Spring
Style
Guide
A curated guide to help you look and feel your most beautiful — so we can focus on the moments that matter most.
Spring in New England is fleeting and extraordinary — the light is soft, the wildflowers are awakening, and there's a warmth in the air that simply doesn't last. I want your images to feel like that: alive, genuine, and timeless.
Your Spring Color Palette
Think of the New England landscape as your inspiration — soft mossy greens, warm sandstone, the blush of early blooms. These are the tones that photograph beautifully outdoors and stand the test of time. Build your family's palette by choosing 2–3 tones that feel cohesive, not identical.
What to Wear
Comfort meets intention here. The outfits that photograph best are ones you actually feel yourself in — with a little thoughtfulness added. Below is a guide by family member to get you started.
Flowy linen or maxi dresses in soft neutrals or botanicals are perfect for spring. Layers photograph beautifully — a lightweight wrap, linen blazer, or cardigan adds dimension. Avoid anything too stiff or structured; movement tells a story. Trust what makes you feel like you.
Linen or chambray button-downs in warm neutrals (oatmeal, tan, sage) look excellent outdoors. Rolled sleeves give a relaxed, authentic feel. Chinos or casual pants over denim. Keep it simple — this isn't about fashion, it's about you fitting naturally into the scene.
Smocked dresses, tiered skirts, or a sweet floral romper — spring is the perfect season for soft femininity. Barefoot in the grass or simple leather shoes both look beautiful. Small bows, headbands, or a flower crown photograph wonderfully and add that story-book magic.
Linen pants or soft chinos with a light button-down or polo. Suspenders are always a win. For toddlers, a simple linen romper in cream or sage is timeless. Avoid logo-heavy shirts or sports jerseys — let their face and energy be the focus.
"I always tell my clients: start with Mom's outfit first, then build everyone else around it. Coordinate your family like a painting — you want harmony, not uniformity. The best sessions I've photographed are the ones where everyone feels completely at ease in what they're wearing."
Do's & Don'ts
A few simple guidelines that make a significant difference in your final images.
The Full Family Breakdown
Use this as a quick reference when pulling everyone's looks together. The goal is always harmony — you want to look like you belong together, not like you're wearing matching uniforms.
| Family Member | Recommended Colors | Styling Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mom | Blush, sage, cream, driftwood, copper | Your outfit is the anchor — build everyone else around it. Flowy silhouettes photograph beautifully in natural light. |
| Dad | Warm white, oatmeal, tan, olive | Complement Mom's palette with a grounding neutral. Rolled sleeves convey relaxed authenticity — a quality I always look for on camera. |
| Toddler | Cream, soft pink, sage, sky | Comfort is everything — no stiff collars or tight waistbands. A simple romper or smock dress will always look precious and timeless. |
| Big Kid | Pull tones from Mom or Dad's outfit | Let them have a say. A kid who feels good in their outfit is a kid who will smile genuinely. |
| Teen | Neutral tones to anchor the group | Keep it low-key and real — teens respond best to looks that aren't overly "posed." Classic pieces they'd actually choose work wonderfully. |
| Baby | Cream, white, light blush, linen | Keep it simple and let their sweetness do the work. Flowy gowns, knit bloomers, or a simple white onesie are perennially beautiful. |
Makeup for Portraits
Great portrait makeup isn't about looking done up — it's about looking like the most polished, radiant version of yourself. The camera picks up every detail, so a little intention goes a long way. Here's what to keep in mind for spring sessions in natural light.
Start with a moisturized, primed base — dewy skin photographs beautifully in natural spring light. Choose a foundation one shade closer to your natural skin tone than you might indoors; outdoor light is honest. Set with a light powder only in your T-zone to control shine without looking flat or matte.
Soft, defined eyes read beautifully on camera. A warm neutral eyeshadow, a thin line of brown or black liner, and two coats of lengthening mascara will make your eyes pop without looking overdone. Avoid very glittery or shimmer-heavy shadows outdoors — they can create unexpected flash-like reflections in sunlight.
A soft, your-lips-but-better nude or a muted rose are ideal for spring portraits — they complement your outfit palette without competing. Avoid very dark or bold lip colors unless it's a deliberate artistic choice. A tinted lip balm or soft gloss gives just the right amount of life and color.
Spring calls for a soft flush of color. A peachy-pink or warm rose blush on the apples of the cheeks adds warmth and dimension that reads naturally in photos. A light bronzer swept along the temples and cheekbones gives a sun-kissed glow that feels perfectly seasonal. Blend generously — harsh lines are amplified on camera.