Okay...what are we going to wear?



Let's talk about the question I get almost every time someone books a Kaua'i family photo session:

“What are we going to wear?”

And honestly, I get it.


You want everyone to look good together, but you also want everyone to look like themselves.

You want beautiful, timeless photographs without spending three weeks coordinating five outfits and wondering if your toddler is actually going to wear the shirt you picked out.


Good news:

It doesn't have to be that complicated.

Here are a few of my favorite tips for putting together outfits that photograph beautifully while still feeling like you.

Family walking along shoreline during golden hour at beach.

 

A Few Things I Love


What photographs beautifully


  • Movement
  • Flowy dresses, linen, skirts and fabrics that catch the breeze photograph beautifully.
  • Texture
  • Linen, cotton, gauze, knit and subtle layers add interest without feeling overstyled.
  • Soft, natural colors
  • They complement Kauaʻi instead of competing with it.
  • Bare feet
  • Especially for beach sessions.



Sometimes less really is more.

 

And Please Don't Stress About Perfect



This is probably the biggest thing I want you to remember.

Your family photo session isn't about getting everyone to stand perfectly still and smile at the camera.

It's about documenting your family as you are right now.

The giggles.

The cuddles.

The wind-blown hair.

The sandy feet.

The kids who refuse to cooperate.

The little moments you didn't even realize I was photographing.


Those are often the photographs that end up meaning the most.
Three children hold hands on a sandy beach at sunset with colorful pink and blue clouds over ocean waves.
Woman in white dress and floral crown stands on Hawaiian beach at sunset with dramatic mountain backdrop.

Mom comes first

I'm going to say something that might surprise you:

Mom gets to pick her outfit first.

I know, I know.

We're usually so busy making sure everyone else has something to wear that we put ourselves last.

Not for family photos!

Choose something you absolutely love and feel beautiful in.

Then we'll build everyone else's outfits around you.

This makes the entire process SO much easier.

Romantic couples session at Hanalei Bay, Kauaʻi

and if you don't know what to wear...


I've got you. 😉

One of my favorite things I offer my clients is access to my Kauaʻi client closet.


I've hand-selected dresses that photograph beautifully in the tropical landscapes of Kauaʻi—with flattering silhouettes, beautiful movement and colors that work beautifully with the island.

Woman in flowing red gown poses on coastal rocks at sunset with mountains and ocean in background.
Woman in white dress dancing on sandy beach at sunset with tropical palm trees in golden light.
Woman in blue dress on sandy beach with lush green mountains and colorful sky in Hawaii.

These are Just a few of the dresses available in my client closet. New pieces are added from time to time.

So if you're traveling to Kauaʻi and staring at your suitcase thinking:

“I have absolutely nothing to wear.”

You don't necessarily have to pack another dress.

You can borrow one of mine.

And honestly?

Sometimes having one beautiful dress already chosen takes so much stress out of the whole process.

Once Mom has her outfit, we build from there.

Think coordinated, not matching



You don't need everyone dressed in the same color.

Instead, choose a loose color palette and mix different shades, textures and patterns.



For Kauaʻi, I especially love:




Creams • Soft whites • Beige • Sage • Earthy greens • Soft blues • Dusty pinks • Terracotta • Warm browns


For example:

Mom → soft blue dress

Dad → neutral linen shirt

Daughter → subtle floral

Son → olive or tan


Everything works together without looking like you planned it in a spreadsheet. 😂

Family of four holding hands on a sandy beach in Hawaii with lush green mountains and a woman in a flowing green dress.

 

Your surroundings are a huge part of your photographs.


Let the Island Be Part of the Inspiration


For a Kaua'i beach session, I love soft neutrals, earthy tones and ocean-inspired colors against the sand, water and greenery.

For a lush North Shore location, warm earth tones, creams, muted blues and soft greens blend beautifully with the landscape.

And if we're lucky enough to get that dreamy golden-hour light?


Well…

Kauaʻi is going to do most of the work for us.

 

Four women in colorful maxi dresses pose on a rocky Hawaiian beach with lush green cliffs and palm trees at sunset.

 

This might be the most important one.


Please Let Your Kids Be Kids


Your family should be able to:

Run. Play. Snuggle. Sit in the sand. Pick up your toddler. Chase each other down the beach.

If someone is uncomfortable in their clothes, it's going to be much harder for them to relax in front of the camera.


So choose clothes they can actually be kids in.

And don't worry if things get a little sandy or messy.

We're on Kauaʻi. That's kind of the point.

 

Women and children dance joyfully in a lush Hawaiian field with dramatic misty mountains in the background.

So… What Should You Wear?


Start with Mom.

Choose something you love and feel beautiful in.

Then build the rest of the family's outfits around it.

Keep things coordinated, comfortable and natural.

And if you need a little help, I'm always happy to help you plan your outfits before your session.

Plus, my client closet is available if you'd rather leave one more thing at home when you pack for Kauaʻi.

You bring your people. I'll bring the camera. Kauaʻi will handle the rest. 🤍

Family of four holding hands on a Hawaiian beach at sunset with mountains and vibrant orange sky.
Lifestyle family session on the shores of Hanalei Bay, Kauaʻi

 

Planning a Kauaʻi Family Photo Session?

 



I'd love to help you create something relaxed, natural and completely you.

Book your session