Hi Friends...

I know picking outfits for family photos can feel a little stressful — but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're pulling clothes from your closet or shopping for something new, this guide is here to help take the guesswork out of what looks best on camera.

You'll find my favorite tips not just for what to wear, but also how to help your session run smoothly — from timing naps to bribing toddlers (yep, I said it). Think of this as your all-in-one prep guide to feeling calm, confident, and ready to enjoy these sweet moments with your crew.

Need help deciding? Text or email me anytime — I love helping families feel good in front of the camera.

You’ve got this. And you're going to look amazing.

With joy,

Maddie

"Life moves fast. if you don't stop and look around once and a while, you could miss it."

- Ferris Bueller

What to wear

&

tips & Tricks

a little planning now equals dreamy photos you will treasure for a lifetime

At a glance

what photographs best

Solid colors

Neutral + light tones

Soft textures

Minimal or no patterns

These choices give your photos a clean, timeless, and emotional feel — letting the love in the moment take center stage.

Light Neutrals

think soft, dreamy, and peaceful

Light neutrals reflect natural light beautifully, creating soft, airy images that feel relaxed, connected, and timeless. These tones bring a sense of calm to your photos and help highlight what matters most — your family’s connection, joy, and love. They blend seamlessly with outdoor settings and home environments, making your gallery feel effortlessly cohesive and full of warmth.

Examples: Cream, Light gray, White, Blush, Beige, Dusty sage, and Pale blue

Dark Neutrals

think rich, cozy, and grounded

Dark neutrals add richness, depth, and a cozy sense of grounding to your images. These tones create beautiful contrast, helping the natural emotion and movement of your family shine through. Whether it’s a navy sweater, a deep green dress, or warm brown layers, darker shades bring a touch of elegance while still keeping the focus on your connection. They pair beautifully with lighter tones and photograph effortlessly in any season

Examples: Navy, Deep brown, Charcoal gray, Rich black, and Forest or dusty green

Neutrals are the unsung heroes of family photo styling — and for good reason! They go with everything. Whether you’re pulling outfits from different closets or planning last-minute, neutral tones make coordination simple and stress-free. They mix and match beautifully without looking too “matchy,” and they create a soft, timeless backdrop that lets your family’s connection take center stage. Want to add a little personality? A pop of color in a scarf, statement dress, or playful accessory can shine without stealing the spotlight. It’s the best of both worlds — relaxed and refined.

Tips for Littles

The best photos of children come when they’re free to be themselves — silly, sweet, curious, and full of wonder. To help your little ones stay happy and engaged, here are a few tips to make the session fun for everyone:

Bring a favorite toy or treat as a reward — a little incentive can go a long way when attention spans run short!

I love turning our time together into a mini adventure. Think: twirling, running barefoot, collecting flowers, or chasing bubbles.

Giving them little “jobs” like hugging a sibling, tickling Dad, or picking the prettiest leaf keeps things playful and sweet.

Instead of stiff poses, I’ll gently guide moments and interactions — letting their true personalities shine in every frame.

Most of all, don’t worry if they’re wiggly, wild, or need a snack break. It’s all part of the magic — and we’ll roll with it together.

Coodinate not matching

While it might be tempting to dress everyone the same, I always recommend coordinating instead of matching. Choosing outfits in similar tones or complementary colors adds depth and visual interest to your photos — without looking too uniform.

If you love the idea of everyone in the same color, try mixing it up with different shades, textures, or layers (think knits, linen, denim, or lace).

Don’t forget the details — accessories like hats, bows, scarves, or jewelry can add personality and polish.

And if you’re feeling fancy? Lean in! Formalwear can photograph beautifully. Long dresses and tailored suits add an elevated, timeless touch.

What to avoid

A few helpful tips to keep your photos looking clean, cohesive, and timeless:

Avoid everyone wearing white tops. White is fine on one person, but when everyone’s in it, the image can look flat and washed out.

Skip tiny patterns (especially on men’s shirts) — anything smaller than a dime can create strange effects on camera.

Say no to graphic tees or bold logos. These pull attention away from your faces and the emotion in the photo.

Avoid all-over prints for the whole group. If one person wears a subtle pattern, pair it with solids on everyone else.

Neons and super bright tones (red, orange, yellow, bright blue) tend to reflect color onto skin and can distract from your connection.

Ill-fitting clothes = uncomfortable photos. Avoid anything too baggy, too tight, or that rides up or slips down.

Plan to do a little moving, a little walking, some playing, and maybe even a bit of dancing — because the best photos often come from the in-between moments.

We’ll keep things relaxed, joyful, and warm (literally — I’ll do my best to make sure you’re cozy between shots if it’s chilly!). My goal is to make this experience feel fun, easy, and full of connection.

I’m so excited to capture your family just as you are — real, beautiful, and full of love.

I hope you’re getting excited too.