Style Guide

Raven Grace Photography

A complete styling guide so you feel confident, comfortable, and actually love your photos.

A group sits together on fallen logs in a wooded mountain setting during a casual outdoor photoshoot.

What to wear to your Photo session

If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet thinking,

“I have nothing to wear,”

“I don’t photograph well,”

or “Why does this look cute on Instagram but weird on me?”

You are not alone. And more importantly,

you’re not doing anything wrong.

What you wear to your photo session matters, but not in a “stress yourself out and buy an entirely new wardrobe” kind of way. It matters because the right colors, textures, and fit help you move more naturally, feel more confident, and let your connection shine.

This guide will walk you through exactly what to wear, what to avoid, and how to pull everything together—for every season, every body, and every session type.

A child wearing a red plaid shirt smiles while holding hands with someone in a floral dress and white top.

The Golden Rule: Coordinate, Don’t Match

Let’s retire the matching white shirts and blue jeans. Respectfully.

Instead of dressing everyone the same, aim for coordination.

That means:

• A shared color palette

• Different textures and layers

• Slight variation in tones and patterns.

Think of your outfits like a well-curated Pinterest board. Everything belongs together, but nothing is identical.

Pro tip: Start with one outfit you love (usually Mom’s dress or one statement piece) and build everyone else around those colors..

Colors That Photograph Beautifully

My editing style leans warm, earthy, and timeless, so certain colors truly shine on camera.

Best Colors to Wear

These photograph beautifully in every season and lighting:

• Cream, ivory, oatmeal (instead of stark white)

• Carmel, tan, taupe

• Rust, terracotta, burnt orange

• Olive, sage, eucalyptus green

• Mustard

• Dusty rose, mauve

• Navy, charcoal, soft black

These tones reflect light softly and complement skin tones instead of overpowering them.

Colors to avoid

These tend to distract or cast odd tones:

• Neon or super bright colors

• Large logos or graphics

• Pure white (it reflects too much light)

• Super dark black on everyone

• Tiny, busy patterns (they can look warped on camera)

If you love a bold color, use it intentionally—one piece, not everyone head-to-toe.

Texture Is Your Secret Weapon

Texture adds depth, movement, and visual interest without trying too hard.

Great textures include:

• Knits and sweaters

• Linen and cotton

• Denim

• Lace

• Corduroy

• Waffle fabric

• Suede or leather accents

Texture photographs better than flat, shiny fabrics and helps outfits feel cozy, elevated, and natural.

Layers = Effortless Style

Layers are flattering, forgiving, and make your photos feel dynamic.

Easy layering ideas:

• Cardigans

• Denim jackets

• Flowy dusters

• Flannels

• Vests

• Lightweight shawls

Layers also give us options during the session: on, off, wrapped, draped, without a full outfit change.

Seasonal Styling Tips

Two children in white dresses walk along a rustic dirt path surrounded by tall green grass and vegetation.

sPRING

Think soft, fresh, and light.

• Flowy dresses

• Linen pants

• Light sweaters

• Soft florals (bigger patterns over tiny ones)

• Neutral shoes or sandals

Someone in a white dress lying on green grass during golden hour sunset.

sUMMER

Keep it breathable and comfortable.

• Maxi dresses

• Rompers

• Short sleeves or tanks with layers

• Bare feet or neutral sandals

• Avoid stiff fabrics that trap heat

fALL

Fall is chef’s kiss for photos.

• Chunky sweaters

• Boots

• Earth tones

• Layers on layers

• Scarves and hats (used sparingly)

Two people walking together on a dirt path through a golden autumn field at sunset.

WINTER

Cozy and intentional is the goal.

• Neutral coats

• Sweaters

• Knit hats

• Tall boots

• Avoid bulky, puffy jackets unless styled intentionally

Fit Matters More Than Size

This is important: your clothes should fit the body you have right now.

Not last year’s body.

Not a future goal body.

Right now.

Clothes that are too tight restrict movement and confidence. Clothes that are too baggy can feel shapeless.

Aim for:

• Comfort

• Stretch

• Pieces you can sit, walk, hug, and move in.

When you feel good, it shows. Every time.

Close-up of two pairs of legs wearing brown casual shoes standing together on a dirt path in nature.

Shoes: The Unsung Hero

Shoes matter more than people think.

• Stick to neutral tones

• Avoid athletic shoes unless intentional

• Boots, flats, sandals, or clean Converse all work

• Make sure shoes are clean and comfortable

Bare feet also photograph beautifully for lifestyle sessions.

⸻

Accessories: Less Is More

Accessories should enhance, not distract.

• Simple jewelry

• Small hoops or studs

• Delicate necklaces

• Hats or scarves used intentionally

Avoid smart watches, bulky hair ties on wrists, or overly flashy pieces.

A bride wearing a white wedding dress and veil stands among delicate pink flowers and blurred greenery.

Close-up sequence of hands exchanging engagement rings with delicate opal stone in gold setting.

Close-up photos showing delicate pearl and gold dangle earrings from different angles on an ear.

mAKEUP

• Aim for natural and polished

• Matte or satin finishes photograph best

• Light contour and blush add dimension

• Define eyes slightly more than usual

• Avoid heavy shimmer or glitter

If you’re not a makeup person, that’s okay. Just even skin tone and defined lashes go a long way.

HAIR

• Wear your hair how you feel most like yourself

• Soft waves photograph beautifully

• Avoid brand-new haircuts right before your session

• Bring a brush or comb for quick touch-ups

A series of candid family portraits showing joyful moments and laughter on a wooden deck.

What Kids Should Wear

Comfort is king.

• Clothes they can move in

• Soft fabrics

• Neutral colors

• Layers for variety

Let kids be kids. I don’t expect perfection, I expect personality.

Final Tips to Make Your Session Go Smoother

Here’s how to truly set yourself up for success:

• Lay outfits out the night before

• Try everything on ahead of time

• Remove phones, keys, and wallets from pockets

• Don’t stress about perfection

• Trust the process (and me)

You don’t need to know how to pose. You don’t need to worry about your angles. My job is to guide you every step of the way so you can relax and enjoy the moment.

Because the best photos don’t come from perfect outfits, they come from people who feel comfortable, confident, and connected.

And that’s what we’re creating together.