Style Guide

The most important thing is for you to feel like you.

Your style should feel natural, comfortable, and true to who you are. These photos are meant to reflect your family’s story, and what you wear plays a role in how that story is told.

While staying true to your style, it's also helpful to consider how your outfits will fit within the location and the overall aesthetic you want for your session. Thoughtful clothing choices can enhance the mood, complement the surroundings, and create a timeless, cohesive look you'll love for years to come.

Your Style will Elevate your Pictures

Everyone has their own style. While these are your photos and you can absolutely wear whatever you want, I also want you to LOVE your images and feel good about the way you look in them. I can guarantee you that there is already something in your closet that will work perfectly! While I do not suggest clients shop for their session, it is definitely an opportunity to freshen up your closet if you are feeling it.

A photo shoot should make you feel special, alive and excited! I will work with you to select the best outfits for your session based on your chosen location.

8 Do's & Dont's

1. Color Palette

✅ DO: Choose colors that complement each other and the environment. Earthy tones, jewel tones, soft neutrals, and muted colors photograph beautifully in natural settings.
❌ DON’T: Wear neon or overly bright colors, as they can cast unflattering tones on the skin and clash with natural backdrops. Also steer clear of pure white, as I don't promise you will stay clean during your session.

2. Textures and Patterns

✅ DO: Mix textures like linen, knits, and lace to add depth and interest. Subtle patterns like florals or small plaids can work well.
❌ DON’T: Overdo bold patterns, busy prints, or matching plaids on multiple people, as they can be distracting and take attention away from your family’s connection.

3. Fit and Comfort

✅ DO: Wear clothing that fits well and allows for natural movement. You’ll want to feel at ease while walking, playing, and interacting during your session.
❌ DON’T: Wear anything too tight, restrictive, or uncomfortable. If you’re constantly adjusting your outfit, it will show in your photos. Make sure your dress is long enough when you sit on the ground that you aren't tugging to fix it.

4. Footwear

✅ DO: Wear shoes that match the formality of your outfit and are suitable for the terrain (sandals for the river, etc.). You can also be barefoot after we arrive at the location.
❌ DON’T: Choose uncomfortable or impractical footwear. If we’re shooting outdoors, high heels or brand-new shoes that haven’t been broken in may not be the best choice. Also avoid old dirty running shoes and crocs.

5. Hair and Makeup

✅ DO: Keep hair and makeup natural and true to your everyday style, just slightly polished. Soft waves, minimal makeup, and fresh skin always look great in photos.
❌ DON’T: Try a brand-new hairstyle or heavy makeup you wouldn’t normally wear. You want to recognize yourself and feel comfortable in your photos.

6. Avoid Logos and Distracting Elements

✅ DO: Choose timeless, simple pieces without large text or branding for a classic, clean look.
❌ DON’T: Wear clothing with large logos, characters, or slogans. They can date the photos and pull attention away from your family’s connection.

7. Seasonal Considerations

✅ DO: Dress appropriately for the weather—light, breathable fabrics in summer; cozy layers in fall and winter. Make sure kids are warm enough to stay happy. Be prepared with layers you would like to be photographed in.
❌ DON’T: Underestimate the weather. Being too cold or too hot can make the session feel uncomfortable, and that will show in the photos.

8. Personalization

✅ DO: Choose outfits that reflect your personal style while keeping them cohesive with the setting and overall mood of your session.
❌ DON’T: Stress about perfection! It’s more important that you feel like yourself and can relax and enjoy the experience.

Get Ideas From
Well-Dressed Families:

What to Wear For Maternity Sessions

Your maternity session is all about celebrating this incredible chapter of your life in a way that feels natural, intimate, and beautiful. Whether we’re shooting in your home or outdoors, your clothing (or lack of it!) should highlight your growing belly while making you feel confident and comfortable.

Long, Flowing Dresses

✅ DO: Wear a long, flowing dress that drapes beautifully and highlights your bump. Dresses with movement, soft fabrics, and off-the-shoulder or fitted styles create a timeless and elegant look.
❌ DON’T: Choose short or stiff dresses that don’t allow for natural movement. A longer dress adds to the dreamy, effortless feel of your session.

Bare Belly & Intimate Looks

✅ DO: Feel free to show your belly! A cropped sweater, an open-front robe, or simply placing hands on your bare bump can add a personal and intimate touch.
❌ DON’T: Feel like you have to cover up if you don’t want to! This session is about you—whether that means fully dressed, partially covered, or tastefully nude.

Bra & Underwear / Tasteful Nude

✅ DO: If you're open to it, a simple bra and underwear set (neutral, lace, or soft textures) can create a stunning, intimate look. Tasteful nude portraits can be a powerful way to document this moment if you’re comfortable with it.
❌ DON’T: Feel pressured to bare more than you’re comfortable with—this is your session, and it should reflect you.

River Sessions & Swimwear

✅ DO: If we’re photographing near the river, a beautiful bathing suit (one-piece or bikini) can be a gorgeous way to embrace the water and create a natural, serene look. Sheer cover-ups or lightweight fabrics over swimwear can also add an ethereal touch.
❌ DON’T: Worry about being too "posed"—water sessions are about movement, playfulness, and embracing the natural beauty of the setting.

In-Home vs. Outdoor Sessions

In-Home Sessions: Cozy, intimate, and relaxed. Think soft fabrics, robes, and loungewear that makes you feel beautiful while keeping the focus on your connection to your baby.
Outdoor Sessions: Dreamy and ethereal. Long, flowing dresses, off-the-shoulder styles, and fabric that moves beautifully in the wind work especially well in nature.

Above all, the goal is for you to feel like you—powerful, radiant, and fully present in this moment.

What to Wear For Your
In-Home Newborn Session

Your in-home newborn session is all about warmth, connection, and those quiet, fleeting moments in the first days with your baby. The focus will be on your love and bond, so your clothing should feel natural, comfortable, and timeless.

Soft, Neutral, and Comfortable Clothing

✅ DO: Choose soft, neutral tones (whites, creams, earth tones, pastels) and comfortable fabrics like cotton, linen, or knits. Flowy dresses, cozy sweaters, and simple button-downs photograph beautifully and keep the attention on your baby.
❌ DON’T: Wear bright colors, bold patterns, or logos—these can be distracting and take away from the soft, organic feel of the images.

Barefoot & Relaxed Look

✅ DO: Embrace the cozy, at-home feel by going barefoot and keeping things natural. Soft socks or slippers can also work if that’s more your style.
❌ DON’T: Worry about formal shoes—this session is all about snuggling up with your baby in the comfort of your home.

Intimate & Skin-to-Skin Moments

✅ DO: If you’re comfortable, skin-to-skin moments with your baby can create the most tender and emotional images. Moms can wear a simple bralette or tank top, and dads can opt for a fitted t-shirt or even shirtless for a more intimate feel.
❌ DON’T: Feel like you need to be overly dressed—natural and simple is best for these early newborn moments.

For Baby

✅ DO: Dress your baby in a simple onesie, swaddle, or just a diaper. Soft, neutral fabrics and textures keep the focus on their tiny features.
❌ DON’T: Use stiff outfits, big bows, or elaborate clothing—newborns are most comfortable in soft, minimal layers.

For Siblings

✅ DO: Keep sibling outfits simple and coordinate them with the rest of the family (soft colors, neutral tones). Dresses, simple tops, or cozy sweaters work well.
❌ DON’T: Stress about making everything match perfectly—cohesion is more important than perfection.

Above all, the goal is to capture the love and connection in those first days at home—no stiff poses, no pressure, just you and your family in your most natural and beautiful moments.

What To Wear For Your Senior Session

Your senior session is all about celebrating you—your personality, your style, and what makes you unique. The best outfits are the ones that feel like you, while also elevating your look to be timeless and stylish.

Express Your Individual Style

✅ DO: Wear outfits that reflect your personality! Whether your style is bold and trendy, classic and simple, or somewhere in between, choose clothes that make you feel confident and true to yourself.
❌ DON’T: Wear something just because you think you "should"—if an outfit doesn’t feel like you, it won’t photograph as well.

Stylish, Layered Looks

✅ DO: Bring a variety of outfits! Think of layers like jackets, cardigans, or accessories that add interest and allow for quick changes in your look. Earthy tones, jewel tones, or neutrals photograph beautifully, but bold colors can work too if they match your vibe.
❌ DON’T: Stick to just one look—having options allows for more variety in your photos.

Dress for the Location

✅ DO: Consider where your session will take place. Flowy dresses or stylish casual wear work beautifully in nature, while an urban setting might call for edgier outfits. If you love both, bring options!
❌ DON’T: Wear something that clashes with the environment. A beachy sundress in a cityscape or a formal evening gown in an open field might feel out of place.

Showcase Your Passions (Sports, Music, Hobbies, Etc.)

✅ DO: Bring elements of what makes you you! If you play a sport, bring your jersey or equipment. If you’re a musician, bring your instrument. These little details make your session more personal and meaningful.
❌ DON’T: Feel like you have to include props if they don’t represent you—this is about capturing who you are in an authentic way.

Comfort & Movement

✅ DO: Choose clothes that allow you to move comfortably. You’ll be walking, sitting, and possibly twirling or running depending on the session. Flowy fabrics, well-fitted jeans, or stylish sneakers can all work.
❌ DON’T: Wear anything too stiff, restrictive, or uncomfortable. If you don’t love how something fits, you’ll feel it in your photos.

Hair, Makeup & Accessories

✅ DO: Keep your look polished but natural. Light makeup can enhance your features without looking overdone, and simple jewelry can add a nice finishing touch.
❌ DON’T: Overdo trends that may not age well—classic and effortless is always a great choice.

Above all, this session is about capturing you—your personality, your passions, and your style at this exciting moment in your life!