Maternity

Seattle Photographer Maternity Client Closet

There’s something really tender about getting ready for a session… and if you’re a mom, it can also feel like one more decision in a very full season of life.

What do I wear?
Will it photograph well?
Will it still feel like me?

I think about this a lot, because styling is such a quiet but powerful part of the story we’re telling together.

Why styling matters more than you think

I say this with kindness in my heart, but I must be clear. If you want the soft, romantic approach I am known for (and images worth putting on your wall and in heirloom albums), following the direction I put here and what we discuss on the phone is ESSENTIAL! I’ve said this more gently in the past, but I had to add a clause in my contract as some had taken my gentleness for flexibility. You can’t have the same experience in sweats and Crocs as you will have in a beautiful gown and appropriate shoes or even bare feet while we twirl around the studio. You will not love your photos if you do not dress the part. Please, husbands, wear a nice button-up with chinos and dress shoes. Unless you’re a professional stylist, in which case, go off king, we’ll chat, and you can style your entire family as long as it’s soft, romantic, and fits within the studio we’ll be in. Want to hear more? Read this blog post: Why I tell every family, when in doubt dress up.

Taking something off your plate

One of the biggest things I hear from mothers is how overwhelming it can feel to get everyone dressed for photos. That’s exactly why I offer a curated client wardrobe. When you book with Lilac & Ivy Photography, you gain access to a collection of premium dresses that I’ve spent years sourcing, testing, and photographing. Many of these pieces retail for hundreds of dollars each and were selected specifically because they photograph beautifully, flatter a variety of body types, and create the timeless, elegant look you see throughout my portfolio.

Instead of spending hours shopping, paying for rush shipping, ordering multiple sizes, and hoping everything arrives in time, you can choose from pieces that have already been proven in front of the camera. No guesswork, no wasted money, and no pile of returns waiting by the door. It’s one less decision to make, one less expense to absorb, and one more way your session feels effortless from start to finish.

What to look for when you’re shopping

For babies, using the keywords “smocked children’s outfit” will get you very close to where you’re going. Peter Pan collars are also ADORABLE on either girls or boys. Knee-high socks for chubby baby and toddler legs never go amiss. When in doubt, we want to reference some vintage styling, as it comes out more timeless than you’d think. What we DON’T want to do is put everyone in matching t-shirts and jeans. Honestly, it’s not an elevated look, and I think most families can do better with a little forethought.

Places To Shop

Not interested in borrowing from the client closet or need tips on where to shop for the style? No problem, I recommend looking for similar styling in the following brands: