Styling Your Session
Wardrobe Tips for Everyone
Choosing Outfits
No matter your style, choose clothing that feels comfortable and confident. Clothing that fits well always photographs better than pieces that are too tight or baggy. Solid colors and neutral tones keep the focus where it belongs — on you.
The night before your session:
- hang each outfit
- check everything for wrinkles
- pack accessories in a small pouch
- bring clean shoes for each outfit
- make sure you have the right underlayers
Wardrobe Tips for Everyone
Create Layers
Using layers is a great way to add visual interest and create different “looks” for each family member during your session.
Mix shirt styles, and lengths; and choose dresses , skirts and pants in different fabrics and texture. Think knits, lace, eyelet, corduroy, denim, linen, tulle etc.
Items like sweaters, vests, or jackets can give the feeling of a quick “wardrobe change” between shots by simply adding or removing them.
And always keep the location in mind. If we're shooting in a green field, light green dresses might blend in too much with the surroundings.
Wardrobe Tips for Everyone
Fabrics and Patterns
When you’re choosing what to wear, let texture lead the way. Knits, linen, ribbed cotton, denim, and pieces with soft movement will give your photos the extra pop. Mixing textures adds depth and interest, so try not to rely too much on smooth fabrics. A little variety goes a long way.
If you’re bringing in patterns, keep it fun and simple! In smaller groups, go for one pattern you love and balance it with solid colors. In larger groups, feel free to add a second pattern, just make sure they’re different enough so everything looks balanced and comfortable together.
"The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do."
- Andy Warhol
For the ladies
Choosing outfits for your senior session should feel fun and personal. Start with clothing that fits well and feels like something you naturally reach for. Dresses, jumpsuits, jeans with a cute top, or a simple matching set all work well. Solid colors and soft patterns tend to photograph best and keep the focus on your face. Loud prints, neon colors, or anything that needs constant adjusting can distract in photos.
Layers are an easy way to add variety without a full outfit change. A denim jacket, cardigan, or light blazer can completely shift the look of a set of photos.
For color and style, the safest options are:
neutrals
soft tones
jewel tones
black, white, and denim
simple patterns
Hair should feel natural to you. Curls, waves, straight hair, or a simple half-up style all work well. Avoid trying a brand-new cut or color right before your session, and bring a small brush or comb for quick touch-ups. If it’s windy or humid, a light hairspray can help.
Wardrobe Tips
hair and makeup
I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photos. Haircuts and styling are best scheduled 2 to 3 weeks before your shoot to allow hair to grow out for a more comfortable, true-to-you look.
Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. It also tends to hold up better in humidity and wind and warm ga weather.
If you go this route, I recommend staying a bit “classic”. Now probably isn’t the best time to try out that new contouring technique you saw on TikTok.
If you’re planning to do any waxing, schedule those for a few days before the session to give your skin time to recover.
Wardrobe Tips
Accessories
Accessories are a great way to bring everything together, and is the most versatile way to get pops of color, and help when coordinating everyone. These small details can really add to a picture and bring it to a whole new level. This is the time to be extra!
Carefully chosen accessories like hats, vests, jackets, flower crowns, jewelry, knee high socks, bonnets, beanies, boots, Shaws. scarves, cardigans, colored tights, light jackets, belts, hair-bows, headbands, bowties, or suspenders are fun final touches of personal style and personality. They’re great to make individual family members the “star” of a particular group of poses.
Wardrobe Tips
Wardrobe Tips
For the Guys
For guys, the best outfits are clean, comfortable, and fit well. Solid colors always look good on camera, and simple layers can give you variety without needing a full wardrobe change. Go for pieces you already feel confident in instead of something stiff or unfamiliar.
Great options:
- solid-colored button-downs
- henleys or fitted tees
- sweaters or quarter-zips
- neutral chinos or dark denim
- a light jacket, bomber, or casual layer for variety
- Footwear:
- clean casual shoes
- loafers or boots
- dress sneakers if you want a sharper look
Grooming
Simple Prep That Helps
A little grooming makes a big difference in how polished and confident you feel during your session. You don’t need anything complicated — just small steps that help you look clean and put together. Staying close to your normal routine keeps everything feeling natural, while a few quick touch-ups help your photos look their best.
Quick checklist:
- haircut about a week before
- brows cleaned up 2–3 days before
- shave as you normally do
- moisturize lips the night before
- clean, trimmed nails
- Small Details That Matter:
- belt matches shoes
- shirts are ironed (wrinkles always show)
- pockets are empty
- watch or accessories are simple and clean
What to expect
FEELING CONFIDENT ON CAMERA
Bringing two or three outfits gives you different styles to work with and keeps your gallery interesting. Here are a few combinations that always look good and feel easy to move in.
Casual:
- jeans + simple tee
- tee + denim or bomber jacket
- lightweight sweater
- Dressy:
- button-down + slacks
- blazer or structured jacket
- Sports / Interests:
- jersey or uniform
- instrument
- sketchbook, camera, or favorite items
If you want to bring something that reflects your interests or hobbies, feel free to pack one or two personal items. You don’t have to use them in every photo — they’re just a simple way to show who you are.
Finishing Touches
Here are a few extra things to think about when planning your styling. It includes simple ideas for props or personal items you can bring, as well as things to avoid wearing so your photos feel clean and relaxed. Use what feels helpful and skip anything that doesn’t fit your style.
PROPS & PERSONAL ITEMS
Props are a great way to add personality to your session, and they work best when they feel natural to you. Think about things that are already part of your life or reflect what you enjoy. You don’t need a lot — just a couple of meaningful items that feel true to who you are.
Here are some ideas that work well:
sports gear
musical instruments
letterman jackets
art supplies or sketchbooks
books
cameras
school or hobby-related items
pets (if the location allows)
We’ll work these in naturally at the right moments so they feel effortless, not staged. Even one or two items can give your gallery variety and help your personality come through in a relaxed way.
WHAT TO AVOID WEARING
Choosing the right clothing helps your session feel easy and keeps the focus where it should be — on you. It’s best to skip anything that feels uncomfortable or needs constant adjusting, since that can take you out of the moment and show in your photos.
Try to avoid:
large logos
loud or busy patterns
neon colors
wrinkled fabrics
see-through or thin materials
clothing that pulls or shifts when you move
overly trendy items you may not love later
worn-out or dirty shoes
Keeping things simple, comfortable, and well-fitted helps your photos look clean and keeps the session relaxed from start to finish.
Get in Touch
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