter, and magic that makes your family’s story completely your own.