Session Styling Guide

Creating a cohesive look for your family session is key to beautiful, timeless photos. Here’s a guide to help you choose outfits that complement each other and create a harmonious look:

1. Choose a Color Palette

  • Limit to About Three Colors: Pick up to three main colors for your palette. This will ensure that the outfits look cohesive without being too matchy-matchy.

  • Neutral or Soft Base: Consider using neutral colors such as white, grey, beige as your base. Explore the possibility of pastels as a base as well. Soft yellows, pinks, blues, sage or pistachio green…

  • Accent Colors: Choose one or two accent colors. They can be in the same hue as the base, but deeper and more vibrant.

  • Avoid Neon or Deep Reds: These colors can reflect on the skin and may not photograph well.

  • Avoid Black. I recommend going for greys, blues, or browns instead. Black doesn’t reflect much light.

2. Style Coordination

  • Similar Style: Make sure everyone’s outfit is in the same overall style. Whether it’s casual jeans, festive dresses and suits, or flowing summer dresses and shorts, consistency is key.

  • Casual Jeans: Denim jeans paired with casual shirts or blouses create a relaxed and timeless look. We love button-up white shirts on everyone!

  • Festive Dresses and Suits: For a more formal session, opt for coordinated dresses and suits that complement each other.

  • Summer Dresses and Shorts: Light, flowing dresses for women and well-fitted shorts and casual shirts for men create a breezy, summery vibe.

3. Patterns and Graphics

  • Avoid Big Logos and Large Graphics: These can be distracting and take away from the focus of the photo.

  • Minimal Patterns: Please avoid tight patterns like polka dots or small stripes. These create undesirable lines in photos.

  • Florals and other patterns. Try to avoid super busy and vibrant patterns that have a lot of contrast.

4. Texture and Layers

  • Incorporate Texture: Adding textures like knits, lace, or denim can add depth and interest to your photos. I encourage you to explore textures like satin, linen, cotton, fluffy wool *if in season. These photograph very well.

  • Layering: Layering with cardigans, scarves, or vests can create dimension and cohesion in your group’s look.

5. Footwear

  • Consistent Style: Ensure that the footwear matches the overall style of the outfits. Casual outfits look great with sneakers or flats, while formal attire calls for dress shoes. I encourage you to be barefoot for beach sessions.

  • Neutral Colors: Choose shoes in neutral colors to keep the focus on the outfits and faces.

6. Accessories

  • Minimal and Coordinated: Accessories should be kept minimal and should not overpower the outfits. Coordinated accessories like belts, hats, scarves, umbrellas or jewelry can add a nice touch. Consider adding them here and there and not for every person in the group.

Please know that you can always consult with me. You can schedule a call or text at any time: 616-433-5555