I’m so glad you’re here!


And now for the fun part… (drumroll please) the Outfit Inspiration Guide.


I created this guide to help make styling feel easier and less overwhelming. Below you’ll find outfit inspiration organized by location and lighting, along with tips.


My goal is never for your family to look overly styled or perfectly matched. I want you to look connected, comfortable, timeless, and like yourselves while still creating those magazine worthy, beautifully styled photographs.

Quick Styling Tips


DO


  • Coordinate instead of matching exactly


  • Start with mom’s outfit first (or the pickiest person’s outfit), then build everyone else’s outfits from there


  • Choose soft, light, muted, complementary colors


  • Mix textures like linen, gauze, knits, lace, or cotton


  • Choose well fitting clothing that allows comfort and movement


  • Think about your location when choosing colors


  • Keep shoes simple and neutral (brown tones photograph beautifully)


  • Add movement with flowy dresses, loose fabrics, and layers


  • Feel free to text me outfit options beforehand


AVOID


  • Large logos


  • Neon colors


  • Overly dark colors like black, navy, or dark burgundy


  • Busy patterns, plaid, and tiny stripes


  • Formal attire like suits or fully buttoned up dress shirts


  • Bright athletic shoes


  • Matching white shirts and jeans


  • Stiff or uncomfortable clothing

Beach Sessions


For Santa Barbara beach sessions, I love a soft pastel inspired palette:


Cream

Warm white

Sand

Warm beige

Mustard

Sage green

Soft blue

Dusty rose

Muted pink

Lavender

Coral

Muted teal

Light denim


Bare feet, natural fabrics, and clothing that moves in the wind always photograph beautifully at the beach. Think soft, light, relaxed, and coastal.


Why Beach Styling Works


Light colors, gauzy textures, sage greens, soft pinks, and sandy neutrals photograph beautifully at the beach because they reflect the natural tones of the environment. The soft palette keeps the images feeling airy, relaxed, and timeless, while movement in the fabrics adds depth and softness.

Color palette guide showing five coastal themes: Soft Coastal, Sunset Pastels, Sage & Sand, Neutral Coastal, and Soft Romantic Beach.
Family of five sitting on a blanket at a sunny beach with palm trees, parents and three young children smiling.
Family portrait with two young girls, parents sharing a tender moment outdoors.
Family embracing on a sunny beach at golden hour with children playing in the sand by the ocean.
Happy young family with baby girl enjoying a golden sunset walk on a sandy beach near coastal homes.
Family of four laughing and walking along a sunny beach shoreline at golden hour, waves splashing at their feet.
Smiling pregnant couple embracing outdoors in autumn, woman in pink cardigan cradling baby bump near red ivy-covered fence.
Family of four walking on a sunny beach at golden hour with a small dog near the water.
Family with baby and dogs walking on beach at golden sunset.
Happy Asian family of five sharing a warm embrace on a sunny beach at golden hour.
Happy family of four sitting together on a sandy beach, smiling and enjoying quality time near the ocean.
Family of five posing on a sandy beach at sunset with a pier and cliffs in the background.
Family of five holding hands walking on a reflective wet beach at sunset near cliffs.
Happy family of five posing together on a beach at sunset, parents holding toddlers while young child stands between them.
Family of five sharing a tender moment at sunset on a tropical beach, parents kissing while children play in the sand.
Family of four walking on a sunny beach in white and neutral outfits with palm trees and coastal homes in background.

Foothills & Bluffs


For foothill, bluffs, or garden sessions, I love warm earthy tones:


Cream

Mustard

Rust

Terracotta

Burnt orange

Tan

Sage green

Dusty rose

Muted pink

Lavender

Muted teal

Light denim

Taupe


Think warm, rich colors without going overly dark.


Why Foothill Styling Works


Warm earthy tones like terracotta, burnt orange, mustard, tan, and sage green complement the bluffs beautifully. Layers and texture add depth while still feeling natural, cohesive, and timeless.

