Coordinate, don't match
Pick two or three colours that go together and let everyone wear a mix of them. Soft, natural tones work really well - creams, beige, sage, dusty blue, rust, denim & white.
One trick that works every time: choose the outfit for the person who's hardest to dress first (usually mum!) and build everyone else around it.
Think about where we're going
The desert is full of warm, earthy colours, so creams, whites, terracotta, sage & soft blues really stand out against it. By the lakes & in the parks there's lots of green & blue around, so warmer tones like cream, mustard & rust look lovely.
Not sure where we're shooting yet? Have a look at my favourite photo spots in Scottsdale.
Shoes, layers & the weather
- In the desert, wear proper shoes for walking to & from the spot - there's cactus everywhere! You can always swap into nicer shoes for the photos
- Winter evenings can get chilly once the sun drops, so bring a jacket or a cosy layer - they often look great in photos too
- In the warmer months, light, breathable fabrics like linen & cotton will keep everyone comfortable
A few things to avoid
- Big logos, slogans & characters - they pull your eye away from faces
- Neon & very bright colours, which can reflect onto skin
- Lots of busy patterns together. One patterned piece is lovely, a whole family of them is a lot!
- Brand new shoes nobody has broken in yet
Most importantly, wear something you feel like yourself in. If the kids are comfortable they'll be happier, and that's what shows in the photos.
Still not sure?
Don't worry - everyone who books a family session gets a colour guide from me, and you're always welcome to send me photos of a few options before the day.