Spring
Soft blues, greens, cream and a light layer feel at home among new leaves. Choose shoes that can handle a damp path.
Try: cream · soft blue · sage
The portrait wardrobe guide
Look like yourselves.
Beautifully together.
A little thought about what to wear makes room for what matters: feeling comfortable, being present, and enjoying the people beside you.
For families
In harmony.
With individuality.
Start with one outfit you love, then build around two or three colors. Different shades, soft patterns and a mix of textures keep the group connected without putting everyone in the same outfit.
Here, different blues sit comfortably alongside light neutrals. The clothes feel related, while each person still looks like themselves.
Try the outfits together at home. Lay them on a bed or take a quick phone photo. If one piece commands all the attention, try a quieter alternative.
For children, choose familiar fits and shoes they can move in. Bring an extra layer and a spare outfit for little ones.
For seniors
Your year.
Your style.
Bring clothes you actually love wearing: a relaxed everyday look and, if you like, something a little more dressed up. A favorite dress, jacket or pair of boots can say more than an outfit chosen just for the camera.
Color is welcome. This red dress stands out against soft grasses without competing with a busy pattern. A bolder choice can work beautifully when the rest of the picture is simple.
If sport, music or another interest is part of your story, we can include the uniform, instrument or gear that belongs to it. Intentional details are different from a distracting logo.
Dress for the day
Let the setting
set the tone.
Summer & the lake
Lightweight fabrics and relaxed shapes leave room to move. Navy, pale blue and warm neutrals work beside the water; a favorite bright color can work too.
Try: navy · pale blue · sand
Autumn
Knitwear, denim and easy layers bring texture. Olive, brown and cream complement fall color without needing everyone to dress like the leaves.
Try: olive · denim · oatmeal
Winter
Make the coat part of the outfit. Warm boots, gloves and a favorite scarf keep everyone comfortable enough to enjoy the session.
Try: charcoal · cream · mustard
Choosing your session time
Beautiful light.
Beautifully you.
What you wear is part of the picture. The light we photograph in is another. For outdoor and location portraits, I usually recommend the two hours before sunset, when the sun is lower and the light can bring a softer, warmer feeling to your photographs.
That evening window is my favorite place to start when planning a session. There’s time to settle in, let the children explore, and make photographs as the light changes.
The first two hours after sunrise can be beautiful, too, especially if your family is naturally up early. But you don’t need to be morning people to have wonderful portraits—an evening session is a lovely choice.
We’ll choose the exact start time together, based on the season, your location, the weather, and your children’s routines. Beautiful light matters. So does everyone feeling like themselves.
The finishing touches
Thoughtful.
Never overthought.
- Try sitting, walking and lifting your arms in each outfit.
- Check shoes, socks and layers together; they may all appear in the photograph.
- Keep accessories meaningful and comfortable.
- Give new clothes a trial run, especially for children.
- At home, consider the colors of the room where we’ll photograph—and where you might display the finished portrait.
These are starting points, not rules. A photograph should feel like your family, not a wardrobe you borrowed for the afternoon.