Enter a A simple styling guide for relaxed, beautiful, natural family photos in Santa Barbara.
Choosing what to wear for your photo session can feel overwhelming, but it does not need to be stressful. The right clothing helps your images feel cohesive, timeless, and natural while still feeling like you.
My goal is never for your family to look overly styled or perfectly matched. I want you to look connected, comfortable, and thoughtfully put together.
Start With Yourself
I usually recommend starting with mom’s outfit first. Choose something you feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable in, then build everyone else’s clothing around that.
Flowy dresses, soft fabrics, subtle texture, and movement photograph beautifully. Think linen, gauze, cotton, knits, lace, or anything that moves naturally in the wind.
If mom feels good, the entire session tends to flow more easily.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Everyone does not need to wear the same color. In fact, photos usually feel more elevated and natural when everyone is coordinated rather than perfectly matching.
Choose a color palette with a few soft complementary tones, then mix in neutrals to keep everything feeling balanced and effortless.
Try to think about your outfits as a collection instead of individual pieces.
Think About Your Location
Your clothing should feel connected to the environment we are photographing in.
FOR BEACH SESSIONS
I love:
cream
warm white
sand
warm beige
sage green
soft blue
dusty rose
muted pink
lavender
coral
muted teal
light denim
Think soft, muted, pastel inspired tones. Bare feet, natural fabrics, and clothing that catches the wind always photograph beautifully at the beach.
FOR FOOTHILLS OR BLUFFs SESSIONS
I love:
cream
mustard
rust
terracotta
sage green
dusty rose
lavender
muted teal
light denim
taupe
Think warm, earthy, rich tones without going overly dark.
FOR IN-HOME NEWBORN SESSIONS
Lighter colors usually photograph best because they help keep the images feeling soft, airy, and bright. Creams, warm whites, pale blues, soft sage, blush, oatmeal, and light neutrals all work beautifully indoors.
Add Texture and Movement
Texture makes a huge difference in photographs. Linen shirts, knit sweaters, gauze rompers, lace dresses, or flowy skirts add depth and visual interest without feeling distracting.
Movement matters too. Dresses that catch the wind, loose curls, cuddling barefoot in the sand, and clothing that allows you to move comfortably all help the images feel more natural and connected.
Avoid
large logos
cartoon characters
neon colors
overly dark colors (black, navy, dark burgundy)
very tiny stripes
busy plaid
overly stiff clothing
everyone in bright white shirts and jeans
athletic shoes unless intentional
These tend to pull attention away from your faces, your connection, and the emotion of the photographs.
Shoes Matter
Shoes are often the last thing people think about, but they really do matter.
For beach sessions, we often skip shoes entirely.
For foothill or garden sessions, simple neutral shoes usually work best:
brown leather sandals
boots
simple flats
neutral sneakers
Try to avoid bright athletic shoes or anything with neon details.
Dress the Kids Comfortably
Kids photograph best when they can move, play, cuddle, explore, and simply be themselves.
Choose clothing that fits well and feels comfortable. If something is itchy, stiff, or constantly needing adjustment, it usually shows in the photos.
Simple rompers, dresses, overalls, linen shirts, soft knits, and neutral basics photograph beautifully.
A few additional tips:
• Avoid Peter Pan collars because they often flip up and cover little smiles
• If your daughter is wearing a dress, please put bike shorts underneath so she can move freely and comfortably
Hair and Accessories
For hair, soft and natural usually photographs best. Loose waves, simple braids, soft curls, or hair that can move a bit in the wind all work beautifully.
If your child’s hair tends to fall in front of their face, consider pulling a small portion back so we can see their eyes clearly.
If you plan to wear lipstick, I recommend choosing one that is smudge proof since there will likely be lots of cuddling and kissing throughout the session. See my favorites here.
Accessories can absolutely add personality, but simple is usually best. A meaningful necklace, soft bow, textured hat, or delicate bracelet can add interest without becoming distracting.
For Maternity Sessions
For maternity photos, I recommend choosing something that shows your shape while still allowing movement.
Soft fitted fabrics or flowy dresses with shape around the belly tend to photograph beautifully.
I also have a small collection of maternity gowns available for clients, and you are always welcome to browse those before purchasing something new.
Most Importantly, Feel Like Yourself
The best outfits are the ones that help you feel relaxed, comfortable, and connected to the people you love.
You do not need to overthink every detail. Choose soft colors, natural textures, comfortable pieces, and clothing that allows movement. The rest is about connection, light, and your family simply being together.
And please feel free to text me outfit options before your session. I’m always happy to help.
