What to Wear Guide

family grove

Choosing outfits doesn’t have to be stressful—I’ll help guide you if you need it.

The goal is simple: something that feels like your family and photographs beautifully without overthinking it.

Connection first. Coordination second.

Why oufits matter

What you wear shapes the overall feel of your images—but it should never take over the experience.

Simple tones and natural textures keep the focus on your family, not the clothing.

What we’re going for is always the same:
natural, connected, and timeless images.

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cardiff family

Building a color palette

You don’t need to match—just coordinate within a shared color story.

A few directions that always work well:

  • Neutrals: white, cream, beige, gray
  • Soft tones: dusty rose, light blue, sage, lavender
  • Earth tones: olive, rust, mustard, navy

A good rule of thumb is 2–3 main colors, with neutrals supporting everything else.

If you’re unsure, I’m always happy to help you narrow it down.

Location + color pairing

Where we shoot naturally influences what works best:

  • Beach: light neutrals + soft blues
  • Trails & parks: earth tones + texture + layers
  • Home sessions: soft neutrals + cozy, simple fabrics

It’s not about perfection—it’s just about everything feeling visually connected.

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extended family cardiff

Outfits that move well

We’ll be moving, sitting, lifting kids, and interacting naturally, so comfort matters just as much as style.

A few things that make a big difference:

  • Clothing should stay in place when you move or sit
  • Dresses and skirts should feel easy to wear (shorts underneath work great)
  • Avoid anything too tight, stiff, or restrictive
  • Choose outfits that feel good from every angle

If you’re comfortable, it always shows.

What to avoid

This helps keep everything clean and timeless:

  • Bright neon or overly saturated colors
  • Large logos or graphics
  • Competing bold patterns across multiple people
  • Clothing that wrinkles easily or feels uncomfortable
  • Very small or high-contrast patterns (they can visually distort in photos)

Patterns are totally fine—just keep them soft and intentional.

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ponto extended family

A note about color in editing

I lightly warm skin tones during editing so everything feels natural and cohesive.

That can slightly shift how some colors appear (especially reds, oranges, and purples).

To keep things most true-to-life:

  • neutrals and earth tones hold color best
  • bold lipstick shades may appear slightly softer
  • skin tones are balanced for a natural look

If color accuracy matters a lot to you, leaning slightly more neutral in wardrobe and makeup is always helpful.

Location-specific notes

Trails & parks

These locations feel warm, natural, and grounded.

We’ll usually be on dirt paths or natural terrain, so comfort and shoes matter.

Earth tones, soft textures, and layered outfits photograph especially well here. Avoid blending too much into green backgrounds if possible.

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family ponto dog

Beach sessions

The beach is beautiful—but unpredictable.

Wind, shifting light, sand, and movement are all part of it.

For little ones especially, it helps to think about:

  • comfort with sand and water
  • wind or temperature sensitivity
  • staying comfortable in an open space

Flowy fabrics, barefoot styling, and easy movement always work best here.

Home sessions

Keep it simple and comfortable.

We’ll use natural light spaces like bedrooms, nurseries, and living rooms.

No need for anything perfect—just a light tidy so the focus stays on your family.

Bare feet, soft textures, and neutral tones always work best.

family home
swim center boots shoes family

Shoes, hair, and comfort

A few small things that help everything feel easier:

  • Comfortable, stable shoes (especially outdoors)
  • Wedges are great if you want height without sinking
  • Hair may move with wind—half-up styles or clips can help
  • A simple backup hair tie is always a good idea

The goal is ease, not perfection.

Staying comfortable

Even in sunny locations, things can shift quickly.

A few helpful basics:

  • light layers for warmth between shots
  • water (especially for kids)
  • extra socks or blankets for beach or cooler days
  • anything that helps your kids stay comfortable

Comfort always shows in the final images.

family cardiff
family ponto dog

Kids + real life movement

Sessions are built around letting kids be themselves.

That means:

  • moving
  • playing
  • exploring
  • sometimes not doing exactly what we planned

That’s completely normal—and often where the best moments happen.

A few things that help:

  • bike shorts or bloomers under dresses for comfort and movement
  • shoes that can get a little dirty or come off easily
  • outfits that stay in place while running and playing
  • familiar, comfortable clothing whenever possible

I’ll guide everything so it stays easy and relaxed.

The most important thing

When you feel comfortable, everything photographs better.

That matters more than perfectly matching outfits or getting every detail right.

family home
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I’m here to help

If you’re unsure about anything, feel free to send outfit ideas my way.

I’m happy to help you pull everything together so it feels cohesive, easy, and true to your family.

I can’t wait to see you soon 💛

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