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! This guide is designed to help make that process a fun, and easy experience.
For my clients, I am always happy to offer individual guidance with a pre-session consultation. You can email me your outfits ideas or schedule a phone call in advance. 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!
If you want light and airy photos, wear light & airy colors. If you want a moodier look, I suggest deep jewel colors. Neutral tones are great because they can really work in either editing style !
Whether we’re shooting in a glasshouse, in the forest, or in a Tree Farm near Tacoma or Maple Valley, what you wear really does help shape the feel of your final gallery.
Tips for Picking Your Outfits
Simple & Classic
Solid colors or soft, large or subtle patterns tend to photograph best.
What to avoid: I recommend avoiding neon colors, busy patterns, large logos or graphics- they can distract from your faces (and those sweet little moments we’re trying to capture).
Patterns: I love patterns! However, they should be planned strategically. I recommend larger patterns to reduce the in-camera distortions. Mix it up, one person may wear plaid while the other person may wear a traditional Christmas print. Patterns in groups: 1 person wearing a pattern in a group of up to 4, or 2 people wearing a pattern in a group of 5-7.
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. Flowy dresses or loose layers that catch the breeze can also create stunning 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.
Don't forget the shoes: The boots and shoes are part of your outfit. In the wintertime we have so many fun options, show them off !
Location + Feeling
Your surroundings play a big role in how your outfit colors come through on camera.
Neutral Greenhouse: You have more flexibility to wear whatever colors, you want because your outfits will not be competing with the environment. If you want to wear hues of light or dark blue such as a crisp snowy winter feeling, great! If you want to wear kitschy green & reds, this is your time to shine.
Classic Cottage with Red & Green Accents: Neutral: tans, or gray, Jeans. Sweaters and dresses should be gray, cream, green or a shade of red to pop. I recommend choosing either red or maroon, but not both, in one grouping.
Tree Farm: You will be in a sea of Green and you want to stand out. Wear colors that pop against green! Cream, White, Tan, Reds OR Maroons (not both), Black, gray and jeans are solid neutrals that won't compete.
Avoid: Avoid using a lot of Navy Blue, or a lot of black. Leggings, or pants is totally fine however when your party wears a lot of this color then it doesn't emphasize you as the primary subject in the photographs
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.
