Preparing for Your Family Session

General Style Philosophy

My big recommendation? Go dressy or semi-business casual. Think special events, upscale parties, or a "black-tie light" vibe. This is the perfect excuse to wear something you wouldn't normally reach for on a Tuesday.

• Color Palette: Bold, solid colors like red, purple, royal blue, emerald green, or fuschia photograph beautifully.
• Colors to Avoid: Try to steer clear of pale tones like beige, white, or light pink, which can wash you out.
• Patterns & Logos: Avoid heavy patterns, stripes, or big logos. We want the focus on your faces, not your shirt's branding!
• Fit Matters: Slim or fitted clothing is highly recommended. Loose clothing tends to add visual width on camera.

For the Ladies

Long flowing dresses, cocktail dresses, or traditional attire like saris and ao dai look stunning and add great movement to your photos.

• Denim: If you prefer jeans, go with a dark, slim-fit pair to accentuate your silhouette.
• Footwear: If you're rocking heels, definitely bring a pair of sandals for walking between setups.
• The Details: Minimalist nails with solid colors work best.

For the Gentlemen

Blazers, sports coats, fitted suits, or a crisp button-down with a vest are all winning looks.

• The "Iron" Rule: Please ensure shirts are dry-cleaned or ironed. Wrinkles are notoriously difficult to "Photoshop out" and can distract from a great shot!
• The Belt Rule: Keep it classic—match your belt color to your shoe color (brown with brown, black with black). Unless you're the Fonzworth Bentley of fashion, consistency is key!
• Accessories: Bold ties or bow-ties are great accents. If wearing a white shirt, please pair it with a blazer or vest so the white doesn't dominate the frame.
• Grooming: Don't forget the chapstick! Dry lips show up clearly in portraits. Also, keep hands clean and nails trimmed, as we may do some close-up shots.

Logistics & Comfort

Accessories & Props

Keep wearable accessories minimal. Most importantly: Empty your pockets! Leave cell phones and keys in a bag or coat pocket so they don't create awkward bulges in your photos.

The "Go-Bag": Bring a tote with bobby pins, hairspray, a brush, lipstick, a mirror, and oil-remover wipes.

Props: Instruments, blankets, or flowers are fantastic for adding personality, but don't feel pressured to bring them if they don't feel like "you."

Fueling Up

The "Goldilocks" rule applies here: don't eat a massive meal right before (hello, bloating), but don't arrive starving (hello, "hangry" faces). A light snack about two hours before is perfect.

Good ideas: Apples, bananas, peanut butter on toast, or carrots and hummus. Stay hydrated with water and avoid sugary drinks!