Welcome Guide
Welcome to the good stuff.
You booked your session, and honestly, that just made my whole day. I don’t take it lightly that you chose me to capture this for you. I’m already looking forward to it.
This guide has everything you need to feel prepared and excited before your session. I’ll walk you through outfits, what to expect, and what happens after, so nothing catches you off guard, and all you have to do on session day is show up and have fun.
So get comfy, flip through at your own pace, and know that I’ve got you every step of the way.
Looking and feeling like you
Let’s talk outfits, and before we do, I just want to say: I see you. Whether you’ve already got three outfit options pinned and a color palette mapped out, or you just felt your stomach drop reading the words “start planning your outfits,” you’re in the right place either way.
Here’s what I want you to remember above everything else in this section: this is your session. There are no wrong answers. If you feel good and comfortable in what you’re wearing, that energy shows up in every single photo. That’s truly the secret.
However you’re feeling about this part, I’ve got you covered:
SOS mode? Send me an email with the subject line “Outfit HELP!” and we’ll get a call on the calendar to figure it out together.
Need a second opinion? Text me what you’re thinking, and we’ll work through it.
Living for this part? Amazing. Follow your heart and keep reading for some extra tips below.
Below, I’ll walk you through how I recommend building your outfits from scratch, plus a few resources that make the whole process a lot more fun.
Building your family's look.
Families come in all shapes, sizes, and configurations, and this guide is written for them all. Two moms, two dads, a couple and their fur babies, a big loud crew, or just the two of you. However your family shows up, these steps will work.
Step 1: Pick your anchor person.
Start with one person, ideally whoever has the most outfit options or the strongest sense of personal style. This person sets the tone for everyone else.
Step 2: Make sure it passes the three-part test.
Before anything else gets built around it, your anchor outfit needs to clear three things: you feel genuinely confident in it, you can move freely and interact with the people you love, and it’s comfortable enough that you stop thinking about it the moment we start shooting. All three? You’re golden.
Step 3: Build out one person at a time.
Once your anchor is set, add one person at a time. Don’t try to solve everyone at once; It’s overwhelming and unnecessary. Just ask: Does this person’s outfit feel like it belongs in the same photo as the anchor? Same energy, complementary tones, nothing competing. One at a time, it comes together faster than you’d think.
Wardrobe Dos & Don'ts
The Dos
Choose neutral and muted tones. Soft, muted colors photograph beautifully and keep the focus where it belongs, on your family. Keep in mind that bright or neon colors can be distracting in photos and may even reflect onto your skin in unflattering ways.
Add layers and texture. Cardigans, jackets, and fabrics like knit, linen, and denim add depth and visual interest to photos without being distracting. They also give the photos a little more dimension and make everything feel more intentional.
Dress for the season. Think layers for cooler months and breathable fabrics for warmer ones. Comfort matters; if someone’s too hot or too cold, it shows.
The Don'ts
Avoid logos and graphics. Text and logos pull the eye away from faces and tend to date photos quickly. When in doubt, go plain.
Avoid busy or clashing patterns. Patterns can compete with each other, becoming distracting. If someone wants to wear a pattern, keep everyone else in solids.
Skip the matchy-matchy. Coordinated is the goal, not identical. Matching outfits can feel stiff and dated. Complementary tones and a cohesive color story will always photograph better.
A note on kids: Make sure their outfits actually fit. Those little ones grow fast, and something that fit three months ago might tell a completely different story now. If you’re shooting outdoors, think about whether they might get dirty and dress accordingly. And above all, make sure they’re comfortable. A kid who’s uncomfortable in their outfit will absolutely let everyone know.
A note on pets: Make sure you have a leash and collar you’re happy with in the photos. I’ll do my best, but I can’t always promise a clean edit. If you’d like your pet to wear a bandana or sweater, let them practice wearing it leading up to the session, so it feels normal by the time we shoot. A pet who’s used to their outfit is a much happier model.
Style & Select
If outfit planning feels like a lot, this is about to become your new best friend.
Style and Select is one of my favorite resources to share with clients. Think of it as a live Pinterest board that you can actually shop from. You can browse for inspiration, mix and match pieces to see how they look together, and even upload photos of things you already own to see how they coordinate as a complete look. It’s a really fun visual tool, and honestly, most people end up enjoying it way more than they expected.
Your personal link and access code will be in your welcome email.
Not sure where to start? Check out this YouTube tutorial that walks you through exactly how to use it:
And if you’d rather hand it off completely, I’ve got you. I can go in, build your family’s outfits, and put together a mood board so you can see everything together before you commit to anything. Just send me that “Outfits HELP!” email, and we’ll make it happen.
I hope these tips help make everything feel a little more manageable and a lot more fun. You’ve got this! And you’ve got me in your corner every step of the way.
Never hesitate to reach out if something comes up or you just need a second opinion. An email, text, or call is all it takes. No question is too small, and no bump in the road is too big. I’m here to help!
-Danielle