Style Guide

Deciding what to wear for your session can seem overwhelming, and is often the most stressful portion of the prep- but it doesn't have to be.
Before reading further, check out the Client Closet- all items are included in your Session Fee.

***this page is intended to be a guide- take it or leave it; whatever you show up wearing, I'm here to document.

PLan AHEAD

Don’t procrastinate on the wardrobe planning- having everything ready in advance creates a much more relaxed session day.
Allow plenty of time for items to ship when online shopping. Try on the outfits plenty early to make sure everything fits and is free of stains or wrinkles.

Choose coordination over matching.

Gone are the days of identical outfits- instead, choose complementary colours, play with textures, mix patterns or explore themes that tie everything together.

Lay Everything Out

Lay everyone’s outfits across a bed- does it coordinate? If you need a second opinion, snap a pic and send my way!

Keep your location in mind.

Style yourself (and family) according to the location of the session- ask yourself if the outfit fits the theme and vibe you’re trying to accomplish.
Outdoor sessions may include mosquitos and (sometimes) ticks- bring along the repellant

Dress for the weather

Dress your kids appropriately for the temperature outside and the season…
Winter/ early spring/late fall: layer, layer layer. Plan for the possibility of mitts and a hat.
Summer/later spring/early fall: sometimes the evenings can get chilled. Bring along a sweater just in case.

Showcase Your Family’s Identity

Photos should reflect who you (and your family) truly are. Style individuals in outfits that make them feel comfortable and confident. Incorporating personal style is AWESOME.
Say goodbye to cookie-cutter portraits and hello to photos that tell your family’s story in a truly unique way.

Style Mom First

Determine what mom is going to wear (as she is usually the toughest to style) and build everyone else’s outfits around that.

Be Mindful of Diapers and Underwear

Family sessions include a lot of tickles and playing- diaper covers or shorts under the dress/skirt is encouraged.

Don’t reinvent the wheel

Pull inspiration from Instagram & Facebook. The best way to know what’s trending or what you love is to start gathering images that speak to you. Don’t know how to find what you’re looking for? Try a IG search for #familyphotographer #familyphotography to start.

Avoid:

• matching outfits

• everyone dressing in the same colour- you will end up looking like a family blob in the group shots

• busy patterns on multiple individuals- instead go for texture for visual interest

• clothing with logos or font

• florescent colours that can cast colours onto your skin

• ratty shoes (yes, your feet will show in photos)- sometimes barefoot is the answer!

Newborn Sessions

mom

The Client Closet is the perfect place to “shop” for your outfit.
Just let me know if you’d like to setup a “Try-On Session” prior to your due date and I will style you!

relaxed/lifestyle images on the studio bed/sofa/bench:

With this style of images, you and your family will be snuggling in and your full body will be photographed (see above).
Flowy dresses, chunky knits oversized sweaters and fabrics with texture are a great option for your postpartum body.
Barefoot or nude socks is a good option for your feet.

*Quick Tip: Throw on a fresh coat of polish as your hands will be a focus holding your Babe’s sweet head!

The following images are not found in the Client Closet and are inspirations pieces:

traditional/posed images against the solid backdrop:

For this style, your upper body will be the only part photographed and therefore you can dress comfortably from the waist down- black yoga pants work great.
Skin-to-skin is beautiful and a simple neutral tank top is great for these images. I am not at all concerned with the fit… you just gave birth; nothing fits correctly- I GET IT! For this reason, images are cropped above the postpartum belly and baby covers your chest.
Want a bit more coverage or detail? Check out the Kimono and lace top options in the Client Closet.

*Quick Tip: Throw on a fresh coat of polish as your hands will be a focus holding your Babe’s sweet head!
**throw a strapless bra into your bag. I know, it won’t fit but it’s good to have on hand for some of the top options.

dad

Wear a solid coloured shirt that compliments what mom is wearing. Barefoot or black socks are recommended.

The following images are not found in the Client Closet and are inspirations pieces:

siblings

Coordinate around mom’s outfit.
For boys, consider having them go shirtless. Of course this is at the discretion of the parent.
Diaper covers or shorts under sister’s dress is recommended- especially if you choose the relaxed/lifestyle images.
You can throw a pattern in there and it would look great.
Barefoot or tights are recommended for their feet.
Again, browse the Client Closet for some options!

The following images are not found in the Client Closet and are inspirations pieces:

baby

Not to worry- I will wrap baby in a fabric that coordinates with your outfits!