Journal · Style guide
What to wear for Alaska family photos, in any season.
Color palettes that photograph beautifully, layering tricks that keep everyone warm and happy, and a simple checklist for session day.
Outfits are the number-one thing families worry about before a session, and they don't need to be stressful. Here's the simple approach we share with every client, adapted for Alaska's very real weather.
Start with a palette, not an outfit
Pick three or four colors that feel like you, and let everyone wear a mix of them. Coordinating looks timeless, while exact matching tends to look dated. A few palettes we love here:
- Spruce & cream: forest green, oatmeal, camel and soft white
- Birch gold: mustard, rust, cream and denim blue
- Winter glow: burgundy, charcoal, ivory and heather grey
- Midnight sun: dusty blue, blush, sage and white
Texture over logos
Knits, linen, corduroy, denim and flowy dresses add depth and movement. Skip big logos, neon and tiny busy patterns, which pull attention away from faces.
Dress for the season (really)
Spring
Cool mornings and muddy trails. Rain-friendly boots and a cozy cardigan are your best friends.
Summer
Breathable layers, sun hats and a light jacket for breezy evenings on the water. Bring bug spray. We'll have some too.
Fall
The dream. Sweaters, boots and warm colors that echo the birch leaves. Bring a layer, because evenings cool off quickly.
Winter
Wool coats, knit hats and mittens become part of the look. Wear thermals underneath, keep boots warm and dry, and tuck hand warmers in every pocket. We'll keep winter sessions shorter, with warm-up breaks.
Session-day checklist
- Dress the hardest person first (usually mom!) and build everyone else around that outfit.
- Choose shoes you can walk in, since many locations include a short trail.
- Steam or iron everything the night before. Wrinkles show up in photos.
- Keep kids comfortable. If they can't sit or play in it, it's not the one.
- Pack snacks, water and a favorite toy. Happy kids make joyful photos.
After booking you'll receive our full style guide with outfit examples, and you're always welcome to text us photos of options. We love helping!