Four earthy color palettes featuring sage green, terracotta, rust, cream, and denim tones for interior design inspiration.
Family of three holding hands in a sunlit golden field, parents and toddler enjoying a warm sunset outdoors.
Family enjoying a sunny day outdoors, with a child sitting on a man's shoulders while a woman smiles beside them in a field.
Family of three walking outdoors holding hands, parents swinging toddler between them in a natural setting.
Happy family of four enjoying a golden sunset outdoors, parents holding two young children in a warm field.
Family of four walking on sandy desert with wind turbines, bathed in golden sunlight, woman in flowing red dress.
A happy family of four sits together on lush green grass, bathed in golden sunset light beneath tropical trees.
Family walking in Joshua Tree desert landscape, parents with two young boys, woman in orange maxi dress among rocky terrain.
Family of four walking on a sunlit dirt path surrounded by golden fields and trees during a warm sunset outdoor photoshoot.
Happy family of four enjoying a sunny outdoor picnic under a tree in a golden field.
A happy family with a toddler on dad's shoulders enjoys a scenic coastal overlook at sunset.
Family with toddler and black dog enjoying golden sunset on coastal bluff overlooking the ocean.
Family of four sharing a golden sunset moment under a tree in a sunlit field, children in pastel dresses.
Family of four embracing in golden sunlit field with tall grass and trees during sunset outdoor photo session.

In-Home Newborn Sessions


For in-home sessions, I love a light palette:


Cream

Warm white

Light grey

Oatmeal

Light mustard

Soft sage

Pale blue

Dusty rose

Lavender

Light denim


Comfort is especially important for newborn sessions. Soft fabrics, bare feet, simple layers, and neutral tones keep the focus on connection, cuddling, and the sweetness of those early days.

Color palette guide featuring four schemes: Warm Neutral, Soft & Airy, Cozy & Inviting, and Calm & Timeless with pastel swatches.
Happy couple with newborn baby relaxing on bed with two dogs, Bernese Mountain and Golden Retriever.
A couple sits on a bed, smiling and kissing while tenderly holding their newborn baby together.
Smiling couple sitting on a bed with a fluffy golden doodle dog in a bright, cozy bedroom setting.
Happy family of six sitting on a white bed, parents with four young children smiling together in a cozy bedroom setting.
Couple sitting on bed with newborn baby in cozy bedroom with plants and natural light.
Happy couple sitting on couch holding newborn baby and orange tabby cat in bright modern home.
Happy family with two parents and three young children sitting together on a blanket on a sunny outdoor patio.

Cloudy Sessions


Cloudy days tend to soften colors, which makes richer muted tones photograph beautifully. Soft maroon, dusty pink, denim, cream, oatmeal, and warm neutrals can add depth while still feeling gentle and natural.


Layering textures like knits, linen, denim, and sweaters also helps add warmth and dimension on overcast days.

Family of four posing outdoors on a dirt path with misty hills and green trees in the background.
Family of five walking barefoot on a sandy beach near Malibu homes, holding hands and smiling together.
Family of three sitting on blanket in golden field at sunset, parents smiling at toddler boy.

Extended Family Sessions


For extended family sessions, the goal is coordination without everyone looking identical.


Choose one overall color palette and let each household interpret it slightly differently. Mixing complementary tones and neutrals keeps the full group feeling cohesive while still allowing each family unit to have its own personality.


Soft neutrals, sage, denim, dusty rose, cream, taupe, muted blue, and warm earthy tones usually work beautifully for larger groups.

Large family group posing together on sunny beach, smiling and embracing in pastel outfits with ocean in background.
Multi-generational Asian family smiling together outside a home entrance during a casual portrait session.
Happy multi-generational family walking together on a beach at golden sunset, smiling and holding hands.
Large family group hugging and smiling together on a sunny beach during a golden hour photo session.
Family group walking along sunny beach shoreline at golden hour, waves splashing, wearing coordinated white and neutral outfits.
Multigenerational family walking barefoot on beach at sunset, holding hands in neutral earth-tone outfits near palm trees.
Multigenerational family smiling together outdoors in front of a rustic wall with autumn ivy.
Family portrait at golden hour outdoors, children playing with bubbles while adults pose near a tree.
Large extended family posing together outdoors in a golden field with palm trees, dressed in casual earth-toned outfits.
Family group with children blowing bubbles outdoors at golden hour in a field with oak trees.

