essential styling tips from your friendly neighborhood Austin family photographer. 2025 edition

We’ve all been there, you just booked a family session with your favorite local photographer, you’ve got a handful of dreamy location options to choose from, and now you’re deep in a Pinterest rabbit hole, pinning a million outfit ideas to a board… yet somehow still have no clue what anyone should actually wear or how to even begin pulling it all together. So, you start tearing through your closet, and 30 minutes later, the entire contents of your wardrobe are piled on the floor. Your choices? That pink floral dress you wore to a baby shower five years ago that doesn’t quite fit anymore, or the trendy Amazon dress from two summers ago that never made it out of the house. Sound familiar?

God forbid even thinking about what the heck to put your husband or the kids in!

Well have no fear, your friendly neighborhood

photographer/fashionista is here!!

First and foremost, let's talk about color scheming.

Stick with neutrals, earthy hues, and soft metallics. these tones pair beautifully with natural outdoor settings and look stunning when framed in your home. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating for a beige, bland world. When I say neutrals, I’m talking about softer, muted tones that still feel rich and full of life.

Bold, primary colors can be eye-catching, but they often steal the spotlight from what really matters, you! Bright shades tend to compete with skin tones and can even cast unwanted color onto your skin in photos. Instead of electric blue, try a softer sky blue or a classic navy. Swap out bright green for

a more subtle sage or rich olive.

When planning outfits, think about how you want to work with your environment. do you want to complement the setting or create contrast? A deep maroon dress in a lush green forest? Stunning. A neon pink patterned dress in the same setting? It might feel out of place.

For families, keeping your color palette to around four tones helps create a cohesive look. You can choose one person to wear a standout color while the rest of the outfits support and complement it beautifully.

complementary colors

These colors, the ones that look incredible together, are called complementary colors. They complement each other and are pleasing to the eye.

They’re salt and pepper, Bonnie and Clyde, peanut butter and jelly.

Complementary colors sit across from one another on the color wheel (i.e. blue and orange, red and green)

below is an example to show us how complementary colors do special things for the big picture.

When you're looking at options for your wardrobe, it's best to pick a color that you know you look and feel good in.

analogous colors

But contrast isn’t everything. We’re all uniquely built, and we each connect with color in our own way. If bold pops of contrast aren’t your thing, you might lean more toward analogous colors. These are shades that sit next to each other on the color wheel and naturally flow together, creating a calming, harmonious look.

Think of the layered greens in a jungle or the endless shades of blue in the ocean—beautiful, cohesive, and easy on the eyes.

Below is an example that shows how analogous colors can work together effortlessly.

complementary good, matchy bad.

you don’t want to look like you and your partner are joined at the hip, literally. When everyone wears the exact same color, outfits can start to blend together, making it hard to distinguish where one person ends and the other begins. Instead of standing out, you end up looking like one big, monochromatic blob.

To make your photos truly come to life, aim for outfits that complement each other rather than match exactly. Mix in different tones, textures, accessories, and layers to add visual interest and depth.

The goal is to create a cohesive look that feels connected, not identical. something that works well with both the people in the photo and the setting around you.

Here are a few examples of wardrobes that strike that perfect balance.

be careful with patterns and prints.

Bold patterns, like polka dots, paisley, herringbone, or animal prints tend to take over the photo and pull attention away from what really matters: your face. They can also cause strange visual distortions in digital images, which is never a good look.

Smaller, more subtle patterns work much better. Think soft florals or a classic flannel, especially when they complement your location. With patterns, less is definitely more. try to stick to just one patterned piece per group. Mixing multiple patterns can get visually overwhelming fast, and it’s tricky to pull off well.

A great approach is to choose one person to wear a gentle pattern, then build the rest of the family’s outfits around that look with solid colors and complementary tones.

Below are some examples of how to thoughtfully build a wardrobe around a single patterned piece.

makeup and hair (do's and don'ts)

do's

• look like you. do whatever you need to do to feel confident and beautiful. but remember, less is more.

• Treat yourself to a little subtle manicure or make sure your nails are neat and tidy before the shoot. I'll be the first to say that hands tell quite the story BUT you don't want to zoom in and see dirty fingernails. you won't be able to unsee it lol.

• when it comes to saving a moment and putting it in your pocket, a wild mane that blows in the breeze is the way to go. With your hair down, you get movement, you get interest, you get some perfect slices of imperfection in the best possible way.

• A slight sparkle is good, but don’t overdo it

don'ts

• Don't over contour. like stated above, less is more.

• Avoid bright eyes and lips. Keep it neutral and flattering.

• don't get a haircut right before your shoot. You'll regret it every time.

• and for the love of all things holy, brush out those curls!!

dress for the season

I can’t tell you how many families I’ve photographed who were either freezing or sweating their way through their session. Trust me, what you wear absolutely affects how you feel, and that shows in your photos. So, make sure your wardrobe matches the season.

If it’s the middle of summer and you’re layered up in two or three outfits, the heat will catch up with you fast, and it will be written all over your face. On the flip side, winter is a bit more forgiving. A light jacket or cozy layers can work well, especially since you’ll be moving around and naturally warming up.

But in summer? The moment you start moving in a heavy sweater in 95-degree heat… it’s game over. Dress smart so you can stay comfortable and actually enjoy the moment.

Accessorize!

Fun hats, textured dusters, bold jewelry, and standout shoes. this is your chance to think outside the box! A statement pair of glasses or your favorite denim jacket can completely change the vibe of a shot. Swapping out small accessories between poses can add variety to your gallery and make a big impact without a full outfit change.

Bringing along a few fun extras—like florals, champagne, beer, a guitar, or a cozy blanket can add a personal touch and make your session feel more relaxed and true to you. Little details like these help tell your story and give you something to interact with naturally during the shoot.

Pets can also be such a sweet addition to your shoot! I totally melt when clients bring their fur babies along. they add so much personality, warmth, and genuine connection to your photos. Plus, they’re part of the family too!

So let's do a little recap shall we!?

• Focus on complementing each other, not matching exactly (unless you mean to!).

• Neutral and earthy tones tend to look amazing in almost any setting.

• Steer clear of bright colors, they can cause unwanted color reflections on your skin (hello, color casting!).

• And seriously, leave that leopard dress at home this time.

• Don’t forget to pack a few accessories like a hat or a denim jacket to mix things up.

• Still feeling unsure? Don’t hesitate to ask for help! I can guarantee your photographer would be thrilled to help you plan your outfits. Honestly, I get so excited every time I get a “what should we wear?” email!