The information below goes over colors, skin tones, makeup, and more. Everything here will truly make your photos uniquely yours.
Many aspects go into a successful photoshoot. One of those aspects is outfits.
I believe outfits can play an essential part in the overall look of the images.
When you choose outfits you love and feel good in, you will love the images even more. It allows you to be in the moment with your loved ones instead of worrying about how uncomfortable the outfits are, or how you might portray yourself in them.
I have several resources to help you find and coordinate outfits to save you stress and time.
Along with this style guide to give you tips on what to wear and what not to wear, as well as my interactive styling resource, Style & Select.
Style & Select is an interactive & shoppable styling resource that shows you hundreds of photo-worthy tops, bottoms, dresses, and accessories pulled in from well-known retailers to give clients like you, an easier way to figure out what to wear.
You pick your favorites and shop from the Style Board email!
If you have something you have found online or that you love in your own closet, feel free to upload an image into the custom upload button so you can see how it coordinates with the rest of the families' selections.
Once you have selected your favorites, you can then email yourself the styling board and you will have links directly to the retailer for purchasing. If you want any feedback from me reply to my last with screenshots or links to the outfits you are looking at.
Click to jump back to a section:
Let's talk basic Color
I hand-edit every session almost the same way which means there are some colors that look better on camera than others. We will start at the basics: Black and White.
White:
A full white article of clothing does not usually translate great with my editing style (think blank white tee). That means that white can take on a purple tint or look gray and desaturate you. White also doesn't hold much contrast and doesn't create shadows so that means it has no shape.
I don't recommend wearing blank white as a full clothing article unless it is a dress or a article of clothing that has a good texture or pattern to it (think lace, knitting, chiffon, ruffles). White will also overshine any other colors next to it, which could be great for maternity, but not so much for family photos. You will want everyone to have their own style without overshadowing each other.
Black:
Black is almost the same as white, except it doesn't take on other colors. Black will stay black but it can make you look blobby if the piece of clothing doesn't have any texture (think lace, knitting, chiffon, ruffles). I recommend adding a belt or another texture to black to make it stand out if you choose to wear it. (Think of lace or knitting to add texture)
In-depth: Color
You may have noticed a theme here: Natural. It's the colors that look best with my editing style. The best thing about natural colors (Think earth, water, and floral tones) is that they don't take the attention away from you.
Can you wear more vibrant colors? Yes. But you will be drawn to the colors before you see your face in the photo.
These photos are about YOU, so you should be seen first.
Clothing articles in more natural tones look in sync with the environment and don't take away from your beauty. The colors above are all colors that are a part of some of my favorite images.
Below are some of my favorite clothing pieces of last year that clients put together after going through this style guide. The reason these outfits work so well is their natural coloring, textures, and everyone having their own style! There are knits, velvets, vests, layers, interesting textures, and more. These items bring visual interest to the subject without overshadowing them.
Styling & Clothing Pieces
Wear something that’ll keep you cool in summer, warm in winter, and that’ll make you feel like the sparkly human that you are on the inside!
If you have anything in your wardrobe that is textured, sheer, or billowy: fabrics that flow show up so beautifully in photographs because they capture snapshots of movement – avoid starchy, stiff-seeming garments that get crumpled in weird spots and need adjusting.
Texture, Comfortability, and Ease
Accessories: Jewelry, hats, suspenders, knee-high socks, cardigans, vests, and hair bows can add layers and help coordinate across multiple people..
Multiple colors: Choose a 2-3 colors color palette in the same tone and sprinkle in some neutrals to avoid matching.
Patterns and textures: Don't be afraid to mix patterns such as florals and stripes, or plaids and polka dots. Adding in textures such as velvet, lace, crochet, and corduroy can also add visual interest.
Colored pants: If you are going for an all-neutral look, or lots of earth tones, blue denim jeans can throw off the overall look. Instead, use complimentary colored chinos such as olive, burgundy, khaki, grey, etc.
