How to get a toddler to cooperate for family pictures
- Family Resources
Do I have to wear a dress for family photos?
If you've ever wondered whether you need to wear a flowy dress for your photo session, you're not alone. This is a super common question!
The truth is, you don't have to wear anything that doesn't feel like you.
I love offering a client closet full of dreamy, flowy dresses — they're perfect for moms who want to an elevated, storybook, and romantic feel. But just as often, I work with moms who feel more comfortable and confident in their favorite jeans and a cute top.
What matters most is that your outfit reflects you and helps you feel beautiful, relaxed, connected, and present.
So whether you're the flowy-dress, feel-like-a-princess kind of mama, or the casual, comfy, heading-for-ice-cream-with-your-babies kind, this guide is for you.
No pressure, no pretending: Let's get started!
How do I know if a dress from the client closet is right for me?
Here is a little quiz to help guide you!
1. When you think about the outfit you feel the most beautiful and confident in, what does it look like?
A. A long, flowing dress that moves beautifully and makes me feel stunning
B. Jeans and a cute top, or a favorite dress that already lives in my closet
2. How do you want to feel in your outfit during your session?
A. Elevated and styled, like a version of myself that’s a little more romantic or artistic
B. Comfortable and confident, true to my everyday vibe and easy to move around in
3. What kind of setting will your session be shot at, and what feels natural there?
A. A field at golden hour, or somewhere soft and open, I want a dreamy vibe
B. My home, somewhere urban, or a spot that feels like real life
4. What kind of story do you want your photos to tell?
A. Something romantic and soft, like artwork on the wall
B. Something that feels real and intimate, like a candid glimpse into our everyday love
5. What would help you feel the most confident in front of the camera?
A. Being dressed in a way that feels styled and extra special. I want to feel wow.
B. Wearing something that already feels like me. No guessing, no fuss
If you answered mostly A's:
You're probably the reason I keep my wardrobe stocked with romantic, boho-inspired gowns. You love a little extra, something that moves with the breeze, catches the golden light just right, and helps you feel stunning. These dresses bring an artistic, storybook feel to your images. I’ll help you style the whole look so it still feels completely like you. I have had multiple women say, "I felt like a princess!" after having photos done in a client closet dress.
If you answered mostly B's:
You feel your best when you’re wearing something familiar, whether that’s your go-to jeans and a cute top, or a favorite dress that already lives in your closet. You don’t need the drama of a gown to make magic happen. What matters most is the real connection you bring to the frame. That warmth, honesty, and ease will come through beautifully when you feel like yourself.
Whether you’re leaning toward a flowy, romantic gown or reaching for your favorite jeans and a cute top, the most important thing is that your outfit helps you feel confident, and comfortable so that you are able to focus on your family instead of worrying about your outfit during the session.
When you feel like yourself, your photos will reflect that!
If you’re ready to start planning a session that tells your story (and want help figuring out all the little details), I’d love to walk you through it!
