Spring / Summer Style Guide

A guide to help you feel natural, confident, and effortlessly aligned with the season.

Spring and summer sessions are shaped by light, movement, and ease.

This guide is here to help you choose pieces that photograph beautifully while allowing you to feel relaxed and fully present with your dog, cat, or horse.

A young girl with curly hair smiling and standing in a field of tall grass with a Labrador retriever puppy, against a backdrop of mountains and a cloudy sky.

Spring and summer are all about softness, light, and ease. Think fresh neutrals, sun-washed tones, and gentle color. Creams, soft whites, warm taupes, pale blues, sage greens, and muted pastels photograph beautifully in natural light.

• Go for breathable layers: Linen shirts, light knits, flowy dresses, or relaxed button-downs add movement without looking heavy.

• Avoid stark whites or neon tones: Soft off-whites and muted shades keep the look natural and flattering.

Light, Airy Tones

STYLING

Keep Patterns Subtle & Seasonal

If you love patterns, spring and summer are the perfect time to incorporate them, just keep things light and understated.

Florals, soft stripes, gingham, or delicate prints can add personality without overpowering the image. It’s best to avoid bold graphics or busy patterns that pull attention away from your connection with your dog.

When in doubt, let texture and tone do the talking rather than loud prints.

Comfort Is Key

Your comfort directly affects your dog’s energy, so choose clothing that allows you to move freely and feel relaxed.

Lightweight fabrics, breathable materials, and silhouettes you feel confident in will help you stay present and enjoy the experience. Sitting, kneeling, walking, or interacting naturally with your dog should feel effortless.

The more at ease you are, the more natural and joyful your portraits will feel.

A woman with curly brown hair wearing a beige sleeveless top and jeans stands close to a chestnut horse with a white blaze on its face, holding and touching the horse gently, against a dark background.

When choosing your outfit, it helps to consider your dog’s coloring so everything feels cohesive and balanced in the final images.

Lighter-colored dogs pair beautifully with soft blues, sage, and muted tones, while darker coats tend to stand out against creams, warm neutrals, and lighter palettes.


Dressing With Your Dog, Cat or Horse in Mind

STYLING


• choose tones that complement, not compete

• avoid high contrast combinations

• aim for harmony rather than matching exactly

Four people and two dogs in a lush green forest. One person, sitting on the ground in the foreground, is dressed in black and appears to be stretching or adjusting clothing. Two people in the background are standing; one is looking at a phone, and the other is smiling with arms raised. The two dogs are sitting on the ground near the standing person, one black and white, the other white. The forest is dense with tall trees, green leaves, and ground covered in ferns, twigs, and leaves.

Spring and summer sessions are often outdoors, so thoughtful footwear matters.

Flats, sandals with structure, boots, or clean sneakers work beautifully, especially if we’ll be walking through fields or uneven ground.

Neutral or earth-toned shoes tend to blend seamlessly into the scene.

Comfortable feet allow you to move naturally, which always translates into more relaxed, genuine portraits.


Footwear Matters

STYLING


A well-groomed companion always photographs beautifully. Whether it’s a full groom or a simple brush-through, it makes a noticeable difference in the final images.

For dogs and cats, ensuring their coat is clean and their eyes are clear helps bring focus to their expression. A quick wipe of paws and nose before we begin can keep everything looking polished while still feeling natural.

For horses, a brushed coat, clean face, and a tidy mane and tail go a long way. Even simple preparation allows their presence and elegance to come through effortlessly.

These small details help create portraits that feel refined, timeless, and true to who they are.


Your Companion’s Grooming

I’m so excited to capture beautiful moments with you and your companion this spring and summer.

By following these simple styling guidelines, your portraits will feel light, cohesive, and deeply personal, while allowing you to feel comfortable, confident, and fully yourself during your session.

If you have any questions or would like help choosing outfits, I’m always here to guide you.

I truly look forward to creating something meaningful with you.


Final Thoughts

A man and a dog touching foreheads during sunset with the sun in the background.

STYLING