So you booked your session, and you're thinking now what?
One of the single hardest parts of booking a session? Figuring out how to prepare for it.
Whether you’re a senior stepping into the end of an era, or you finally booked those family photos and now you’re staring at your closet like “okay… now what?”—I get it. I’ve been there more times than I can count. Honestly, I just booked my own branding session and immediately thought: “Wait… what am I even going to wear?”
Here’s where I always start—and what I tell my clients too: Think about what makes you you.
For me, it usually goes one of two ways: Aesthetically pleasing neutrals—browns, nudes, soft tones Or full-on western—turquoise jewelry, Wranglers, boots, maybe even just jeans and a white tee, It all depends on the vibe I’m going for… and whether it fits my brand.
When it comes to family sessions, I think about it a little differently. I always ask myself:
“What is going to look good in my home or What’s the aesthetic of my space?”
For example, my home has very western vibes—so I’m naturally drawn to neutrals, but I also love a good burnt orange moment mixed in there.
And then comes the real question…
How many people am I coordinating?
Just me and my husband? Easy. Add in kids… maybe the dogs too? Okay—now we’re leveling up a bit. But that’s where the magic happens—when it all comes together in a way that feels natural, true to you, and not forced.
Let me teach you to think like a professional!
If I’m being honest, one of the most important parts of your session is how you prepare for it, -I’ve been in your shoes more times than I can count, staring at my closet thinking, “Okay… I booked the session… now what am I actually wearing?”
I just went through this myself with my own branding photos, spiraling over outfits, colors, shoes, jewelry… all of it.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned over time is that the little details matter more than you think—like spray tans, which should be done a few days before to settle naturally (and moisturize!), or glasses—if you wear them, try a pair without lenses so you still feel like yourself but avoid glare and reflections.
Outfits are where everyone gets stuck, and my advice is to start with what feels like you, not what Pinterest says or what’s trending. I always think about tones that work with my skin—neutrals, warm browns, creams… or if I’m leaning into my western side, I’m grabbing turquoise jewelry, Wranglers, boots, or even just jeans and a white tee—it all depends on the vibe I’m going for. And yes… I absolutely go down the Pinterest rabbit hole too sometimes finding full coordinated outfits with Amazon links, which is perfect because it takes all the guesswork out and I’ve even linked some of my favorite picks on my Amazon storefront so you can literally add to cart.
Coordinating multiple people is where it gets real—just you and your significant other? Easy. Add kids? Okay, thinking a little more. Add dogs? Now we’re working for it!
The biggest thing is don’t try to match everyone exactly; pick a color palette and let everyone fit in naturally, mix textures and layers, and it all comes together beautifully. And something people don’t always think about—the location matters just as much as your outfits. It can completely change the vibe of your session, whether it’s soft and glowy in open fields at golden hour, western/rustic with fence lines and barns, or clean and modern downtown with neutrals. Everything should flow together—your outfits, your location, your vibe. At the end of the day, preparing for your session doesn’t have to be overwhelming; it’s about being intentional, true to yourself, and everything else will follow!
The best photos aren’t the perfectly posed ones—they’re the ones where you feel comfortable, confident, and not overthinking every little thing, and I promise, I’ll help guide you through all of it
