What to Wear: Family Session Guide

I love outfits with pops of color - think a soft coral sweater and a bright pink headband, or a beautiful dusty blue dress with a yellow belt. If you can pull that off, amazing! But if all you can do is keep everyone excited for our session, then I'll take that any day!!!

Here are some tips that come with loads of experience.

At the end of the day, comfort is the most important piece of advice - don't stress if it's not perfect, authenticity beats coordination every time!

1. Start with Mom

You coordinate everything, so pick what makes YOU feel confident first. Then kids, then dad last. Once you've got your look, everyone else falls into place.

✓ QUICK TIP: Choose something you'd wear for a nice dinner out - not too casual, not too dressy.

✗ AVOID: Starting with everyone else's opinions - you'll go crazy!

2. Color Coordination Made Simple

One person wears a pop of color while everyone else stays in muted tones (but NOT all beiges and greys - we want some warmth!). For extended families: give everyone the same guideline and step back from the group chat.

✓ QUICK TIP: You can have 1-2 people wear subtle patterns, then keep the rest in solids for visual interest without chaos.

✗ AVOID: Making everyone wear the exact same color - it's not a uniform!

3. Comfort is Everything

Choose clothes that fit comfortably - if you're constantly adjusting or holding yourself in a certain way, it shows in photos. But if Charlie loves his bowties or Sarah wants her red sparkly dress, we work with it!

✓ QUICK TIP: Test the comfort level - can you move, sit, and play easily?

✗ AVOID: Anything uncomfortable, itchy, restricts movement, or has pilling, wrinkles, or mystery stains.

4. Special Tips for Toddlers

Give them choices! Show them 2-3 outfits you've pre-approved and let them pick. They'll feel involved and you'll avoid meltdowns.

✓ QUICK TIP: For little girls, wear leggings under dresses - we'll be playing and you don't want underwear showing in photos!

✗ AVOID: Characters, logos, and busy graphics - they date photos.

5. Location-Smart Choices

Beach sessions? Shoes are coming off anyway, choose pants that roll up easily since you might get wet. Forest adventures? Skip the greens so you don't blend in. Trails can get dusty. Our foggy weather is exactly when those pops of color shine through the mist.

✓ QUICK TIP: No heavy winter coats - prefer layers like cardigans, vests, and light jackets you can adjust on the spot if weather changes.

✗ AVOID: Shoes that are hard to walk in or white shirts on kids (dirt magnets!).

6. The Details That Matter

Hair pulled back for active kids, manicure for mom, trimmed beard or clean shave for dad. Lay everything out the night before to avoid morning stress. It's okay if age gaps mean different comfort levels - work with what makes each kid happy.

✓ QUICK TIP: Simple accessories like belts or scarves can add that final touch - just don't overdo it.

✗ AVOID: Too many accessories or anything that needs constant adjusting.

7. Color Palette Suggestions

Start with mom's favorite piece of clothing and build from there! Need inspiration for colors that work beautifully together? Check out my Pinterest page for tried-and-true combinations that photograph beautifully: https://www.pinterest.com/nseguinphotos/what-to-wear/

✓ QUICK TIP: Remember, we're looking for colors that complement each other, not match exactly.

✗ AVOID: The jeans and white shirts combo for everyone - this isn't the 80s!