One of the most common questions I get before a session is some version of we have no idea what to wear. It makes sense. You want to look good but not overdressed. Coordinated but not matchy-matchy. Comfortable enough that the kids will actually cooperate but put-together enough that you will love the photos ten years from now.
Here is what I have learned from years of photographing families in the lush outdoor settings of Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Think coordination, not matching
Matching outfits went out with the early 2000s and for good reason. When everyone wears the exact same thing it draws the eye to the clothes rather than the people. Instead aim for a color palette that everyone works within. Pick two or three colors that feel connected and let each person express their own personality within that range. Think dusty rose, cream, and sage green. Or warm terracotta, ivory, and deep forest. Or navy, tan, and white if you prefer something cleaner.
The goal is for the family to look like they belong together without looking like they work at the same company.
Let the landscape inspire your palette
We are shooting in some of the most lush, green, beautiful settings in the Southeast. The Blue Ridge Mountains in summer are a wall of deep saturated green. In fall they go amber, rust, and gold. Keep that in mind when choosing colors.
Earth tones, warm neutrals, muted colors, and soft pastels all photograph beautifully against the Asheville landscape. Bright neons, stark white, and very busy patterns tend to fight with the environment rather than settle into it.
If you are shooting at the Biltmore Estate gardens, slightly more elevated clothing reads beautifully against the formal backdrop. If we are wandering through the woods or along Hominy Creek, something more relaxed and natural feels right. When we talk through your location I can give you more specific guidance.
Comfort matters more than you think
This is especially true for kids. A child who is uncomfortable in their outfit will spend the session pulling at their collar or asking to go home. If your little one refuses to wear the cute thing you bought, let it go. A happy kid in the wrong outfit will always give you better photos than a miserable kid in the perfect one.
For parents the same rule applies. If you feel stiff or self-conscious in what you are wearing it will show. Wear something that feels like you on a good day, elevated but not costumed.
A few practical tips
Avoid logos and large text on clothing. They date the photos and pull the eye away from faces.
Layers are your friend, especially in the mountains where temperatures can shift. A light jacket or cardigan can be added or removed depending on the light and the look.
Bring an extra outfit option if you are unsure. We can decide together when we see the location and the light.
Shoes matter more than people expect. Bare feet in the grass, sandals on a garden path, worn-in boots on a mountain trail. Think about what fits the setting.
How many outfits should you bring?
A good rule of thumb is two to three outfit options per hour of shooting. Pack your top choices in a small bag you can easily carry with you, and leave any backup options in the car. You do not need to haul everything into the woods, just the two or three looks you feel best in. We can swap quickly between locations or when the light shifts and it keeps things feeling spontaneous rather than like a fashion shoot.
A note on hair and makeup
This is purely personal and you should do whatever makes you feel most like yourself. That said, in my experience the photos I love most tend to be the ones where people look like themselves on a really good day rather than a heavily made up version of themselves. Natural skin, a little color in the cheeks, hair that moves. The mountain light is flattering on its own and tends to wash out very heavy makeup in a way that can feel unflattering in photos. A light touch usually wins. Bring a hairbrush, a small mirror, and whatever you need to feel refreshed between looks, but trust that you already look beautiful.
When in doubt, go back to basics
Linen, denim, soft cotton. Neutral tones. Clothes that move. Nothing too precious. You are going to be sitting in the grass, chasing kids, laughing, possibly crossing a creek. Dress accordingly and you will look exactly right.
Still not sure? Just ask.
Every session includes a pre-shoot conversation where we talk through your location, your vibe, and yes, what you are planning to wear. I would rather give you feedback before the day than have you second-guess your choices on the morning of. Bring your ideas and we will figure it out together.
