It’s the night before your photo session and your house looks like a tornado of tulle and tiny shoes just passed through.

You’ve just made a last-minute Target run because your son somehow outgrew the shirt you planned for him. Three different dress options are still hanging on your closet door, and you’re second-guessing every single choice.

Sound familiar?

Showing Up Calm, Styled, and Camera-Ready (Without the Stress)

I still remember being really excited when a recent family I worked with stepped out of their car. I could tell Mom had read the Style Guide I sent & had really taken the time to curate outfits that felt timeless. They coordinated without even a hint of being matchy-matchy.

The kids were in varying shades of soft linen with dainty little hair bows, dad’s outfit fit nicely, and mom’s dress flowed every time the breeze picked up. Not only did they look like they belonged in a magazine, but their energy matched the effort – they were calm, prepared, and present.

That session flew by. And afterward, the mom looked at me and asked, “Wait, we’re done already?” I reminded her that with little ones, shorter is often better. We got everything we needed because they showed up calm, styled, and ready to trust the process. It really can be that simple. (And they were in love with their final photos.)

The Essentials: What to Wear for Outdoor Family Photos

You don’t need a closet overhaul, a Pinterest board, or five matching blazers. Here’s what I suggest to every client before we head into nature’s unpredictable settings here in Columbia, SC.

Complement, don’t match

Dresses add movement and grace

• A maxi dress (or skirt) adds movement & softness that photographs so well.
• Dresses often flatter more than pants, especially in heat or humidity.
• Choose lightweight fabrics that flow but don’t cling.

Dress Up (Just a Little!)

• Nicer-than-average is the sweet spot. This is a special moment – lean into it.
• Think of this like an elevated version of how you show up on your best days out as a family.

A Few Style Do’s and Don’ts

• DO lay everyone’s outfits out on your bed to see the colors together before the day.
• DO bring backup shoes if anyone’s in heels (a grassy field and stilettos are not friends).
• DON’T stress about perfection. I promise, joy photographs better than symmetry.

What to Bring to Your Outdoor Session (It’s Less Than You Think)

Think lightweight, low-mess, flexible. Here are the key things I recommend families pack:

• Snack Bribes: Something small and mess-free like Cheerios or gummies. Avoid anything sticky, crumbly, or coated in chocolate… for obvious reasons.
• Favorite Toy or Comfort Item: If it helps your little one relax, bring it. Just be prepared for it to sneak into a frame or two (which, honestly, can be kind of sweet).
• Water Bottles (For Everyone): Columbia heat is real. Stay hydrated.
• Cooling Towel, Hand Fan, or Dab Cloth: Especially for summer sessions. Wipe sweaty brows quickly between shots.
• Change of Clothes for After: Especially if you have young kids who hate being ‘dressy.’ Reward them by changing into comfies right after we wrap.
• Phone with Favorite Song Ready: Sometimes all it takes is a little dance party to bring out those real smiles.

No need to take notes — just save this post and peek at it again before your session. I’ll also be sending you my full Style Guide to walk you through everything.

A Gentle Reminder: Mindset Matters, Too

If there’s one tip I repeat to parents more than any other, it’s this: please be patient.

I know how easy it is to want everything to go according to plan. I’ve seen the panic in parents’ eyes when a toddler refuses to smile or when baby decides it’s time for a nap right now.

But forcing the moment never works – all it creates is tension that you’ll feel in the photos later, and that’s the last thing you want to remember.

So instead, trust the process. I know what I’m doing (truly!) and I’ve seen every kind of meltdown and miracle in my sessions. Let me help handle it.

Simply snuggle in close to your people, keep it easy and gentle, and those sweet moments you’re hoping for will shine through.

In the End, It’s About Memory Over Perfection

Dressing well and packing smart doesn’t mean crafting a flawless performance in front of the camera. The beauty we’re after is already in your connection, your laughter, your real-life rhythm. My job is to draw that out and freeze it just long enough for you to have it forever.

So whether your toddler insists on bringing their toy dump truck or your baby drools through three outfits – it’s okay. (You may actually love that memory a few years from now.)

Ready to Have a Session That Feels Joyful and Easy?

If you’re looking for a Columbia, SC family photographer who will handle the details while you simply show up and enjoy your people, I’d love to chat. My sessions are designed with your real life in mind – efficient, heartfelt, and relaxed.

You can visit www.emilyannphotos.com to see full galleries and get in touch. Or drop me a message and tell me what you’re dreaming up for your family’s photos.

And listen… if you need help picking out outfits, I’m just an email away. I mean it when I say this process should feel seamless and special.

Let’s make magic out of our minutes together.