Outfits with movement: Picking outfits that can be flowy and show a lot of movement can create magical images. Stay away from stiff and tight fabrics. Flowy maxi dresses, skirts, shirts, and cardigans are great options. If you are wanting a more casual look, wide-leg pants, colored trouser pants, or shorter dresses are also a great option.
Flattering fits: Accentuate what you love and don't hide your entire body. Put your outfit on, stand up, twirl around, sit down, and stand back up. Do you need to adjust it? If you do the outfit might now be the best choice. I do most of my posing by having you do some active prompts. So if you find yourself constantly pulling and adjusting a garment I wouldn't recommend it.
Things to Avoid
All white or all black. Wearing white can make your images look washed out and flat. Avoid pieces of clothing that are over 80% white. Instead, opt for creams, beiges, or other neutrals.
Coral: Coral tends to make most people lean red and bring redness into a photo.
Whites, denim, and khaki colors are ALL different colors and they look even more different on camera. Please do not try to replicate the white tee and khaki beach pictures. Let everyone have their own style!
Bright neon colors: Neon colors can be distracting and cause color casts on your skin.
Athletic tennis shoes: Dress the part from head to toe. If you have terrific outfits, but your child is wearing athletic tennis shoes with bright neon colors, it can throw off the entire look. Instead, choose casual tennis shoes such as sperrys, boots, booties, or neutral-colored sandals.
Large logos: logos can be distracting.
Everyone in jeans: Change it up with different colors or styles of pants
Loud and Tight patterns: They are often too distracting. Do not take away from the main focus: YOU!
Same patterns: Don't mix the same patterns twice. i.e., all boys in plaids. All girls in Floral. Instead, mix a pattern with a different pattern or even a solid!
Bright Red: Red is one of the most complex colors to photograph. It often casts colors onto the skin, just like neon and coral colors do. Dark reds are beautiful, though!
In summary, you can see that what I do recommend are timeless natural colors along with outfits that fit you comfortably and allow everyone to have their own style.
Makeup & Spray Tans
If you are someone who wears makeup or if you are hiring a makeup artist, please keep the colors natural like above. Most importantly, view the makeup in natural light and take a selfie to check! Make sure the makeup hasn't tinted your skin too orange or yellow and make sure that it's well blended. Make sure your eyes aren't too dark and smokey. Makeup (like colors) can either add to your pictures or take from them.
I personally would not recommend a spray tan within a few weeks of your session. But if you choose to, please be aware I do not even out tan lines (like on your hands and feet) My overall experience with clients and spray tans have been this: Either the spray tan has run or washed off hands, feet, and face OR the spray tan has an orange tint to it.
To Summarize Color :
When choosing color(s) for your outfits, I recommend selecting soft tones and muted shades. By avoiding ultra-bright colors, it will help bring all the attention to your faces. Bright colors have a tendency to project colors onto your chin and neck.
The camera loves natural colors like the palettes above, mixed with light neutrals like heather gray, creams, tans, leather, and denim. This neutral and natural color palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments.
Smart Watches
Okay, so I'm going to say something controversial here: If you usually wear a smartwatch and you have a tan line like me either wear the watch as is, get another watch band, or pick up a traditional watch. I wear a smartwatch daily and ultimately my tan line is more distracting than my watch.
You can opt to get a "classy" band and even change the face on your watch to something that matches your outfits. They make bands that are gold, silver, etc and you can pair them with a watch face or photo that matches your outfits. This is all optional. These are your photos so I'll leave it up to you whether or not you will wear your smart watch.
Fabrics & Prints:
Fabric selection has the power to add positive interest or negative distraction to your photos.
DO NOT wear anything with large logos or lettering. It will ultimately distract from your photos!
A solid-colored fabric is always a good choice, but if you don't want to wear a solid-colored outfit, select a print that is minimalist and understated, rather than bold and design-forward. Think dainty florals and repetitive geometric designs. If you choose to wear a pattern make sure it is not tight (see photo above).
Another way to add visual interest is to opt for textures like lace, linen, denim, chiffon, or tulle.
