SPRINGFIELD, IL PHOTOGRAPHER
As a Springfield, Illinois and Central Illinois photographer, I help families choose outfits that photograph beautifully in our local parks, fields, and in-home sessions year-round. I know booking family photos and preparing for it can be stressful, especially when deciding what to wear, but I do everything I can to alleviate that stress.
When you book a session with me, you receive a personalized style guide and access to my client closet to make planning effortless. If you’re ready to book your family photo session in Springfield, IL, I’d love to help you capture this special chapter of your life.
With that said, I wanted to share a peak into my outfit guide with you! While this will not cover my full outfit guide when you book a session, it will give you are great starting point when you go to style your family for your next session!
Know Your Photographer's Style
Light and True-to-Color Photography Style
Before you even book a session, it is so important to make sure the photographer you book with matches the style you are looking for! There are so many photographers out there but no two styles are exactly the same. While I am a light and true-to-color photographer, there are other creamy, woodsy, and moody photographers. When I say that, it means my delivered galleries will be brighter than another photographer with a dark and moody style.
While you should know the style lines up with your vision, you also need to know their style when choosing outfits. Since I am not a dark style photographer, choosing dark colored outfits are not are great choice to make your photos pop with my editing style. You are better off using neutrals, lighter and natural colors, but also staying away from bright and bold colors.
Light and True-to-Color
As I mentioned, I am a light and true-to-color Central, Illinois photographer. So whites are emphasized and colors are true to life. You will need to take this into account when you are choosing your outfits to take your gallery to the next step, but this will also vary somewhat between indoor and outdoor sessions! I strongly recommend incorporating creams, beige, tans, neutral fall colors, and pastels in the springs.
Why Bright Whites Can Be Distracting
But here's something that might surprise you, I also recommend staying away from a lot of white. You might wonder why stay away from plain white shirts, especially since I just say neutral colors and light colors look great in my galleries. Here's why, I bring up whites in my editing so having a lot of white will bring your eyes straight to it instead of it just blending into your photos, which is why I love off-white and creams. Of course white accents are fine and you don't need to shy away from them completely, I just recommend using it conservatively and staying away from a full plain white top or outfit.
My favorite colors that bring out my editing style: off-white, cream, beige, tan, sage, olive, rust, dusty pink, dusty blue, light gray, denim, etc. Just keep in mind these colors don't all piece together; they are just a list of colors I recommend for my editing style. When you book a session, my session guide helps put those color schemes together for you!
Styling for Indoors vs. Outdoors
How Location Impacts Outfit Choices
While my recommended color scheme is very similar for indoor and outdoor sessions, outfit suggestions do vary. For instance, I love flowy dresses that will catch in the wind and add an element of "fun" and beauty to your gallery for outdoor sessions. While indoors, I love incorporating rolled denim jeans (especially for little ones) and bare feet and maybe jumpsuits for girls! Ultimately outfits need to fit your personality, but just keep in mind the location and try to pick something that goes along with the vibe! When booking a session, please feel free to reach out with more specific guidance on outfits!
What Should We Wear for Family Photos?
- Neutral, soft colors photograph best
- Avoid bright whites and bold logos
- Choose outfits that complement each other, not match exactly
- Consider indoor vs outdoor lighting
- Dress for movement and comfort
To book a family photo session in 2026, head to https://rgphotographybycourtney.pixieset.com/booking/.
Planning family photos and wondering what to wear? This style guide from a Springfield, IL family photographer walks you through outfit tips, recommended colors, and what to avoid so your photos feel natural, timeless, and true to life. From indoor sessions to outdoor locations, you’ll learn how to choose outfits that complement each other and photograph beautifully in every season.
