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.
​
Check out my Pinterest boards to get an idea of the color palettes, fibers, and overall style we're going for.
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 neutrals first: brown, cream, & tans.***
These neutrals are a safe choice and go well in any PNW environment & any season.
Then add one or two muted earth tone colors if you want to.
Muted earth tones mimic the natural tones of the Pacific Northwest.
Don't all match.
See examples below.
PATTERNS:
Only 1 family member (2 at most) should wear patterned clothing.
The rest should wear solids for balance.
Plaid, gingham, small florals are perfect. Stripes are okay but it's best to avoid high contrast stripes like black & white
- these stripes tend to distort in camera.
TEXTURES:
***I can't stress this enough! Linen, wool, 100% cotton, knitted items, & lace
will make your photos feel natural and timeless.
These fabrics also add a layer of texture to your photographs,
with linen and wool being absolute favorites -
they automatically create a cozy feel to your images.
​​​
*Flowy fabric and loose-fitted clothing for women & children will give the photos
a sense of movement and a laid-back feeling.*
IN-HOME SESSIONS:
Everything mentioned still applies to in-home sessions; however,
I recommend more skin showing.
​
For example, a baby only in their diaper, a toddler boy wearing pants but no shirt,
going barefoot, a mom chooses a tank top with loose-fitted pants, etc.
​
This will give your photographs a more intimate and natural feel which is exactly what we want for in-home sessions.
​
ACCESSORIES:
Add details & layers like cardigans, wool coats, scarves, & hats in the fall & winter.
Minimal jewelry & makeup to keep a more natural feel.
Bring a prop that is meaningful to your family that tells a story like a guitar, book, or a teddy bear.
The prop can be as large as your old truck or RV or camper van! Just send me a quick message with your idea so that I can prepare.
Remove chipped nail polish and either paint with soft colors or natural.
**Please remove watches before a session unless it's a meaningful, heirloom watch.**
***Please keep cell phones & wallets in your vehicle during the session.***
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/bright 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 because most locations are not suitable to walk in high heels.
​
HAIR:
Down and flowing is best for outdoor photos, especially if it's windy!
​
Loose buns & loose braids work great if you don't want to wear your hair completely down.
​Avoid tight buns and braids unless it is a cultural hairstyle.
​
Any hair accessories, such as bows, hair ties & headbands should also keep with the color palette & fabric.
​
A NOTE ABOUT BLUE
Because my editing leans warm and earthy, colors like cream, oatmeal, olive, rust, brown, and muted teal photograph especially well.
Deep navy can sometimes stand out and feel dated and heavy, so I usually recommend choosing a softer, more muted blue instead.
A NOTE ABOUT WHITE:
We want to stick with creams if at all possible, which is a warmer tone variant of typical white. The reason is because white will reflect any colors that are around you, often the sky - giving off a blue hue which doesn't work well in post-editing. If you're in a pinch and only have white - it's not a deal breaker - you'll still see it in some images in my portfolio and even down below in sample outfits - just try to avoid if possible.
FINAL NOTES:
FOR THE MAMAS & DAUGHTERS
I strongly recommend wearing dresses, skirts or loose-fitting pants that flow. The movement from flowy fabrics add magic & movement to photographs.
​
***Please have your daughter(s) wear fitted shorts under dress/skirt***
​​
FOR THE DADS & SONS
Carhartt pants, muted denim, brown, black and khaki pants or shorts.
Collared shirts, sweaters, flannel and Henleys for tops.
Overalls, jeans & suspenders for boys are great!
​
​
FOR THE BABIES:
Rompers, sweaters, (or even just a diaper for in-home sessions).
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 is a great example of how texture can add more interest to a photograph. We have texture in the mama's sweater, baby girl's sweater and tights, and the cream blanket wrapped around her. All of this adds subtle interest to a photograph even if you don't consciously realize it at first!
​
This photo is also a great example of picking a cream palette. The girl is in a cream patterned dress (with brown Mary Jane shoes) and all looks really great together with mama's cream sweater. All these neutral tones help the environment pop with color and doesn't compete for our attention, allowing us to easily focus on the moment between mama and baby girl.​
WHY THIS WORKS
Textures, creams, & neutrals in this arrangement don't compete with each other or the environment, so the moment is what stands out the most.
​
This mama started with her cream, lace outfit first, then built the rest of the wardrobe around it. She wanted a brown/beige dress for her daughter so she bought this adorable one from Neuflora (link below).
​
Her exposed belly and the dress's texture all add extra drama to this already-romantic moment.
WHY THIS WORKS
This family was here on vacation and had originally packed clothing that would have been too warm for the unexpected heat wave that came through that weekend. They would have been sweating in their long sleeves on this 80 degree day!
But this is a good example of how a quick run to Fred Meyer can solve that issue and still get photo-worthy clothing.
This mama already had her dress ready from home. The dad and boys wore their original pants from home but the shirts were quickly bought while here on vacation.
A simple brown, sage and white shirt worked well for this last-minute photoshoot! I prefer to avoid white if possible and go for more of a warmer cream, but when in a pinch, it's totally acceptable!
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.
​
WHY THIS WORKS
As a true millennial, I cling to my skinny jeans with passion, so I get it, but have since been trying to embrace wider legged pants & jeans.
​
These images are to show you just how much loose-fitted clothing will add movement, softness, and ultimately, subtle drama, to your images.
​
The first image with Mama wearing a flowy dress allowed her to twirl with her daughter creating a special moment between the two. You just can't get the same twirl in skinny jeans no matter how hard you try.
​
The second image is of yours truly! in a jumpsuit (pants!) where it fits loosely enough that I knew it would flow in the wind and it certainly did! This automatically softened the image where there's already tension from balancing on the log and the flowy pants broke that tension.
​
And lastly, the third image of the girl on the rock has enough movement in her dress that it compliments the dramatic moment of anticipation for the waves to come crashing in.
​
If you still insist on tighter pants or skirt, try pairing them with a flowy shawl around your shoulders or an oversized sweater, or even a long, textured scarf can create a subtle shift in your photographs.
​
You are always welcome to wear what makes you the most YOU and comfortable. This is just to show you what CAN contribute to your photographs if you feel comfortable wearing this type of clothing.
​
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
CLOTHING BY SEASON
DON'T ALREADY HAVE WHAT YOU NEED?
Below are some places to find great garments for all types of budgets.
​
My absolute favorites are Simple Folk. & Shirley Bredal.
I've always had great luck finding neutral or small patterned items at Target, Old Navy & Loft without breaking the bank. I've had good luck from the Tik Tok shop and Amazon as well.
And of course, there is always something to find at thrift stores or your local boutique store.
ADULTS AND/OR CHILDREN
Old Navy ($)
Target ($)
Loft ($$)
Zara ($$)
Joyfolie ($$)
Quince ($$)
Neuflora ($$)
Altar'D State ($$)
Simple Folk ($$$)
Indie Blue ($$$)
Worth Collective ($$)
Free People ($$$)
Etsy ($$$)
Type in Etsy's search bar "Photography Dresses" or "Girls Linen Dresses/Rompers"
CHILDREN
ONLY
Simple Folk ($$$)
Carters ($)
Colored Organics ($$)
Pehr ($$$)
Three Peas ($$)
Indie Blue ($$$)
Sunday Child ($$)
Reverie ($$)​
Shirley Bredal ($$$)