Maternity Sessions


For maternity photos, I recommend choosing something that shows your shape while still allowing movement. Soft fitted fabrics or flowy dresses tend to photograph beautifully and help create that relaxed, natural feeling.


There will also be time for an outfit change during your session, so please take me up on my offer to borrow something from my client closet if you’d like. I have a collection of maternity gowns available that photograph beautifully and work especially well with the light and locations we use in Santa Barbara.

A Few Extra Tips


  • Don’t forget about accessories and details. Jewelry can add beautiful texture and interest, especially on the wrists and hands which are often featured prominently in photographs.


  • Shoes matter. For the beach, we often skip shoes entirely. For foothills or garden locations, neutral sandals, boots, flats, or simple shoes usually work best.


  • Kids should be comfortable. If something is itchy, stiff, or constantly needing adjustment, it will probably show.


  • If your daughter is wearing a dress, please add bike shorts underneath so she can move freely.


  • Avoid Peter Pan collars when possible because they often flip up and cover little smiles.


  • If your child’s hair falls into their face easily, consider pinning a small piece back.


  • If you plan to wear lipstick, choose one that is smudge proof because there will likely be lots of cuddling and kissing.

Sometimes You Can Break the “Rules”


Not every outfit has to perfectly follow this guide. Sometimes a pop of color, bold pattern, monochromatic color palette, or unexpected piece can photograph beautifully when it feels intentional and fits the overall mood and location of the session.


The biggest thing is making sure the choices feel thoughtful and cohesive with the location, lighting, and the rest of the family’s outfits.


If you’re unsure, please text me photos of your outfit ideas. I’m always happy to help you decide what will photograph best.

Family of four enjoying a golden sunset beach walk, parents embracing while two young girls dance on wet sand.
Family of four sharing a tender moment on a sandy beach at sunset, with two young children embraced by their parents.
Family of four walking barefoot on a sunny beach at golden hour, parents holding children's hands near the ocean waves.
Family portrait with parents and two young girls with bows in their hair sitting together outdoors.
Family of four posing together in white and beige outfits in front of rustic doors with ivy backdrop.
Family of four walking on a sunny beach in coordinated white and beige outfits with ocean waves in background.
Happy family of four hugging and smiling together on a sunny beach during golden hour vacation.
Family of six walking on railroad tracks in coordinated white and beige outfits during golden hour sunset.
Family of five walking on a sandy beach at sunset, dressed in white and light colors, smiling and holding hands.
Family of four sitting on driftwood at beach during golden hour, smiling and embracing in coordinated outfits.
Family of four sharing joyful kisses on a sunny beach, parents holding two young daughters by the ocean waves.

My Favorite Shops


Zara

Free People

J. Crew

Beachwood Baby

Baltic Born

Joyfolie

Everlane

Target

H&M

Amazon

Most Importantly, You Do Not Need To Overthink Every Detail


Soft colors, natural textures, comfortable clothing, and a little movement go a long way. The most important thing is that you feel relaxed, connected, and present with your family.


You are always welcome to send me outfit options before your session. Please take me up on this!

Get you (A.K.A. 'Resident Photo-Taker') back in the family photos!


How many photographs were you (yes, you!) in last year? Probably not many... Us moms are usually the ones behind the camera phone saying "say cheese" and chasing after the little ones trying to capture that cute smile or a loving hug. 


I want to put you front and center in the viewfinder and capture YOU with your family. Let me document your family's joy, love, and connection with you in the frame.


Email me: tristin.tracy at gmail.com for more info or to book a session.