Examples on what to wear for Family Portraits

I always recommend to wear clothing you’re comfortable in. Clothing that you can move and play in! That goes for the parents as much as the kiddos. The idea of having a Mama not be able to play with her kids because her dress is too restrictive or precious makes me sad! If your little girl is in a dress make sure you have cutie bloomers or shorts underneath so she can twirl and spin and jump without the worry of underwear or diapers showing.

One good rule to follow is to have Mama in something flowy and patterned ( fabric and clothing styles with movement can add a fun element to photos ) then kids in either solid colors or simple patterns like stripes and spots and Dad in solid neutrals.

Make note of the different patterns in your outfits and make sure they compliment each other rather than create visual chaos! Of course if you prefer to have your partner or kids in patterns that works too! Often Mother’s have the hardest time finding something they like for themselves so start there and build everyone else around that.

In regard to color palette generally lighter more pastel colors work in most locations. Light colored snuggly cozy fabrics are always great for newborn sessions and black sometimes doesn’t photograph well when indoors.

I'm also a big believer in the idea that rules are meant to be broken. If you want to wear a bright pink fluffy dress to your beach session do it!

Lastly try to avoid shirts with graphic logos or text as it can become distracting and can pull focus away from faces.

Feel free to email me with your ideas if you are looking for a second opinion when it comes to putting outfits together.

Tulip Color Crafts branding shoot

This recent branding photoshoot for Tulip Color Crafts perfectly captured the magical spirit of childhood, blending branding and lifestyle photography into a vibrant, joy-filled story.

As an Orange County photographer, my goal is always to create imagery that feels authentic, elevated, and full of life for any brand I work with. This session brought all of that and more.

Set against a backdrop of soft florals and natural textures designed by Beijos Events, the children were invited to create, and express themselves freely and be generally be as silly as they wanted! With hands busy crafting and imaginations running wild, every moment unfolded organically. No stiff poses, no forced smiles—just genuine laughter, quiet concentration, and those fleeting in-between moments that tell the most beautiful stories.

The natural light played a huge role in bringing this session to life. Soft, glowing sunshine filtered through the outdoor setting, illuminating every detail—from the gorgeous florals by Earth and Grace Co. and colorful set by Sweet Salvage Rentals, to the little hands at work painting and glueing anything they could get their hands on! The result? Bright and joyous images that feel both timeless and full of energy.

This is what I love most about being a branding and lifestyle photographer: creating space for real moments to happen. Whether you’re building a brand or simply wanting to capture your family in an authentic way, these sessions are designed to feel fun, relaxed, and meaningful.

Branding sessions like this go beyond traditional portraits. They tell a story—your story. They showcase personality, connection, and emotion in a way that resonates deeply and visually. For creative brands, especially those centered around children, family, or education, this kind of imagery creates an inviting, relatable presence.

If you’re looking for a professional, fun, and candid approach to photography—one that embraces natural light, movement, and real connection—you’re in the right place. As a Costa Mesa photographer serving all of Orange County, I’m here to help you create something beautiful, bright, and full of life.

Let’s tell your story in a way that feels as joyful as it truly is.