Not sure what to wear for your upcoming photo session? You are not alone! Outfit planning and styling is one of the biggest stresses for families and couples not only during photoshoots but also in real time.

As an Atlanta family photographer, I’ve helped countless clients feel confident and camera ready. Here are my top six styling tips that work for any type of session – plus I’ll share my styling guide (launching this September!) that can help make your outfit planning and styling stress free.

My Tips

1. Avoid overly bright colors
Neon shades and primary colors (like hot pink, bright yellow, fire engine red, or cobalt blue) can reflect harsh tones on the skin and make it difficult to edit out. Instead, I recommended the following for rich or muted alternatives. Pair these with earth neutral tones like khaki, taupe, cream or brown for a timeless and flattering look. 

• Mustard yellow or butter yellow instead of bright yellow 
• Burgundy or maroon instead of cherry red 
• Navy instead of bright blue 

2. Pay attention to hair, makeup, and nails!
You don’t need to go all out but small details do make a big impact both in photos and in the moment.

• Nails should be clean and neat. Bare nails are ok! If they’re polished, they should have no chips!
• Hair style is any way that makes you feel natural and yourself! However, try to tame fly aways if you can.
• Makeup is optional! Not everyone wears it. If you are al all natural girlie and want a little umph to your eyelashes, Elf makes a clear mascara that is great for a little more volume!
• Are you a lover of makeup!? Love that! Be careful not to do too little or too much. Photos and videos post editing can pick up makeup more so be sure you’re not layering on too much of one thing like blush.

The goal isn’t to look different – it’s the highlight the best version of you!

3. Coordinate, don’t match.
Skip the old “everyone wear jeans and a white tee” mentally. Though it can look clean, that is an outdated way to document your family! Instead, think stylish & coordination!

• Choose a color palette and let every person being photographed have outfits within that palette.
• Use a color wheel to help or my styling guide to learn how to best dress according to your skin tone.
• Pick one printed piece like a floral dress or plaid shirt and build the other outfits around it. 
• Mix textures like knits, linen, and denim to add visual contrast. 
• This creates cohesion without looking staged or matching! Every person can dress according to their personality and still look amazing.

4 .Dress for your skin tone and undertone ( a pro tip preview of my styling guide)
The color you wear can make your skin radiant and glowy or washed out and ill looking. We are going to change that! Wearing the right shades for your undertone is a styling game changer!

A few things to consider: 

• Cool undertones look great in jewel tones and shades with blues and pink bases like emerald, plum, sapphire, and dusty rose.
• Warm undertones look fantastic in earth and golden tones like mustard, terracotta, olive and rust. 
• Neutral undertones should go for a balanced, muted shade to truly glow.
  

Super pro tip: my styling guide (launching in September!) breaks down all of this in dealt with seasonal color palettes and outfit inspiration so you can visually see exactly what works.

5. Choose fabrics and textures that photograph well
Certain fabrics simply photographer better like flow dresses, linen shirts, knit sweats and denim. Fabrics like that add movement and depth. On the other hand, stiff or shiny fabrics can reflect light harshly or highlight wrinkles more.

When in doubt: mix textures for dimensions (think cozy knit sweater with a soft chiffon) and avoid anything overly clingy and or stiff.

6. Consider the season and the location
Outfits should completely both the time or the year and where you are taking your photos.
Spring & summer should consider light fabrics like pastel or fresh tones while Fall should consider richer colors like burnt orange, forest green with cozy layers. Winter is a season where jewel tones and dark neutrals are smart to truly pop. Its also a great time to encourage layering.

Coordinating the location and environment of your photo session and the season creates harmony in your photos while ensuring you are the focus.

BONUS : take the stress out of styling

You don’t have to figure all of this out on your own. When you book a session with me, you end up with a personalize styling support with access to my growing client closet or styling tips and recommendations for shopping. My clients also receive early access to my upcoming styling guide. This guide is packed with color palettes, styling tips, mini tests and outfit ideas to take the guesswork out of planning.

Final thoughts:
Styling for your photography session doesn’t have to be overwhelming and defeating. If you take away anything from this blog, or any “keep points”:

AVOID HARD COLORS
FOCUS ON COORDINATION, NOT MATCHING
CHOOSE THE RIGHT FABRICS

Dress for the season location and your skins’ undertones you’ll not only look amazing but feel confident that your clothes finally make you shine! Your portraits should feel effortless – with my styling guide I’ll help you get the rest of the way!