the Basics

In general, you'll hear me preach variety + texture, detail + the importance of color and tones! 

I'm going to get super blunt here with some very clear Do's and Don't's, so please don't be offended if the advice I offer goes against all of your instincts! You really aren’t annoying me with texts or emails of images or wardrobe thoughts! This is my job ya’ll- to make you look and feel amazing!

For starters, think coordinating, not matching. A variety of color, patterns, materials and styles photographs beautifully. All jeans and the same color top doesn’t let personality shine through! Different types of fabrics are another great way to add variety (denim, twill, chiffon, flannel, etc)

The absolute No-No's:

-NO sneakers or crocs. Instead think about Converse, Vans, Tom's + Sperry's! Unsure or don’t want to buy everyone new shoes? Let’s go barefoot! Your entire wardrobe matters! Not just your clothes! I will take photos of you top to bottom and I'd rather your family be barefoot than in white gym shoes or neon green Under Armor running shoes! While we're at it...

-NO neon or pastel colors! These kinds of colors go directly against my shooting and editing style. It doesn't matter that it's spring- you can still stick to a color palate more conducive to the way I shoot! These colors tend to be more timeless and versatile! Also, stay away from too much green if we're shooting outside! Deep forest or olive is great but steer clear of bright Kelly green!

-NO polos. Polos may be fine for Easter gatherings, but they're off limits for my sessions! Think instead about a nice henley or an untucked button down!

-NO dressing ANYONE the same! Not twins, not the boys, no one even in the same shirt! Let's get some variety in your images!

-NO matchy-matching! In other words, don't dress everyone in denim bottoms and white shirts. Patterns are great but don't dress everyone in the same pattern! I can't stress enough that variety in your clothes will add variety and impact to your session!

-NO crazy logos or designs! Graphic tees can be killer, though! I totally get that your 3 year old is obsessed with her rainbow glitter unicorn shirt, but she can wear it after our session! Try to pick shirts without Nike swishes or North Face triangles. Patterns are great, but make sure they aren't overwhelming!

 

Here are some examples of what NOT to wear:

SO to this Old Navy ad for today’s example of What Not to Wear. Waaaaaay too matchy and way too many patterns! These families would be so much cuter with some variety!

Shout out to this Old Navy ad for today’s example of What Not to Wear. Waaaaaay too matchy and way too many patterns! These families would be so much cuter with some variety!

The ABSOLUTE Yes's:

-Neutrals baby!! Dusty rose, taupe, mustard yellow, olive green, camel, charcoal blue, cream, sage, rust- these are the colors that are really going to pop with the way I shoot! Keep in mind that my shoots happen at sunset and these colors are going to be highlighted against the sunset! Now, this doesn't mean you can only dress in these colors, but it should offer a good jumping off point as you start putting outfits together!

-Texture! A leather jacket, ripped-knee skinnies, tulle skirt, flowy maxi dress, lace details, faux fur vest, chambray shirt, cuffed sleeves, even the way you style your hair can all add great texture to your images! These textures will, again, add so much visual variety to your images! I love things that we can play with like long loose hair, flow-y dresses and clothes that blow in the wind!

-Accessories, accessories, accessories! Throw a fedora or beanie on your boy or an adorable pair of knee highs on your girl! Give your fella suspenders and get you an awesome flower crown! Let's get some variety to your images! How often do you get family photos? Every couple of years? Indulge a bit and go the extra mile! Think of your wardrobe as your prop! A flat brimmed hat, loosened tie, flowers tucked into your hair, carrying your shoes instead of wearing them, a shawl, even a long skirt all add interest and give more for us to play with during your session!

-Show some skin! I love backless dresses, tattooed forearms, chubby baby thighs and shirtless little boys! Skin is so authentic to us and showing it off really adds an element of life that sets images apart!

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Start with mom

-I'm talking to you mama! I know you might be a leggings, t-shirt + messy bun kinda girl (same, actually), but dress up for this! Break away from your comfort zone and just BUY the dress you love!

-Treat yourself to an adorable new look! You deserve to dress up once in a while and look like the bombshell lady you are! Oh, but stay away from heels! We'll be walking on a lot of uneven ground! Wedges are okay, if they're super comfy, but a flat is better!

-If you’re comfortable showing skin (backless, off the shoulder etc) go for it! Skin can tell a more raw and real story! Choosing a dress or top with flowy sleeves or skirt creates beautiful images as well. If you have chosen a dress that is not conducive for a strapless bra, lace bralettes or pasties are best!

-I always recommend a dress because of the movement and variety they add to photos, but if a dress just isn’t your thing, think about a romper or jumpsuit! What about super rad bell bottoms!?

 

Then the Kids

-Once you have your outfit decided on, you can move on to the kiddos.

-Do not buy clothes for your children or newborn to grow into - fitted clothes look best! We want to see their cute little features and not be hidden behind oversized clothes. Make sure they’re comfortable! If they have suspenders or straps be prepared that they may be loose or falling in some photos - embrace it! They’re kids - and we’re sure to play some games.

