PRICING
PRICING
PRICING
PRICING
PRICING
CLOTHING
I know picking out outfits for everyone in the family and making sure they all go together AND hoping your kids will even wear what you pick out...can be a daunting task to say the least... especially in Portland, Oregon where the weather can change hour by hour and layers and needing to adjust the wardrobe at the last minute is almost necessary. But don't worry, I'm here to help you.
This page isn't here to overwhelm you, but to help take much of the guess work out of things. Hopefully after reading this page, you'll have gained better understanding of what makes great clothing for photographs and you'll feel more empowered, not overwhelmed, to take on this task rather than trying to figure it out on your own.
I recommend starting to think about wardrobe several weeks before your photo session so that you're not rushed last minute in case you do need to order anything, enough time for cheaper shipping options, trying it on, and possibly having to exchange it.
I'm also a text or call away if you are having trouble piecing together your family's outfits. I'm here to help! Seriously!
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:
BUILD AROUND FAVE OUTFIT:
I recommend that mama choose her outfit first, then the rest of the family members dress accordingly.
Or, if you have a very picky dresser in your family, or a favorite kid outfit, go with them first.
COLORS:
Earth tones.
***I recommend starting with the first four colors in the chart below: black, brown, tan, & beige.***
These neutrals are a safe choice and go well in any PNW environment.
Then add an extra color from the right-hand side if you want to.
We want colors that mimic the natural tones of the Pacific Northwest.
Don't all match in color, but make sure the colors "go together." Some examples are below.
PATTERNS:
Only 1 family member (2 at most) should wear a patterned shirt or dress.
The rest should wear solids for balance.
Plaid, gingham, small florals are perfect.
TEXTURES:
I can't stress this enough! Linen, 100% cotton, lace & wool will make your photos feel natural and timeless. These fabrics also add a layer of texture to your photographs.
​
Flowy fabric and loose-fitted clothing will give your photos a sense of movement and a laid-back feeling.
ACCESSORIES:
Add details & layers like cardigans, wool coats, scarves, & hats, all keeping with earth tones (and the season, of course).
Minimal jewelry & makeup.
Bring a prop that is meaningful to your family that tells a story like a guitar, book, or heirloom teddy bear.
Ditch the practical raincoat you use everyday and choose a beautiful wool or leather coat instead.
SOCKS & SHOES:
Neutral colored socks or tights. Yes, socks can peak through pants sometimes!
Brown or black shoes are perfect because they don't cause a distraction.
Avoid neon shoes at all cost, even on the soles.
​
Going barefoot in some locations, like the beach or an in-home session adds a more natural & care-free vibe.​
​
Boots, sandals, Mary Janes, Oxford shoes, etc. and other brown shoes are all acceptable.
High heels are not recommended.
​
HAIR:
Down and flowing is best for outdoor photos, especially if it's windy!
Loose buns & braids work great if you don't want to wear your hair completely down.
Any hair accessories, such as bows, hair ties & headbands. should keep with the color palette & fabric.
FINAL NOTES:
FOR THE MAMAS & DAUGHTERS
I strongly recommend wearing dresses or skirts that flow, or wide-legged pants. The movement from flowy fabrics add magic & movement to photographs.
​​
FOR THE DADS & SONS
Carhartt pants, brown, black and khaki pants or shorts.
Collar shirts, sweaters, flannel and Henleys for tops.
Overalls & suspenders for boys are great!
​
​
FOR THE BABIES:
Rompers, sweaters, (or even just a diaper for in-home sessions).
Muslin blanket (I also have some I can bring).
Avoid any writing or bright colors on onesies.
SAMPLES
WHY THIS WORKS
This mama nailed it when it comes to styling. All outfits are earth toned, mixed with warm (browns) and cool (teal). Mama & daughter are both in floral patterned dresses that don't clash.
The boys offer that solid color to balance everything out like a palette cleanser so to speak. And the shoes are brown and cream, so they don't stand out and distract from their faces.
​
There is texture in the boy's sweater and in the puffed sleeves of the mama's dress. Both dresses create movement and flow and can easily be twirled for a fun dancing photo.
​
Their hair is down and flowing and curled, with a few hair ties in it for added detail, and their nails were painted with neutral tones and white polkadots. Super cute!
These little details take time and attention but all add up to complete the look and make it go from really good to stunning, giving you extra special detailed photographs in your gallery.
​
WHY THIS WORKS
This family mixed warm tones (rust, orange) with neutral and cooler tones (khaki, blue, green) and works well together. Little brother's brown corduroy overalls and Mama's knitted sweater give nice textures to the image. One person could have a patterned shirt or dress and would be great as well.
WHY THIS WORKS
This is a great example of how texture can add more interest to a photograph. Ruffles in the young girl's dress creates contrast in light and shadow, (not to mention flow and movement), while mom's lace dress has so much texture...chef's kiss!
​
Dad has a patterned button-down shirt - plaid- always a go-to pattern if you're in search for one. Baby wears a warm tone to balance out the cooler colored dress mom is wearing. Young girl is in a neutral color as a palette cleanser. Boy is wearing a solid olive green color and has a knitted texture in his sweater. All works together great and looks naturally put together.
WHY THIS WORKS
When it's a bit chilly out, it's important to remember that sweaters and jackets should keep with the color palette and is a great opportunity to easily add in textures.
​
The daughter and mother nailed it with gray and brown flowy sweaters that have buttons and texture.
​
The daughter has a small floral patterned dress and if it was colder out, she could easily wear cream or brown tights and boots. A scarf and hat, too.
The son and father keep a neutral color palette to help balance the entire look.
​
WHY THIS WORKS
The mixture between warm tones and cooler tones is perfect for the variety of greens in the background. The warm toned shirt that Mama is wearing automatically brings warmth to the photograph. You could add a patterned shirt in here and it would be stunning.
WHY THIS WORKS
This is a great example of simply sticking with the neutral tones. We have black, browns, tans, and Dad's coat & Mom's hat are just slightly green.
​
Brown and black shoes.
​
Flowy, patterned dress, everyone else in solids. Mom's hat and necklace bring details that elevate the entire look and feel.
​
Wearing these neutrals allow the wood color to pop, bringing texture and tones from the wood that may have been overlooked if they chose to wear brighter or competing colors.
​
So I tell families that, when in doubt, stick with browns, blacks, creams and tans.
​
DON'T ALREADY HAVE WHAT YOU NEED?
Below are some places to find great garments for all types of budgets.
​
My absolute favorite is Simple Folk. - "Anything goes" from this store.
I've always had great luck finding neutral or small patterned items at Old Navy & Loft without breaking the bank.
And of course, there is always something to find at thrift stores but you'll need to have a clear vision in what you're after and do the work finding and putting it all together, but a great way to save on some cash.​
ADULTS AND/OR CHILDREN
Old Navy ($)
Target ($)
Loft ($$)
Zara ($$)
Joyfolie ($$)
Quince ($$)
Neuflora ($$)
Altar'D State ($$)
Simple Folk ($$$)
Indie Blue ($$$)
Worth Collective ($$)
Free People ($$$)
Reclamation ($$$)
Etsy ($$$)
Amazon ($)
Type in Amazon's & Etsy's search bar "Photography Dresses" or "Girls Linen Dresses/Rompers"
CHILDREN
ONLY
Simple Folk ($$$)
Carters ($)
Colored Organics ($$)
Pehr ($$$)
Three Peas ($$)
Indie Blue ($$$)
Sunday Child ($$)
Reverie ($$)​
