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Styling Guide

Here you will find inspiration for styling your session, to help you get the most out of your photography.

While my sessions are wholly focused on capturing the emotion and connection between you and the people you love, styling your session sets the foundation for gorgeous photographs and enhances, rather than distracts from, that connection. Outfits that complement each other, your personalities and the vibe of session you're going for will make the world of difference.

The phrase 'complement each other' refers to outfits that go well together and enhances everyone else's outfits, without 'matching'. Everyone in matching white t-shirts and jeans fails to capture the personalities and dynamic of your family. A range of complementing colours, patterns and textures is the most effective way to personalise your photographs and to enhance the feel of your gallery overall. The best way to achieve this is to choose a colour palette, and from there, experiment with patterns and textures and accessories that suit each family member.

Hats. Knits. Buttons. Messy rips in denim jeans. The texture of linen. All of these things subtly add an extra dimension to your photographs.

Neutral colours, earthy colours... how do you choose?

For my family clients, the easiest way to settle on a colour palette is to choose mum's outfit first (preferably something you love and feel comfortable in) and from there, choose the remaining outfits using colours that complement it. I recommend mixing items of clothing (dresses, skirts, overalls, singlet & short sets, jeans etc.) to give interest. Accessories such as hats and jewellery and even the way you style your hair all adds to the personality of your photographs.

If I had to help you choose, I love to recommend earthy or neutral palettes because of their simplicity and the way they tie in so beautifully with the colours of nature.

My favourite option for women are long, flowing dresses, especially for mothers and expectant mothers. I use movement in almost all of my prompts, and the way a long, flowing dress can been frozen mid-movement has often made for my favourite photographs.

For baby and toddler girls wearing dresses, please ensure you have a nappy cover underneath their dress.

Styling is also an opportunity to capture personality. Once upon a time I would have told you to avoid bright colours and busy logos, but experience has taught me these can be the very things that tell the story of your family! This can be particularly reassuring when your children are older and wouldn't appreciate wearing something they didn't like. At the end of the day, feeling like yourself is most important for natural, happy photographs.

I have included a range of beautifully styled photographs in this guide to inspire you. You are also very welcome to send through your ideas for my thoughts, if you are struggling to piece it all together. Or, if you're struggling to find that key piece you love from which to base everyone else's outfits from, I am slowly growing my own collection of beautiful pieces to form a client wardrobe from which you are welcome to borrow.

If I can offer any extra guidance, or you would like to style your session with other stunning pieces like rugs, throws, or dried flowers, please, get in touch!