Monday, September 01, 2025 | By: mQn Photography
If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet the night before family photos and thought, “What on earth am I going to wear?”—you’re not alone. I’ve watched plenty of moms walk into my studio with bags of options, still second-guessing every outfit. It’s a lot of pressure. You want to look good, feel comfortable, and somehow make sure your kids don’t clash with your dress. Add in a partner who may or may not understand why his favorite college T-shirt doesn’t count as “photo-ready,” and it can feel like an Olympic-level challenge.
That’s exactly why I built the studio wardrobe. It’s not just a rack of random clothes—it’s a curated collection designed to take the stress out of outfit planning. Think flattering cuts, neutral tones, and soft textures that actually work in front of the camera (and under the gorgeous natural light in my studio). It’s meant to feel like the closet you wish you had on hand every time you get dressed—except this one comes with styling help and zero guilt about one-and-done purchases.
Over the years, I’ve heard moms say again and again that using the studio wardrobe is one of the best parts of their session. They walk in frazzled, but once they slip into a dress that feels good and looks amazing on camera, you can literally see the relief. And when kids and partners are already covered too? Game changer. Suddenly, the “what to wear” stress melts away, and the focus shifts back to what the session is really about—capturing your family as they are right now.
One mom told me she showed up fully prepared to do the typical last-minute Target run the night before photos—until she remembered the studio wardrobe. Instead of dragging kids through the aisles (and trying to convince a toddler that shoes must be worn), she walked into the studio empty-handed. She tried on a dress from the wardrobe, gave a little twirl in the mirror, and said, “That was easier than buying milk.” And honestly? That’s the whole point. No returns pile, no overspending, no stress. Just walk in, pick something gorgeous, and let’s get to the fun part.
Another mom laughed and admitted she hadn’t worn a real dress since her last wedding guest appearance—years ago. She slipped into one of the wardrobe pieces, smoothed it over her bump, and her eyes got wide. “Wait. I look good.” And she did. That’s what the studio wardrobe experience is designed to do: give you flattering, comfortable options that take exactly zero brainpower. No endless scrolling for “neutral dresses for family photos.” No panic-buying three sizes just in case. Just you, feeling confident and ready to be in the frame instead of hiding behind the camera.
One of my favorite moments is when moms see their kids in coordinating outfits from the wardrobe. “I didn’t think I’d get them to wear anything but their Paw Patrol shirts,” one mom confessed, while her toddler happily played in a soft romper that actually matched her dress. That’s the beauty of it: pieces that are comfy enough for kids to run, jump, and cuddle in—while still looking like they belong in the same photo as you. The studio wardrobe isn’t about matchy-matchy uniforms; it’s about natural coordination that photographs beautifully without forcing it.
And maybe my favorite feedback of all: “I didn’t realize how much calmer I’d feel.” When moms don’t have to obsess over what everyone’s wearing, the whole session shifts. Kids feel the energy, partners relax, and suddenly it’s less about pulling off a Pinterest-perfect look and more about just being together. That’s the power of the studio wardrobe experience; not just the clothes, but the ease it creates.
After hearing story after story, a few themes always bubble to the top. When moms talk about the studio wardrobe experience, it’s never just about the clothes—it’s about how it changes the entire session. Here’s what I hear most often:
Instead of obsessing over shopping carts, shipping times, or returns, moms show up knowing they’ll have plenty of flattering options waiting. That peace of mind shows up in the photos. When you’re not distracted by “does this even look good?” energy, you can relax and enjoy the session.
There’s something about slipping into a dress that’s been chosen with moms in mind. The cuts flatter, the fabrics feel good, and you instantly look put together—without spending hours styling yourself. Confidence reads on camera, and moms notice the difference right away.
No, everyone doesn’t have to wear khaki and white shirts. But when kids, partners, and parents all have access to the wardrobe, the outfits naturally coordinate without looking forced. Moms tell me they love how their photos look “pulled together” without looking staged.
The wardrobe isn’t just about looking nice—it’s about freeing up mental space. Instead of spending the night before ironing outfits and questioning color combos, moms can spend that energy prepping their kids, getting a good night’s sleep, or actually feeling excited for the session.
When you put all of that together, it’s easy to see why moms say yes to the studio wardrobe. It’s the difference between a stressful photo day and one that feels effortless, even fun.
