No strict rules, just thoughtful guidance to help you look and feel your best. Simple styling advice to help you feel confident, comfortable and beautifully you in front of the camera. 💕
What to Wear for Your Photography Session
The right outfit choices can make a huge difference to the overall look and feel of your images. My style focuses on natural connection, soft tones, and timeless portraits, so choosing outfits that work together rather than match exactly will help create beautiful, cohesive images you'll love for years to come.
A Calm, Child-Lead Experience
Cake smash sessions are wonderfully unpredictable, and that’s part of the magic. Some children love making a mess, while others may be hesitant or uninterested in eating the cake. All reactions are normal, and I work gently with your child’s pace, personality and comfort level.
There is no pressure for your little one to perform or “smash” the cake in a particular way. Whether they poke, taste, squish, smash or simply explore, the session will unfold naturally and beautifully.
General Styling Tips
Coordinate, Don't Match
Choose colours that complement one another instead of dressing everyone in identical outfits. Combining a few harmonious colours creates depth and visual interest while keeping the focus on your family.
Keep It Neutral
Soft, muted tones photograph beautifully and suit every season. Consider:
- Cream
- Beige
- Oatmeal
- White
- Soft grey
- Taupe
- Sage green
- Dusty blue
- Rust
- Terracotta
- Mustard
- Soft blush
- Warm browns
Things to Consider
For the soft, timeless style featured throughout my portfolio, I generally recommend avoiding:
- Bright neon colours
- Large logos or branding
- Character clothing
- Busy patterns
- Fluorescent colours
- Athletic wear
- Matching black outfits on everyone
These elements can sometimes draw attention away from faces and connection within your images. That said, these are simply recommendations, not rules. If bold colours, vibrant patterns or a particular style feel like you, then please wear them! I would never refuse to photograph you based on your clothing choices or ask you to change your outfit.
The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, confident and authentically yourself. When you feel good in what you're wearing, that confidence shines through in your photographs. My goal is to capture your family, your personality and your story, and your clothing should reflect who you are.
If you're unsure, I'm always happy to help coordinate outfits or suggest a colour palette that complements your vision while staying true to your personal style.
Add Texture
Texture photographs beautifully and adds visual interest without overwhelming the image. Consider:
- Knits
- Lace
- Linen
- Cotton gauze
- Denim
- Tulle
- Soft layers
Need a little extra guidance?
Check out the style guides below for session-specific outfit recommendations
Family Sessions
Recommended Colours
Neutral Palette
Cream, beige, white, oatmeal, taupe and soft grey.
Earthy Palette
Rust, terracotta, olive, mustard and warm browns.
Soft Romantic Palette
Dusty blue, sage, blush and cream.
What Works Best
Movement creates beautiful photographs. Dresses with flow, soft fabrics and layered textures photograph wonderfully.
Mum
- Flowy dresses
- Maxi dresses
- Soft knits
- Linen pieces
- Neutral tones
Outfit Ideas
Dad
- Chinos
- Linen shirts
- Button-up shirts
- Neutral knitwear
Children
- Suspenders
- Rompers
- Linen dresses
- Soft knitwear
- Neutral shoes or barefoot
Maternity Sessions
Clients have access to the studio wardrobe and are welcome to try on dresses before their session to find "the one." Prefer to wear your own outfit? That's absolutely welcome too. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself.
Best Colours
- Cream
- White
- Beige
- Sage
- Dusty blue
- Mocha
- Rust
- Soft blush
- Black for dramatic studio portraits
What Photographs Beautifully
- Fitted maternity gowns
- Flowing dresses
- Off-shoulder styles
- Bodysuits
- Draped fabrics
- Elegant two-piece sets
Partner & Family Coordination
Keep everyone within the same colour palette and avoid bright colours that may draw attention away from mum.
Newborn Sessions
For Baby
The studio wardrobe includes wraps, layers, blankets and carefully selected newborn outfits. However if you have something special you would like baby to wear, that is perfect too!
Keep in mind, neutral colours photograph best:
- Cream
- White
- Beige
- Soft grey
- Dusty blue
- Sage
For Parents
Simplisity and comfort is best.
Consider:
- Neutral dresses
- Knit jumpers
- Linen shirts
- Soft textures
Limit:
- Bright colours
- Large prints
- Busy patterns
The focus should remain on your beautiful new baby.
For Siblings
Choose soft, comfortable clothing in neutral tones.
Beautiful options include:
- Linen dresses
- Knit jumpers
- Rompers
- Neutral shirts
- Bare feet
Keep in mind that the studio will be heated for the comfort of baby and may be on the warmer side for older siblings and adults. I recommend wearing lighter clothing and having a jacket if it's cold outside or bringing a comfortable change of clothes.
Milestone & Sitter Sessions
For babies around 3-12 months:
Clients have access to the studio wardrobe, with a selection of outfits available for little ones in varying sizes. You're also more than welcome to bring an outfit of your own.
Beautiful options include:
- Knitted rompers
- Linen outfits
- Simple dresses
- Overalls
- Bloomers
- Soft colours and simple clothing help keep the focus on your baby's expressions and personality.
Cake Smash Sessions
Cake Smash clients have access to the studio wardrobe, with a selection of outfits available for little ones. You're also more than welcome to bring an outfit of your own. The most important thing is choosing something that suits your theme and makes your little one comfortable.
Outfit Suggestions
Choose something that complements your selected theme while allowing your child to move comfortably.
Popular choices:
- Rompers
- Tutus
- Suspenders
- Simple dresses
- Bloomers
- Neutral outfits
Colours
Themed colours are welcome, but avoid heavily patterned clothing which can compete with the Cake Smash setup.
Bring a Spare Outfit
Cake Smash sessions are exactly what they sound like — messy!
Bring:
- A change of clothes
- Nappies
- Wipes
- A towel for the Splash Session
Dance Photography
Wear whatever makes you feel confident, comfortable and absolutely stunning. Whether it's your favourite leotard, costume, performance outfit or something completely unique to you, I'll work with you to incorporate it into the style of portraits you envision. The best dance portraits happen when you feel empowered and confident in what you're wearing.
Clothing Tips
Bring:
- Performance costumes
- Leotards
- Pointe shoes
- Character costumes (if applicable)
- Simple portrait outfits
- Avoid large logos and distracting graphics.
Recommended Colours
For dramatic portraits:
- Black
- White
- Burgundy
- Deep blue
- Emerald
For soft fine-art portraits:
- Cream
- Blush
- Dusty blue
- Sage
- Mocha
Colour Palette Inspiration
Soft & Airy
Cream • Beige • White • Sage • Dusty Blue
Earthy & Warm
Terracotta • Rust • Olive • Mocha • Oatmeal
Romantic & Timeless
Blush • Cream • Dusty Rose • Sage • Taupe
Dramatic & Elegant
Black • Charcoal • Deep Green • Burgundy • Ivory
The Most Important Tip
Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. The best photographs come from genuine connection, cuddles, laughter and being yourselves. Your clothing should complement your story, not distract from it.
If you're unsure about your outfit choices, feel free to send photos before your session and I'll happily help you coordinate a beautiful colour palette for your family.