Remember: the goal isn't to have someone look at your photo and immediately say, "Whoa look at that dress." Instead, you want them to say, "Oh my, you look stunning."
How the Outfit looks on you.
Cuts & Shapes
Flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos, Consider a cut that allows for beautiful movement in the images.
The eye is drawn to what is revealed. Meaning bare arms up to the shoulders, bare legs in short dresses, and low-cut necklines might distract from your face in the photo.
Movability:
I do my posing by giving you prompts that move you around. Wear something as dressy or as casual as you want, as long as you can move comfortably in it. If you can't walk a few steps without having to adjust your outfit, it might be better to choose another one.
Be aware of how outfits fit you.
If the outfit your set on doesn't cover an insecurity for you, you may notice it more in photos. Choose an outfit that can conceal any areas you don't want to show and accentuate areas that you like.
If you don't like your upper arms showing, opt for a long sleeve or a flowy cover-up. Maybe you don't want your midsection to be super noticeable, pick a piece of clothing that flows over that section instead of being tight.
If you can see an insecurity while wearing the outfit you will notice it later in photos.
Footwear
Heels elongate legs, making them look fabulous. Closed-toed heels in particular look great on camera because they carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe. Platform sandals, chacos, or boots are also a good choice!
There is some walking at our photo locations (or if your heels are particularly uncomfortable), you might consider packing a pair of flip-flops for swapping out in between picture spots.
I will reiterate here: I do most of my posing by having you move around, if you aren't used to heels or other shoes, it might be best not to wear them. Pick something comfortable and something that will allow you to move with ease.
Avoid tennis shoes with large logos, or bright colors.
and dont forget:
- Don't be afraid to add a little extra pazazz! Hats, bracelets, necklaces can help tie in your outfits.
- Flowy bohemian dresses photograph beautifully.
- Even something like a flowy printed skirt, tucked-in tee, and Doc Martens is great!
- If you are wearing makeup, make sure it is well-blended.
- Layers look great on camera! (even if it feels overdressed, adding layers creates dimension and visual interest in your photos)
- If you are choosing jeans, pick a darker wash or something less "generically blue". All of the colors in your photos will be enhanced whenever I edit and if the jeans are super blue washed they can look even bluer during editing.
- Be conscious of the colors surrounding your face. (if you are more prone to having a pink or red undertone, don't pick a shirt that will enhance the redness, opt for a cooler color.)
Tips for the little ones
1: Practice smiling. I know this sounds silly, but try practicing with cues like, "Show me your teeth!" or "Say ice creeeeam!"
2: Find a song, dance, or video that captures their attention and brings out joy. I've learned that small kids can't fake it. They feel what they feel. And you can't hack that! Prior to your photo session, practice singing some songs or learn some silly dances that make your child(ren) genuinely happy.
3: Pack a toys and snack bag. Before your session, pack a bag with snacks, water, and any small objects (like toys or treats) that might help us get their attention when it’s time for them to look at the camera.
4: Give a pep talk. If they are old enough to understand you, it’s a good idea to prepare them for what’s to come before the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you so they know to be on their best behavior.
5: Good old-fashioned bribery. A lot of families discuss and pick a treat that the kids will receive after the session if they’re good listeners and smilers, like an ice cream cone, for example.
That being said, don’t be worried about how your kids will behave or embarrassed if things don’t go as planned. They’re little, and their unfiltered, unpredictable emotions and outbursts are part of the reason you want to remember this season in life. It's my aim to help you embrace these moments with them instead of trying to make them act a certain way for an hour or more.
We will make sure to get a few shots of everyone smiling and looking at the camera, but for the most part, I want you to just have a great time and be yourselves. Saying "no" and "don't do it like THAT" can make a child feel like they are participating in the session in the wrong way. In my experience most children are trying their best and since my approach to sessions is more "fun" based most of the time kids being silly IS them participating their best. Remember, we will get those general poses but the photos of you interacting with your kids while they are happy and silly will probably be your favorites!