The studio wardrobe didn’t just appear one day like a fairy godmother’s closet. It started because I kept noticing the same thing: moms arriving to sessions looking like they’d just survived a marathon. Not because of the kids (well, okay, sometimes because of the kids), but because of the clothes. Bags stuffed with options. Hangers rattling around in the car. A partner nervously asking, “Wait, should I have worn the other shirt?”
After watching that scene repeat itself over and over, I realized something: if I could take this one giant stressor off moms’ plates, the whole session would feel different. So I started curating. Dresses that flatter without being fussy. Kids’ pieces that are cute and comfy. Wraps and blankets that photograph beautifully under my studio’s natural light and against my lime-washed wall.
It wasn’t about building a fashion collection. It was about creating a tool. A way for moms to walk in, take a deep breath, and know that part of the work was already done. Because let’s be honest—family photos should not require the same level of planning as a wedding. The studio wardrobe is my way of saying: “You already have enough to manage. Let me handle this piece.”
And once moms started using it, the feedback was instant. They weren’t just relieved—they were enjoying the process. That shift confirmed what I’d hoped all along: the studio wardrobe isn’t an extra perk. It’s an essential part of the experience.
You’ve heard what other moms are saying, but you probably still have a few questions. Totally fair. Here are the ones I hear most often about the studio wardrobe experience:
Yes. The wardrobe is built with moms in mind, which means there are options for a variety of sizes and shapes—including bump-friendly styles for maternity sessions. I’ve chosen pieces that flatter, move well, and won’t leave you feeling like you need to suck in every time the camera clicks. Think flowy dresses, forgiving fabrics, and silhouettes that actually work in real life (and real bodies).
You can, absolutely. Some moms like having a backup or something personal to pair with wardrobe pieces. But you don’t have to bring a single thing if you don’t want to—the whole point of the studio wardrobe experience is saving you from stress-shopping, returns, or panic-packing your closet into a laundry basket.
What you should bring, though, are the right undergarments. Think neutral-colored bras, seamless underwear, and strapless or nursing-friendly options depending on what you’re most comfortable in. The wardrobe takes care of the outfits, but having your own well-fitting underlayers makes all the difference in how confident you feel in them.
Yes! Of Course! Everything is freshly washed, steamed, and ready to go for your session. If it touches your skin, it’s been cleaned—no exceptions. Moms always breathe easier once they hear this one.
Yep. The studio wardrobe isn’t just for moms. I keep shirts for dads, options for kids under five, and all the soft wraps and textures for newborns. Everything is chosen to coordinate so your family looks cohesive without going full “matching holiday pajamas.”
That said, I don’t carry matching outfits—so if that’s your jam, you’ll want to bring your own. And for kids over five, I leave the styling to you. By that age, most kids have strong opinions about what they’re wearing (and let’s be honest, battles over shoes or scratchy tags aren’t the vibe we want for photos). To make it easier, I share a monthly Looks Book with curated outfit ideas and clickable links, so you’ll still have plenty of inspiration to pull everything together without second-guessing.
Bring it. I love weaving in heirlooms—a special blanket, a knitted bonnet, or grandma’s locket. The studio wardrobe is there to take the pressure off, not replace what matters to you. If something has meaning, we’ll make sure it’s part of the story.
This one comes up more than you’d think. The short answer? You’ll be surprised. I’ve carefully curated pieces with moms in mind, and I’ll be there to help you style. Sometimes it just takes trying on one dress to completely change the vibe. And if you really don’t like anything, that’s fine too—you won’t hurt my feelings. But so far? Moms walk away saying they can’t believe how much easier it made everything.
Not really. Most moms choose their outfit when they arrive for the session—that way you’re not stressing about it the night before, and we can pick together based on what feels good in the moment. (Because let’s be honest, what sounded perfect on Tuesday doesn’t always feel right on Saturday.)
That said, if you’re a special size (think XXS or 5XL) or you have your heart set on a very specific color—like a purple dress—you’ll need to let me know ahead of time. That way I can make sure I’ve got exactly what you’re picturing. If you don’t care and you’re open to what’s available, then absolutely just show up. I’ve got you covered.
Here’s the thing: the studio wardrobe isn’t only for studio sessions. That’s just where most moms first meet it. Once they realize how much easier it makes the process, they start asking about it for everything—and the answer is yes, it works across all kinds of sessions.
