What to Wear: A Style Guide for Your Session
Photoshoots are such a enjoyable and creative way to celebrate your family. Designing your session should feel just as fun! I created this as a general guide to help navigate through a variety of different situations. Topics that are discussed in this guide include:
For my clients, I am always happy to offer individual guidance with a pre-session consultation. I can't wait to meet you and have a wonderful time !
A Quick Note on My Editing Style
I don’t box myself into one preset or color tone. Some sessions lean light & airy, others feel a little more moody and rich. It all depends on the feeling we create together—your location, the season, the weather, and yes… your wardrobe!
Whether we’re shooting on the coast, in the forest, or in one of the many scenic spots around Tacoma or the South Sound, what you wear really does help shape the feel of your final gallery. If you’re dreaming of soft, bright, glowy images—outfit choice can help make that happen. Want something a little more dramatic or earthy? We can lean into that too. Your photos should reflect you.
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COlor Palettes
Here are some tried-and-true combos that work well in different seasons and settings:
Spring/Summer
Floral Blooms
whites, dusty pinks with muted purple or sage green. Soft blues, khaki
Summer/Fall
Golden Hour and Grassy Fields:
neutrals, cream, terracotta, soft rust, pale blue jeans or dark gray jeans,
Year Round
Beach
Sand and Waves
Light pinks with soft blues, or pale sage green with light blue. Neutrals: whites, creams and tans
Fall
Trees, Leaves, Fields
mustard, olive, burnt orange, burgundy, tan, navy, dark gray jeans or navy blue
Winter:
Evergreen Trees
and Snow
deep green, charcoal, reds/maroon, cream, camel
Tips for Picking Your Outfits
Keep It Simple
Solid colors or soft, subtle patterns tend to photograph best. I recommend avoiding neon colors, busy patterns, large logos or graphics- they can distract from your faces (and those sweet in-between moments we’re trying to capture). If you would like to incorporate a pattern into your outfits, I would recommend that your pattern be worn by 1 person (for groups of 4 or less) or 2 people (for groups of 5-7), and that the pattern is larger to avoid any odd distortions.
Texture & Movement
Think layers or knits, linen, denim, velvet, or lace—clothing with texture adds depth and richness to your photos, especially if we’re going for a moody or earthy vibe that fits so well with the Pacific Northwest landscape. I’ve found that textured fabrics work beautifully in our natural settings—from forest trails to windswept beaches. Flowy dresses or loose layers that catch the breeze can also create stunning, dynamic moments that bring your session to life.
Coordinating Outfits
Coordinating doesn’t mean everyone has to match exactly—in fact, it works best when outfits feel like they go together without being identical. When editing a photo, if both clients are wearing the same shade of white, for example, it is hard to see where one person begins and the other person ends. Instead: maybe one person wears camel tan, another wears creamy white, and someone else a warm rust. It’s all in the same world, just with a little variation.
A helpful trick: lay all the outfits out on a bed or a clean surface and see how they look together. If one feels a little out of place, a quick swap or accessory change can bring it all together.
Location + Feeling
Your surroundings play a big role in how your outfit colors come through on camera. If we’re shooting in a bright wildflower field, at the beach, or in one of the many open parks around Tacoma or the South Sound, soft pastels and light neutrals tend to photograph beautifully. For forested trails, overcast coastlines, or moodier Pacific Northwest backdrops, deeper earthy tones often feel more natural and grounded.
Not sure what will look best? Feel free to message me a few outfit ideas—I’m always happy to help you choose something wonderful.
Final Note: Choose What You Love
This is the most important thing: wear something you feel good in. That confidence will shine through way more than any “perfect” outfit ever could.
Every person I photograph brings something different to the session— Our clients are full of character and creativity, and I love when that same uniqueness shows up in what you wear. Whether it breaks the "style rules" or not, if it feels like you, it’s the right choice.
About the Photographer
Jess is a PNW photographer based in Tacoma, WA, specializing in family and adventure sessions that highlight authentic connections and natural moments. She creates images that capture real stories and lasting memories you’ll cherish forever.