My favorite thing to capture is all of those in-between moments that can’t be perfectly posed anyway. If one of your children starts running away from the group giggling, scoop them up and smother them in tickles and kisses. If they are shy or upset, hold them close and tell them how wonderful you think they are while tucking their hair behind their ear. If you as a parent keep smiling and having a good time, I will be able to capture sweet moments the whole way through.
The Virtual Styling Tool
Style and Select
Style & Select is an interactive & shoppable styling resource that shows you hundreds of photo-worthy tops, bottoms, dresses, and accessories pulled in from well-known retailers to give clients, like you, an easier way to figure out what to wear.
You do not have to purchase anything in the app BUT it does give you a lot of styling ideas for your family
If you have something you have found online or that you love in your own closet, feel free to upload an image into the custom upload button so you can see how it coordinates with the rest of the families' selections.
Once you have selected your favorites, you can then email yourself the styling board and you will have links directly to the retailer for purchasing. Feel free to reach out with any questions you have! Check out instructions on how to further utilize Style & Select and some of my tips on styling in the next couple of paragraphs.
You do not have to purchase anything in the app BUT it does give you a lot of styling ideas for your family. You can just view the clothing options and find similar items on Amazon or your preferred retailer!
Step one:
Use my personal styling link and enter the styling code: to access the styling questionnaire.
- The link will take you to my "landing page" which will give you access to a helpful video tutorial to further explain how to use Style & Select, and a link to Style & Select's Instagram page which has lots of beautiful sessions from other photographers which might offer you some outfit inspiration.
- Once you are prepped with the above info - proceed to the questionnaire where you will fill out your info for each person in the session, and choose two color combinations.
STEP two:
The results page is where the fun begins!
- You will see options for each person in the session and can toggle between each person to select outfits.
- If you need extra guidance you can click the '?" icon at the bottom of the page The shopping cart icon takes you to the retailer's site to make sure the size you need is still available
- The heart icon under each item is used to select your favorites. Once favorited, the item will display on the Style Board.
- You can remove and replace items as you go through the styling process.
- You can view other options with the 'edit questionnaire' button to change the color combination or style vibe.
- Your Style Board will remain with your selections.
STEP three:
Finish your picks!
- Once you have finished selecting your favorites and are happy with all of the outfits, you can click "send selected items" and email yourself your style board or you can take screenshots to help you find similar items.
- Style & Select is updated daily, and sold-out items are deleted weekly.
Style and Select info:
styleandselect.com/p/naturalsunshinephotography
Styling Code: booked2024
Dressing for the Seasons
SPRING & SUMMER:
Spring can have some gorgeous blooms and lots of greenery. But with these blooms come bugs. The best way to not attract them is by not wearing perfume/cologne and packing a bug spray. Spring doesn't usually get too warm so most outfits would be comfortable.
Summer can also have some bugs but this can be minimized by not wearing perfumes and bringing bug spray. Summer can be hot & humid. Wearing thinner clothing can help combat the heat. Take into consideration the humidity if you choose to wear makeup.
fALL & WINTER:
Fall can vary for us. Sometimes we have a nice leaf change that stays and sometimes we get storms that knock them down. It can still be on the warmer side and bugs will still be present. Or we can get an early winter system and it can be cold.
Winter can be slightly cold or in freezing temperatures. This means it will be a bit nipply. Most women's bras have enough padding to prevent visible nipples but there's not much for the guys. You can opt for layering shirts or wearing bandaids to prevent this. Bugs are usually not a concern during this time.
I know that all of this is a lot to think about. I created this style guide to help make your session experience easier.
At the end of the day, the location you choose and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make together.
I want your session to be a time for you to just be yourselves and enjoy!
Store Reccomendations:
Masculine Clothing
Banana Republic
GAP
Forever 21
H&M
Polo
Old Navy
Target
Feminine Clothing
Banana Republic
GAP
Forever 21
H&M
Baltic Born
Shein
Free People
Anthropology
Old Navy
Target
Rylee + Cru
Children
GAP
Old Navy
Joyfolie
Shein
H&M
Target
Cora & Violet
Rylee + Cru