From Closet to Camera: Styling a Full Session Step by Step

If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet before family photos and thought, “We have nothing to wear”, you’re not alone. Styling a photo session can feel overwhelming—coordinating everyone, avoiding clashing patterns, and trying not to spend half your paycheck on outfits you’ll wear once. That’s exactly why I’ve built my studio wardrobe and created a simple step-by-step approach to make this part of the process and dare I say, kind of fun.

The truth is, what you wear plays a big role in how your photos turn out. Clothing choices set the tone, keep the focus on connection, and help create a cohesive look for your gallery. So let’s walk through exactly how to style a session, from closet to camera.

Step 1: Start with Mom’s Outfit

Here’s a little secret: moms usually care the most about how everyone looks in photos, and they’re the ones who’ll hang the framed prints on the wall. That’s why I always start with mom’s outfit.

My studio wardrobe has a wide variety of dresses—neutral tones, soft patterns, flattering cuts—so moms don’t have to buy a new dress they’ll only wear once. From lacey maxis perfect for maternity to airy cotton dresses that work beautifully for outdoor summer sessions, it all begins here. Some of my favorite ready-to-wear dresses also come from Baltic Born—their timeless, flattering pieces look incredible on camera and transition beautifully into everyday life.

If you’d like to borrow from the studio wardrobe, let me know your sizes and color preferences right away. That way, I can make sure I’ve got the perfect pieces pulled in your family’s sizes. We can even set up a wardrobe consult ahead of your session to walk through the options together—so on session day, all you have to do is show up and feel amazing.

Once mom’s dress is chosen, everything else flows naturally. Think of her outfit as the anchor.

Family Photo Information

Step 2: Style the Kids

Once mom’s look is locked in, it’s time to dress the little ones. My wardrobe covers children up to size 5, with adorable options that photograph beautifully. Think sweet rompers for toddlers, soft knits for newborns, and simple dresses that let kids run, play, and snuggle without fuss. A favorite place I often recommend for children’s clothing is Jamie Kay—their timeless, well-made pieces are not only comfortable but always look great on camera.

The best part? No frantic Target runs at 9 p.m. the night before. Since every piece is chosen to coordinate with mom’s outfit, the family looks effortlessly pulled together.

Step 3: Add Dad’s Look

And finally… dad. Let’s be honest, dads are usually the easiest to style. The goal here is simple: complement mom and the kids without making him feel like he’s in a costume. My wardrobe includes a curated selection of shirts—classic, comfortable, and made to photograph beautifully.

Neutral shirts pair well with jeans or pants dads already own (because let’s be real, most dads aren’t running out to buy new pants just for photos). In studio sessions, a simple button-down or henley keeps things timeless. Outdoors? A casual woven shirt works great against natural backdrops. If you do need a fresh option, J.Crew is my go-to for dads—clean, classic, and easy to wear again long after photo day. Nothing stiff, nothing over-styled—just clean, simple, and comfortable.

Step 4: Pull It All Together

With outfits chosen, the next step is tying it all together with location and accessories.

In-studio sessions: White dresses against clean, neutral backdrops keep the look timeless and airy. Pops of texture (like lace or linen) add dimension.
Outdoor family sessions: Flowing dresses, light layers, and soft tones balance beautifully with fields, parks, or lakesides.
Newborn sessions: Cozy knits and wraps in cream, gray, or pale pastels bring all the focus to baby while keeping parents looking cohesive.
Maternity sessions: A flowing gown for mom paired with a neutral shirt for dad creates an elegant yet approachable look.

By this point, everyone’s styled and session-ready—without the stress, overspending, or mismatched chaos.

The mQn Experience

Why Styling Matters

Outfits aren’t just about looking nice; they shape how your final gallery feels. A cohesive wardrobe makes the images look intentional and polished. When photos are framed together on your wall, the colors and tones complement each other.

Even more importantly, when families feel confident in what they’re wearing, it shows. Instead of worrying about how your shirt fits, you can focus on connecting with your kids. That’s what makes photos powerful—real connection, captured beautifully.

And because I know “what do we wear?” is the number one question before any session, I’ve created a monthly Looks Book. It’s a curated guide with clickable outfit inspiration for the whole family, so whether you’re using the studio wardrobe or your own closet, you’ll have a head start. Think of it as your shortcut to looking effortlessly coordinated without the stress of endless scrolling and shopping.

FAQs About Styling a Photo Session

1. How much does the average family spend on new outfits for a photo session?

On average, families spend around $500 on clothing for a single photo session. But when you use my studio wardrobe, you don’t have to spend a dime. Everything you need for mom, dad, and kids under 5 is ready and waiting.

2. Do we have to wear neutral colors, or can we add some personality?

Neutrals photograph beautifully and keep the focus on connection, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add personality. Soft patterns, textures, and accessories are great ways to bring in your style while keeping the overall look cohesive.

3. What if my kids don’t like the outfits?

Kids are kids. The wardrobe is designed with comfort in mind, so most little ones love how easy the clothes feel. That said, this is exactly why the studio wardrobe stops at size 5—by that age, kids usually have their own opinions about what they want to wear. And honestly? Forcing them into something unfamiliar isn’t worth the battle (or the bribery).

That’s where the monthly Looks Book comes in. It’s full of family outfit inspiration with clickable links, so you and your older kids can pick something they’ll be excited about wearing. When kids feel good in their clothes, it shows in the photos—and that makes for the sweetest images.

Ready to Style Your Session?

Styling a photo session doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With my studio wardrobe and a simple step-by-step process, your family can look effortless, cohesive, and camera-ready.

If you’re ready to trade closet chaos for photos you’ll be proud to hang on your walls, get in touch and book your session today.

Michele is a Minneapolis-based family photographer with more than 15 years of experience helping families look and feel their best in front of the camera. Known for her warm, witty, and professional approach, she takes the guesswork out of “what do we wear?” with a curated studio wardrobe and her monthly Looks Book. From maternity to newborns, milestone sessions to full family portraits, Michele makes styling simple so her clients can focus on what really matters—connecting with the people they love while she documents it beautifully.

GET IN TOUCH

0 Comments

The Art of Creating The Legacy Box

August 27, 2024

Photography Session Types That The Best Minneapolis Photographers Offer

July 20, 2022

Mommy & Me Style Board Featuring Brand Nothing Fits But

January 3, 2024

Effortlessly Chic: Summer Whites and Subtle Stripes July Summer Style Board

July 5, 2023