-Again, don’t dress anyone the same! All the rules above apply here! Feeling stumped? Start with cute fitted khakis for your little boy and add from there! For girls, I love starting with rompers! Only having one piece to deal with makes it so easy!

-Shop what you can from their closets and purchase a few key items to fill out their looks!

then the fellas

-Let’s chat about guys- you literally can’t go wrong with a black henley and khakis. It’s the backup for all of the guys I work with! Want to brake out of the norm a bit but not too much? What about a linen shirt that unbuttons a bit?!

-I know sometimes it can be hard to get your boo thang to even agree to taking family photos so be sure that he is comfortable in what he’s wearing! Don’t have him wear something he hates just to make the photo pretty- dress him true to who he is. Just zhuzh’d up a bit!

-Got a music loving guy in your life? Throw him in a band tee! Flannels are great and so are jackets!

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Take a look at some of my past clients’ looks! Variety in texture, color, patterns and details that all come together for some excellent looks!

A few more tips...

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coordination vs. Matching

Coordination does not mean matching! You don't all need to be in shades of blue in order to coordinate well! Stick to a similar palatte as opposed to color and you'll be golden!

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neutral tones

Have I said yet that neutral tones are important? Cause they are. Gimme earthen boho flare any day of the week, I'll be a happy photographer and you'll be a happy client!

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Keep it you!

If he's not a tie kind of guy, don't make him wear one! If she despises skirts, mix it up for her! You want to look relaxed in what you're wearing, so make sure clothes fit well and are a good expression of who you are!

take care of you

Buy clothes that fit and flatter. Love your body how it is right now. Sometimes to avoid buying ‘the next size up’ we buy clothes that don’t flatter. The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable in your clothes while we shoot. ALSO be sure to have appropriate undergarments for your outfit choices!

Hair and makeup. I always tell clients that you want to look like you, but you on your best day! Get your hair and makeup done! Need some names or salon recommendations? Give me a shout!

Nails. I LOVE getting detail shots of your rings, your hands intertwined, the way your hands touch each other, and you'll probably enjoy the photos more if your nails are looking nice. I'm not saying you need a full mani/pedi to get ready for our session, but a clear coat and lotion can do wonders!

Spray tans! Coming from the fairest girl in the midwest, I totally understand wanting a beautiful golden glow! Just be sure that you try to stay somewhat near your skin tone. I don’t want you looking unnatural or orange! Also, be sure to get your tan a day or two before your session so it can settle a bit!

Make it yours

Wear what makes sense for our setting. Outdoors anything is game - super dressy to casual. Indoors you want to match the aesthetic of the location. If your home is cozy and casual - you should be too!

Playful, romantic, grungy or boho- it’s all allowed. If you're a couple and want to really show off how in love you are, maybe you dress ultra romantic! If you're a mama with a wild kiddo, maybe you dress more relaxed and fun and ready to chase! If you've got a little girl turning 5 and she loves dresses, find her an adorable tulle skirt and flower crown to match! Wether you're more preppy, chic, hipster or eclectic in your look, dress your family for your mood! In general, stay away from anything stuffy or rigid that will make you feel out of place at your session!

Remember - Your session is an investment! 

Don't just invest in the photographer- invest in YOU! I mean, how often do you get these family photos done? Once every few years? IF that often? Invest in the outfits, book the hair appointment, BUY THE SHOES. Really, you won't regret it!

Beyond what you invest in me, you'll invest in prints, books and canvases and you'll gift these images to lots of Grandma's and Grandpa's. These are going to be on the walls of your home and in scrapbooks and frames for years to come! These tips will help your images look timeless yet modern and will keep them relevant for decades to come!

If you follow these Do's and Don'ts, I guarantee you'll fall head over heals for your family all over again when you see your images! How darling your littles will look and how great you'll feel about yourself! You'll look at your images with your heart bursting with pride!

Tips for newborns

-The simpler the better! For baby I recommend a plain (no graphics) fitted onesie, just a diaper, and a muslin. This way I’m able to easily get all those sweet details. Save the other outfits for showing baby off to relatives and friends!

-The Absolute NO's I listed above still apply here 100%!

-Keep things comfy and casual! This is in your home, after all!

-Remember that you’ll be just a few days postpartum so dressing accordingly will make you way more comfortable! I am all for anything from a cute dress to big comfy sweaters! I find that dresses are preferred by my clients because they’re comfy and easy!

- Again- stick to the above color pallets!

WHERE to shop

These shops are only suggestions! A lot of these retailers offer great sales which is why I chose a lot of them! If you shop early enough, you won't have to pay for expedited shipping and you'll have time to return stuff if it isn't quite what you're after!

Keep in mind that these retailers will carry seasonal designs! Just because I have Tillys listed, doesn't mean you should put your man in board shorts and a graphic tee. Use these suggestions as a jumping off point! Get creative and mix and match with different retailers! Have fun dressing the loves of your life to look their best!

Finally, believe it or not, I have found some SUPER cute stuff on Amazon! Just be sure to read reviews and know where your product is coming from. Otherwise, you may end up ordering a dress that will take 4-6 weeks to ship from overseas and is actually sized according to European measurements so it won't fit you at all (not that I'm speaking from experience...)