Style Guide for Soft, Modern & Timeless Photography

Newborn & Family Sessions — Soft, Neutral, Timeless

The Aesthetic

Warm neutrals, soft textures, and gentle tones that feel calm and timeless.

Think: oatmeal, cream, warm white, beige, soft grey, muted sage, dusty rose.

Why It Works

• Keeps the focus on connection, not clothing

• Photographs beautifully in natural light

• Creates a cohesive, minimal look across your gallery

• Soft tones flatter every skin tone

Textures That Elevate the Image

• Knits

• Linen

• Cotton

• Ribbed fabrics

• Light waffle textures

These add depth without overpowering the softness of the scene.

For Parents

• Simple, comfortable clothing

• Flowy dresses, soft knits, or plain tees

• Avoid logos, harsh patterns, or bright colours

• Bare feet or soft socks keep the look natural

For Babies

• Neutral onesies

• Soft wraps

• Simple vests

• No big slogans or cartoon prints

• A knit blanket or textured swaddle adds warmth and detail

Colour Combinations That Always Work

• Cream + beige

• Soft grey + white

• Sage + oatmeal

• Blush + warm neutrals

• Taupe + ivory

Family sessions are all about connection — the way you hold your child, the way your little one leans into you, the quiet moments between the chaos. Clothing should support that feeling, not distract from it.

The Aesthetic

Soft, neutral, and cohesive.

Think: warm whites, oatmeal, beige, muted sage, soft browns, dusty rose, gentle greys.

A palette that feels calm and timeless, with a modern, minimal edge.

Textures That Photograph Beautifully:

• Light knits

• Linen shirts

• Cotton tees

• Waffle textures

• Soft ribbed fabrics

• Flowy dresses

Textures add depth without stealing attention from the emotion.

For Mum

Choose something that moves and feels comfortable:

• Flowy dresses in soft neutrals

• Knit jumpers with simple trousers

• Linen or cotton shirts

• Minimal jewellery

• Natural makeup and soft hair

You don’t need to dress up — you just need to feel like yourself.

For Dad / Partner

Keep it simple and clean:

• Neutral tees or Henley tops

• Linen shirts

• Soft jumpers

• Chinos or clean denim

• Avoid logos, heavy patterns, or bright colours

Muted tones blend beautifully with the overall palette.

For Children

Comfort first — always:

• Neutral onesies

• Soft knits

• Simple dresses

• Bare feet or soft socks

• Avoid neon colours, cartoon prints, or anything stiff

Let them move, play, and be themselves.

Colour Palettes That Always Work: 

Warm Neutrals

Cream • Oatmeal • Beige • Taupe

Perfect for cosy, intimate sessions.

Soft Earthy Tones

Sage • Olive • Clay • Dusty rose

Adds gentle colour without overpowering.

Modern Minimal

White • Grey • Stone • Soft brown

Clean, timeless, and beautifully understated.

How to Coordinate as a Family

• Choose 2–3 colours and mix them across everyone

• Avoid matching outfits — coordination looks more natural

• Keep patterns minimal (tiny florals or subtle stripes only)

• Layer textures instead of colours

• Think “soft, calm, cohesive” rather than “everyone in the same thing”

Movement Matters

Choose clothing that allows:

• Lifting your child

• Sitting on the floor

• Walking together

• Cuddling

• Natural interaction

Flowy dresses, soft fabrics, and layers create beautiful movement in photos.

The Aesthetic

Clean, modern, and personality‑driven.

Whether you lean towards soft minimalism or bold, colourful expression, the goal is the same: portraits that feel authentic, confident, and beautifully intentional.

Choose Based on Your Vibe:

Soft & Minimal

Perfect for timeless portraits, gentle storytelling, and a calm aesthetic.

• Flowy fabrics

• Soft neutrals (cream, beige, taupe, stone)

• Minimal jewellery

• Natural makeup

• Simple silhouettes

This creates a warm, emotionally minimal look that never dates.

Bold & Colourful

Ideal for birthdays, celebrations, personality‑driven portraits, or when you want your images to feel alive.

• Bright colours (fuchsia, cobalt, emerald, mustard, red)

• Colour blocking

• Statement dresses or tailored pieces

• Fun textures (tulle, satin, sequins — in moderation)

• Playful accessories

Bold colours photograph beautifully when styled with intention. They bring energy, confidence, and a modern editorial feel.

Editorial & Fashion‑Forward

For clients who want something striking, artistic, or magazine‑inspired.

• Structured silhouettes

• Monochrome outfits in black, white, or deep tones

• Sleek hair

• Strong makeup (winged liner, bold lip, sculpted cheekbones)

• Minimal but impactful accessories

Think clean lines, confident poses, and a modern edge.

Creative & Unique

For the client who wants their personality to shine through.

• Layered textures

• Subtle patterns

• Vintage pieces

• Interesting shapes

• A mix of soft and bold elements

This is perfect for artists, creatives, or anyone who wants portraits that feel personal and expressive.

What Always Photographs Well:

Regardless of your style:

• Monochrome outfits

• Clean lines

• Natural fabrics

• Simple tops with interesting texture

• Clothing that fits well and moves with you

These elements keep the focus on your expression and presence.

Avoid (Unless It’s Part of Your Look)

• Distracting logos

• Busy, clashing patterns

• Neon colours next to other neon colours

• Anything uncomfortable or stiff

If bold is your personality, we embrace it — but we style it with intention so it enhances the portrait rather than overwhelms it.

Why This Works

Personal portraits are about identity.

Whether you show up in soft neutrals or a bright red power suit, the goal is to create images that feel modern, confident, and unmistakably you.

The Aesthetic

Clean, confident, and aligned with your business identity.

Think: polished but approachable.

For Women

• Blazers in soft neutrals or black

• Simple tops (silk, knit, cotton)

• Tailored trousers or clean denim

• Minimal jewellery

• Soft, natural makeup

• One statement piece if it fits your brand (bold earrings, textured blazer, etc.)

For Men

•Tailored shirts in soft neutrals, muted tones, or classic black

• Simple tees or polos layered under a blazer or overshirt

• Well‑fitted trousers, chinos, or clean dark denim

• Knit jumpers or textured layers for a relaxed, lifestyle‑friendly look

• Smart shoes or clean trainers, depending on your industry

• One subtle statement piece if it fits your brand (a textured jacket, watch, or bold colour accent)

For Gender‑Neutral 

•Clean, well‑fitted pieces in soft neutrals or muted tones

• Simple tops (cotton, knit, linen) paired with tailored or relaxed trousers

• Layering pieces like structured jackets, overshirts, or soft cardigans

• Minimal accessories that feel authentic to your style

• Natural, polished grooming that aligns with your brand personality

• One intentional statement element if it suits your aesthetic (a textured layer, bold colour accent, or unique accessory)

For Any Business Owner

• Stick to your brand colours or complementary neutrals

• Choose outfits that match the tone of your business (creative, corporate, wellness, lifestyle, etc.)

• Bring 2–3 outfit options:

• Clean + professional

• Relaxed + approachable

• Something with personality

Textures & Colours That Work for Branding

• Cream, white, beige, taupe

• Black, charcoal, navy

• Soft pastels for wellness or creative brands

• Earthy tones for lifestyle or handmade businesses

Props to Bring:

Props should feel intentional and connected to your work. They help tell your story and add authenticity to your images.

Ideas include:

• Laptop, notebook, tablet

• Tools of your trade (camera, brushes, products, packaging, tech equipment, etc.)

• Branded items (mugs, stationery, packaging)

• A favourite book, planner, or personal item that reflects your style

• Textured layers (throws, knits, fabrics) if your brand leans warm and lifestyle‑focused

Your Business Space

Branding sessions can take place in your actual workplace, which adds depth and authenticity to your images.

This could be:

• Your office

• Studio

• Workshop

• Salon

• Home office

• Retail space

• Creative workspace

Photographing you in your environment shows clients how you work, what your world looks like, and the atmosphere of your brand. It’s one of the most powerful ways to create modern, relatable branding imagery.

Keep It Simple

The more minimal the outfit, the more emotional and timeless the image.

Coordinate, Don’t Match

Choose colours that complement each other rather than identical outfits.

Comfort = Confidence

If you feel good, it shows.

Avoid Distracting Elements

Logos, neon colours, busy patterns, and reflective fabrics can dominate the frame — but if bold is your vibe, we can style it with intention.

Think About Movement

Flowy dresses, soft fabrics, and layers create beautiful motion in photos.

No matter what you wear, the most important part of your session is the experience itself — feeling comfortable, present, and in a good mood always shines brighter than any outfit.