3 Ways to Style the perfect SoCal Family Photo Session (without breaking the bank!)

There are so many ways to talk about how to style your SoCal family photo session, and today we’re approaching the styling of your session from the angle of keeping things budget-friendly. I often preach that the right outfits can elevate the look of your photos in amazing ways, but what I think is equally important to know is that you can do this without too much additional cost. Let’s look at some of the ways to add that extra sparkle to your session without spending more than you need to (especially if you have littles who tend to outgrow their clothes overnight.)

Why planning outfits ahead of time makes a difference

Even if you have never had professional family photos taken, you could reasonably assume that when photo day arrives, having your outfits planned and ready in advance will take out the guesswork and make getting ready quicker and easier.

If you have young kids, it’s hard to get them ready and get yourself ready without also adding in the need to decide which outfits look good and coordinate at the last minute. There’s nothing worse than investing in a professional family session and being disappointed because your dress had more wrinkles in it than you realized or your nail polish was chipped because you didn’t get a chance to take it off beforehand.

There is an element of letting things unfold as they need to in a session (especially where young children are involved), but I say it’s helpful to control the things you can ahead of time to set yourself up for success when session time rolls around.

I wrote a blog post not too long with tips to consider about how to choose outfits for your SoCal family photo session based on color and style. If you didn’t see it but would like help with that, you can find it here: https://ericahurlburtphotography.com/outfits-santa-barbara-family-photography/

3 tips for styling your family on a budget

1. Shop your own closet (or a friend’s)

Oftentimes I have clients who ask where to shop for their outfits. I always say to start with what you have. There may be the perfect outfit in your closet that you had forgotten about – one that was maybe reserved for just the right event in the future. I know I have a tendency to get into a routine of wearing some of the same things over and over, so it’s good to step back and take a good look at what you already have that you can work with.

2. Head to a thrift or consignment store (or check out online second-hand options)

If you know me at all you know that I will not turn down a trip to the thrift store. With a little bit of patience and vision, you’d be amazed what you can find for yourself and/or your family at some of the great thrift stores around town.

In addition to being budget friendly, you’re also being earth friendly! It’s a win-win.

You can also check out online thrifting options: Poshmark, eBay, Etsy or ThreadUp, to name a few.

Great local thrift store options:

Goodwill, located at 267 Arneill Road in Camarillo. (There are locations throughout Ventura County so a quick Google search will show you the one closest to you.)

Avenue Thrift benefiting Boys & Girls Club, located at 222 N Ventura Avenue in Ventura. (Cards are accepted but cash is preferred since there is a fee to use your card.)

Little Bird | Pre-Loved Kids Resale, located at 2538 E Main Street in Ventura.

3. Rent or splurge on just one piece you love and will wear again

If you’ve already tried to shop your closet and the thrift stores, one more idea is to go for it and buy a piece for your wardrobe that you love. Something you want to wear for photos but that you also know you’ll wear again. Treat yo’self! And then you can use that piece to help choose the rest of the family’s outfits from what you everyone already has.

Now get to stylin’

There’s no such thing as too early when it comes to figuring out your outfits for your SoCal family photo session. As soon as your session date is set and your location has been decided, it’s time to get to planning.

Hopefully these tips are helpful. When you put in the thought and time in advance, it pays off immensely. And honestly, if you throw some thrift shopping in to the equation, you’re just gonna add to the fun.

Budget-friendly ways to style your SoCal Family Photo Session

Erica Hurlburt is an award winning Ventura County Photographer & Santa Barbara Family Photographer who specializes in newborn, family and school photography. Her style tends toward cleaner, classic images, both in how they’re composed and edited. Her goal in every session is to keep things relaxed and fun and to create images that are both meaningful and unique.

Erica serves clients in Camarillo, Ventura County, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Westlake,
Malibu, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Ojai and beyond.