Choosing the Best Outfits for Your Photography Session
WHAT TO WEAR
Yay! Your session is almost here! 🎉
You’ve picked the date, chosen your location, and trusted me to capture the moment. Now let’s tackle the one thing that almost every family stresses over…
“What in the world are we supposed to wear?”
Take a deep breath. ❤️ I’ve got you.
The goal isn’t to look like you’re all wearing matching uniforms. The goal is to look like you belong together.
Think coordinated, not identical.
First Things First…
Instead of asking…
“What should everyone wear?”
Start by asking…
“What feeling do I want these photos to have?”
✨ Cozy
🌾 Natural
🤍 Timeless
🎉 Fun
🌊 Beachy
🌻 Romantic
⚫ Bold
Once you know the vibe, the outfits become much easier.
My Formula (Works Every Time)
1. Pick one outfit you LOVE.
- Families → usually Mom.
- Couples → either person.
- Seniors → your favorite outfit.
- Branding → something that feels like your business.
Everything else builds from there.
Choose Your Color Palette
These are just a few of my favorites!
🤍 Cream + Beige + Camel
🌿 Sage + Cream + Denim
🌾 Rust + Olive + Ivory
🩵 Dusty Blue + Cream + Tan
🌸 Dusty Rose + Taupe + Ivory
Coordinate…Don’t Match
❌ Everyone in white shirts and jeans
✅ Different textures, complementary colors, layered pieces
Texture is Your Best Friend
- Knit sweaters
- Linen
- Lace
- Corduroy
- Denim
- Gauze
- Chunky knits
Patterns? Absolutely.
One floral dress.
One striped shirt.
One subtle plaid.
Everyone else pulls colors from those pieces.
Easy.
Things I’d Skip
🚫 Neon
🚫 Big logos
🚫 Athletic wear
🚫 Cartoon characters
🚫 Matching shirts
🚫 Bright running shoes
🚫 Hair ties on wrists
🚫 Apple Watches (if you don’t mind taking them off 😉)
Session Specific Tips
👨👩👧 Families
- Dress the kids last.
- Bring backup clothes for toddlers.
- Don’t fight your toddler over uncomfortable clothes.
- Bare feet are adorable when appropriate.
💍 Couples
- Dress one level nicer than your average date night.
- Movement photographs beautifully.
- Long dresses, layers, and jackets add variety.
🎓 Seniors
Bring 2–3 outfits.
Think:
• Casual
• Dressy
• Something that represents YOU (sports, hobbies, letterman jacket, etc.)
Accessories can completely change the look without changing clothes.
🤰 Maternity
Flowy dresses are always beautiful.
Avoid tight waistbands.
Think movement, softness, and comfort.
💼 Branding
Dress like the version of yourself your dream clients will meet.
Bring props.
Laptop.
Camera.
Coffee.
Notebook.
Flowers.
Whatever tells your story.
❤️ My Favorite Part…
Send Me Your Outfits!
Seriously…
I LOVE helping clients style their sessions.
Send me screenshots.
Take pictures in your mirror.
Send links from Target, Old Navy, Amazon, or wherever you’re shopping.
I would much rather help beforehand than have you stress over it alone.
Final Reminder
The goal isn’t perfect outfits.
The goal is photographs that still feel beautiful twenty years from now.
Choose clothes that feel like you, coordinate with the people you’re photographing with, and let the memories be the star of the show.
See you soon!
ASHLEE – ASHLEE HOUCK PHOTOGRAPHY
Check out these clients who understood the assignment!
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