WHAT TO WEAR STYLE GUIDE | TAMPA NEWBORN & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

Styling Your Portrait Session

Tampa Family Photographer

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

As a Tampa family photographer, one of the most common questions I get is: “What should we wear?” The truth is, what you wear for your portraits plays an essential role in the overall look and feel of your images.

You’re not just hiring me to take pictures—you’re hiring me to create art you’ll love for years to come. Thoughtful wardrobe choices elevate your session and ensure your portraits align with the timeless, light-filled style you saw in my portfolio when you chose me as your photographer.

WARDROBE AND STYLING BASICS

1. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Gone are the days of everyone in matching white shirts and jeans. Outfits that match often feel flat, dated, and uninteresting. Instead, choose outfits that coordinate while letting each person’s personality shine.

🤍 Tip: Start with Mom’s outfit first, then layer in a couple of complementary colors, textures, and patterns for the rest of the family.

2. Color

Neutral and soft tones (ivory, beige, soft gray, blush, light blue) are timeless, flattering, and work beautifully with every skin tone, location, and home décor (especially if you plan to display your portraits in your home!).

🤍Tip: Choose one or two complementary main colors for your group. Add in light-colored neutrals for balance. OR stick with all neutrals in different shades/textures for a chic, timeless look.

🚫 Avoid bright or neon colors—they can reflect on the skin and don’t photograph well.

3. Textures

Textures add dimension and interest, especially when your color palette is simple. Think linen, cotton, sweater knits, lace, ruffles, or tulle. These fabrics and details elevate your portraits and create variety.

4. Patterns

Incorporating a delicate pattern can elevate your look—like soft florals or subtle neutral stripes. I recommend keeping prints minimal (one person in a pattern, or two if they coordinate without clashing).

🚫 Avoid bold, busy prints that distract the eye.

🚫 Avoid fine stripes or tiny plaids—they create a distortion effect in images (called moiré) that can’t be edited out.

5. Layers & Movement

Flowy dresses and skirts are a dream for portraits—they create gorgeous movement, especially outdoors.

In Tampa’s warm climate, you can achieve layering by mixing fabrics and textures or adding lightweight overshirts.  Also incorporating charming details, like bows for girls or suspenders/overalls for young boys (bare chested or not), can create dimension and layers.

6. Think About the Location

Your outfits should complement, not compete with, the background.

🤍 Greenery: Choose pastels, neutrals, and soft whites. Avoid greens/olives so you don’t blend in.

🤍 Beach: Soft neutrals, creams, or muted pastels shine.

🤍 Studio: Neutral tones with texture always photograph best.

extra styling tips

-For Moms/Girls: Flowy dresses and skirts are flattering on all body types and create movement that photographs beautifully.

-For Dads/Boys: Khaki or gray pants with neutral tops are classic. Skip crisp shirts—try a henley, v-neck tee, or lightweight sweater instead.

-For Baby Girls: Please cover diapers with bloomers so we do not risk seeing diapers in your portraits.

-Footwear: Shoes matter! Simple leather sandals, flats, or booties in natural fabrics are perfect. Avoid athletic sneakers, ornate/colorful footwear, or flip-flops. Also, keep in mind that many of my shooting are in nature, so I strongly recommend avoiding tall heals/stilettos.

-No shoes, no problem: For Beach and studio locations, barefoot is usually best!

What to avoid

-Logos & Text: Distracting and date your photos quickly.

-Bright/Neon Colors: Reflect poorly on skin and don’t match a light, timeless style.

-Dark Colors (Black, Navy): Photograph heavy and cause subjects to blend together.

-Busy Prints: Large plaids, stripes, or bold patterns overwhelm images.

-Large Jewelry: Keep it simple so the focus stays on your family.

-Moiré Fabrics: Tiny stripes or checks distort in-camera (think patterns often found on men’s shirts).

-Apple Watches/Smart Watches: These light up and show time, texts, etc. that will show up in your portraits.  

-Baggy Clothing: Stick with tailored, flattering fits.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Styling your portrait session doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and the right guidance, you’ll end up with portraits that feel timeless, natural, and completely you.

✨ And remember: My client wardrobe is available to all families booking full sessions—so you don’t have to figure it out alone!

If you’re ready to capture your family with light-filled, timeless portraits, I’d love to be your Tampa family photographer. Let’s create memories—and art—that your family will treasure for generations.

Location:  Tampa, FL

Photographer: Heather Walker Photography

Tampa, Florida natural light newborn, maternity and family photographer & storyteller