For a long time, I offered a client closet as part of my family sessions. It came from a good place. I wanted to make things easier, remove stress, and support families who felt overwhelmed by the “what should we wear?” question.
And for a while, it worked.
But as I grew, and as my business and creative eye evolved, I started noticing something that didn’t sit right with me.
The photos were beautiful, but they were starting to feel the same.
Not the families. Not the connection.
The clothing.
When Helpful Started Feeling Limiting
Over time, I noticed that galleries were beginning to look like variations of the same session, just in different locations. Similar dresses. Similar layers. Similar tones. Different families, but a familiar visual formula.
That is when I paused.
Because my work has never been about creating a look.
It is about telling your story.
And my gems deserve more than a copy and paste version of a session, even if that version is beautiful.
Clothes Carry More Meaning Than We Think
What we wear shows up in photos in ways that go far beyond color palettes or texture. Clothing holds personality, comfort, memories, and confidence.
When someone feels like themselves in what they are wearing, it shows instantly. Shoulders relax. Kids move freely. Parents stop adjusting and start connecting.
I realized that no matter how curated a client closet is, it can never fully account for individual body types, personal style, sensory needs, especially for kids, or the subtle ways people want to be seen.
I did not want families to feel like they were stepping into my wardrobe.
I wanted them to show up as themselves.
Why I Chose a Personal Stylist Instead
That is when I made the shift to working with a personal stylist, specifically Carolina.
Instead of choosing from a shared rack of clothing, families now receive thoughtful, personalized guidance based on their preferences, their comfort, their family dynamic, and the location we are shooting in.
This approach does not erase individuality. It enhances it.
Families can incorporate pieces they already love, mix in intentional recommendations, and walk into their session feeling confident instead of uncertain.
The Difference Shows Up Everywhere
Since making this change, I have noticed a shift not just in the photos, but in the entire experience.
Sessions feel calmer.
Families arrive more relaxed.
Kids feel less restricted.
And the galleries feel unmistakably them.
No two sessions look alike, because no two families are alike, and that is exactly how it should be.
Why This Matters to Me and to You
This decision was not about trends or logistics. It was about honoring the people who trust me with their memories.
My gems deserve photos that feel intentional, personal, and true, not photos that happen to fit a formula.
By stepping away from a client closet and leaning into personal styling, I am able to offer something more aligned with the kind of experience I want every family to have. Supported, not styled over. Confident, not costume like. Present, not preoccupied.
What This Means for Families Booking Now
If you are booking a family session with me, this change means no shared clothing, no pressure to fit into a specific look, and no worrying about whether something works.
You will receive guidance, support, and clarity without losing yourself in the process.
Because your photos should reflect who you are right now, not just what is hanging on a rack.
And honestly, I love the results.
Want Help Choosing Outfits That Actually Photograph Well?
If the idea of styling still feels overwhelming, I created a free Silhouette Guide to help.
This guide walks you through which shapes, fits, and proportions tend to photograph beautifully during family sessions, without telling you what colors to wear or pushing trends. It is designed to help you feel confident in what you choose, whether you are shopping new pieces or pulling from your own closet.
Inside the guide, you will learn:
- why silhouette matters more than matching outfits
- how movement and fit affect the way photos feel
- what to look for when styling adults and kids together
It is simple, practical, and meant to take some of the pressure off.
Ready to Plan a Session That Feels Like You?
If this approach to family photo session styling resonates with you, I would love to help you plan something that feels just as intentional and personal.
You can explore more of my family and portrait work to see how these sessions come together, or reach out directly to start planning your own. From location guidance to personalized styling support, my goal is to make the experience feel calm, supportive, and true to your family.
Your photos should reflect who you are, not a formula or a trend. If that matters to you too, I would love to connect.
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