What to Wear for Your Alaska Family Session
Styling Tips from an Alaska Family Photographer
You’ve booked your photographer. Your session is on the calendar. Now comes the question every parent asks:what should we wear?
As anAlaska Family Photographer, I can tell you: what you wear makes a big impact. Thoughtfully styled outfits not only elevate the overall look of your photos, they also help you feel confident, connected, and fully present during your session.
Whether you're planning a maternity session, newborn session, or a full family session in the wild beauty of Alaska, here’s how to style your crew with ease.
Start with a Color Palette
Choose 2–3 tones that work well together, think soft earth tones, warm neutrals, or muted pastels. Add in some creams, grays, or soft browns to bring balance and cohesion. I always say to start with mom. Mom, choose your favorite outfit and work everyone else’s around you.
✨Tip for Alaska sessions:Pull colors from the natural landscape, greens, rust, oat, clay, and cool blues all work beautifully against mountain, forest, or coastal backdrops.
Avoid:Everyone wearing the same black or denim outfit. These flatten the image and remove visual interest.
Prioritize Texture and Movement
Textures like lace, corduroy, velvet, or knit add quiet detail and richness. For women and girls, flowy maxi dresses or skirts bring movement and a dreamy, organic feel, especially with a little wind or golden-hour light.
Skip:Stiff fabrics or anything overly tight or boxy. Instead, lean into flattering, comfortable fits that allow for natural posing and play.
Layer with Accessories
Accessories can bring a look together without overcomplicating. Think felt hats, knit cardigans, suspenders, knee socks, or soft wraps for baby. Layered looks photograph beautifully, especially in Alaska’s cooler seasons.
What to Avoid
Your family is the focus, not your clothes. Avoid anything that pulls attention away from your connection.
Bright neon colors – they cast unflattering light on skin
Athletic sneakers – swap for boots, sandals, or neutrals
Big logos or licensed characters – distracting and hard to edit around
Shapeless dresses – opt for pieces that flatter your figure, not hide it
Everyone in the same pattern – mix textures instead for visual balance
All black – too much black can flatten an image; mix in ivory or greys
Let Style & Select Do the Work
I offer every client access toStyle & Select, an interactive tool that makes outfit planning so much easier. You’ll enter a short styling quiz using my personal code given when you book, browse shoppable outfit suggestions, and even upload your own wardrobe items to see how everything works together.
Once you’ve built your style board, email it to yourself and to me, I'll review it and offer feedback if needed.
Let’s Keep It Timeless
Photos are meant to last for generations. When you love what you’re wearing and feel confident in it, the entire experience changes. My goal is to help you create images that feel relaxed, real, and beautifully styled without ever feeling “posed.”
Need help choosing outfits? Just reach out, I’m happy to help you pull it all together.