Maternity sessions? Absolutely. One mom slipped into a soft, flowing dress that showed off her bump perfectly and sighed with relief: “I can’t believe I didn’t have to order five dresses online just to find one that worked.” Whether you’re in the studio, outdoors in golden light, or even at home, the photography studio wardrobe has pieces that highlight your bump without making you feel like you’re wearing a tent. Flowing fabrics, flattering cuts, and soft tones mean you don’t have to invest in a “maternity dress” you’ll never wear again.
And if you do want to shop for your own dress instead of borrowing from the studio wardrobe, I’ll point you toward one of my favorites: Baltic Born. Their flowing fabrics, bump-friendly silhouettes, and soft tones work beautifully for maternity, postpartum, and family sessions. The best part? The same styles that look amazing outdoors in golden light also translate perfectly in the studio.
Newborn sessions? The wardrobe was practically made for them. In-studio, moms reach for gowns that photograph beautifully against my white walls or lime-washed blue backdrop, while their babies are wrapped in cozy knits or soft blankets from the newborn session wardrobe. At an in-home session, one mom told me she loved how the dress I brought “actually looked like it belonged in my living room—like it was meant to be here.” That’s the whole idea: pieces that feel natural in your space and photograph just as well on your couch as they do in my studio.
Baby milestone sessions? This is where the fun really kicks in. Rompers, little knits, and outfits that are as comfortable as they are photogenic—so babies can roll, crawl, and wobble through their session without restriction. I’ll never forget one mom laughing as her baby sat in a tiny romper from the baby milestone wardrobe: “I can’t get him to sit still at home, but he looks like an angel in this.” And because moms often borrow something too, they’re not scrambling to find an outfit that works next to their baby’s milestone look.
Motherhood sessions? Think flowy dresses that let you cuddle, carry, or dance around with your kids without worrying about fussing with straps or hems. One mom twirled around with her toddler during a motherhood session and later told me, “That dress let me actually play with her—I didn’t feel stiff or stuck.” That’s the point of these sessions: connection. The wardrobe pieces make it easy to be in the moment.
Family sessions—studio and outdoor? Yes and yes. The wardrobe isn’t limited to four white walls. I’ve chosen pieces that work just as well in the studio as they do in a field, a park, or your backyard. One mom borrowed a neutral dress for fall family photos outdoors and said, “I didn’t think I’d love neutrals against all the leaves, but it actually made the photos look even better.” The family photo wardrobe includes timeless tones and natural fabrics that complement Minnesota’s seasons—fall leaves, snowy backdrops, or summer sunshine.
That’s what makes the studio wardrobe experience so powerful: it flexes with your family, your season of life, and your style of session. Moms walk away saying it made everything easier, and they’re right. Whether it’s your first baby bump or a family session with three kids in tow, the wardrobe is there to simplify one of the hardest parts: what to wear.
So if you’ve been putting off booking because you’re dreading the outfit planning, take a page out of these moms’ playbook. Let the studio wardrobe do the heavy lifting, so you can focus on what really matters—showing up, loving on your people, and walking away with photos you’ll be proud to hang on your wall.
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Michele Quattrin is a Minneapolis-based photographer with more than 15 years of experience capturing maternity, newborn, baby milestone, motherhood, and family sessions. Known for her warm, approachable style, Michele understands that the hardest part of family photos often starts before the camera is even out—deciding what everyone will wear. That’s why she created her carefully curated studio wardrobe, a collection designed to make sessions easier, more enjoyable, and effortlessly beautiful.
Whether she’s photographing a brand-new baby in her Northeast Minneapolis studio, a family in their own backyard, or a glowing mom-to-be at sunset, Michele uses her photography expertise (and the wardrobe she’s built with moms in mind) to take the stress out of photo day. Her goal is simple: give families the freedom to show up as themselves, confident and comfortable, while she handles the details.
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4 Comments
Sep 6, 2025, 12:54:43 PM
Daniele - Your images are gorgeous and your studio wardrobe is so beautiful!
Sep 6, 2025, 12:26:23 PM
Jennifer - Michele- what a luxury to shop your studio wardrobe! To not have to worry about what to wear for these memories and know as a mom that I will look amazing in your hands is such a gift! And I love that you have sizing for all body types.
Sep 6, 2025, 10:58:22 AM
Molly - Beautiful outfit choices make all the difference when it comes to the look and feel of your photos. Having a studio wardrobe gives your clients one less thing to worry about ahead of session day! Gorgeous photos as well!
Sep 5, 2025, 10:02:03 AM
rose - It really is so helpful when the photographer has wardrobe to choose from. It is one less stress off mom's shoulders. It is a plus when they have something for the whole family.