Rolling green hills and oak trees dot the California landscape under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

2025

🌾Golden Grass Style Guide


We’re thrilled to have you here for your family photography session. Whether you’re capturing a special milestone, celebrating your loved ones, or simply creating beautiful memories, we’re dedicated to making your session unforgettable.


Kris will bringing out the unique personalities and connections within families. From candid moments to posed portraits, we’ll work together to create stunning images that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Ralph Lauren Western Wear Wardrobe Guide


Elegance Meets the Wild West

This guide is here to help you and your family dress in timeless layers with a luxurious yet approachable western style. Inspired by the romantic storytelling of Ralph Lauren, we’ll focus on texture, movement, and unity without looking too matchy - matchy.”



Wardrobe Foundations

Key Style Elements


✦ Flowy maxi dresses

✦ Denim with structure

✦ Layered textures (linen, suede, denim, cotton)

✦ Earth tones: cream, camel, dusty rose, rust, faded blue

✦ Boots and belts for structure

✦ Only one flat-brim hat per session—centerpiece accessory


Women – Mom or Young Adult

For Her – Movement + Elegance

  • Flowy maxi dress in linen or silk
  • Lace or button-up blouse with suede skirt or belted jeans
  • Ankle or western boots
  • Delicate jewelry
  • Neutral tones or faded prints (nothing loud or neon)


Men – Dad or Teen

For Him – Classic with Grit

  • Fitted dark denim or khaki pants
  • Chambray shirt or henley with a wool layer
  • Cowboy boots or leather lace-ups
  • One flat-brim felt hat (only one person per shoot may wear it!)
  • Optional leather belt, subtle plaid layes


Little Kids (Age 1–8)

  • For the Littlest Wranglers
  • Natural lifestyle image + solo or sibling shots
  • Outfit Tips:
  • Linen rompers or dresses for toddlers
  • Denim overalls or corduroy pants
  • Soft button-ups or henleys
  • *No logos or graphic tees
  • Close toed shoes or boots
  • Light neutrals or faded pastels


Older Kids (9y–High School)

  • For Your Big Kids – Editorial
  • Boys: Slim denim, muted flannel, western boots or simple sneakers
  • Girls: Maxi dress or skirt with knit sweater
  • Avoid loud patterns—opt for earth tones, navy, faded olive, or bone white
  • Hair should be soft or naturally styled


Putting It All Together

Creating Cohesion

Tips:

  • Mom, pick your outfit first and coordinate everyone around you.
  • Choose 2–3 colors for the whole family
  • Mix textures, not prints
  • Think timeless, not trendy
  • Make sure everyone can move, play, and relax
  • ***Everyone needs to wear close toed shoes


Inspiration Mood Board >> LINK https://pin.it/af06WrAyJ



carmel family photographer
carmel family photographer photos
carmel family photographer 
Carmel by the Sea photographer

WHAT TO EXPECT

Editorial & Fine Art Photography


Capturing light, feelings, 

moments & all the things in between.


Kris will greet you and make you feel comfortable. We want you to relax and enjoy the experience!

  • Posing and Direction: Don’t worry about knowing how to pose! We’ll guide you through natural and flattering poses that showcase your family’s love and connection.
  • Candid Moments: Some of the best shots happen when you’re simply being yourselves. We’ll capture those genuine smiles, laughter, and interactions.
  • Outfit Tips: If you haven’t already, consider coordinating your outfits. Elegant cocktail attire, cozy sweaters, or matching holiday colors can add a special touch. More tips are below.
  • Props and Personalization: Feel free to bring any props or sentimental items that represent your family. Maybe it’s a favorite book, a cherished toy, or even your pet!
  • Editing and Delivery: After the session will be edited and enhance your photos. You’ll receive a gallery of high-quality images to choose from.

 

Group of royal terns standing together on a sandy beach in soft light.

“Relaxing makes for beautiful family portraits.”


Harmonize Colors

Person in casual western formal attire wearing blue blazer, vest and jeans standing in rustic wooden cabin setting.
A color palette showcasing 16 muted earth tones for Soft Autumn features sage, dusty rose, golds, corals, and olive hues.
A floral maxi dress with long sleeves flows elegantly on a misty dirt path surrounded by autumn foliage.
Beautiful flowy beige maxi dress with lace details and brown belt shown on countryside dirt road with wildflowers.
Western-styled couple walking together in dry grass field wearing cowboy hat, leather jacket and fringed suede skirt.

Planning Ahead


Timing Matters

Golden Hour:

Get to the location 15 to 10 minutes before the session starts to get the wiggles out from traveling.

The hour before sunset (or after sunrise) provides soft, warm light. It’s ideal for dreamy photos.


Epic Monterey Beach Photos

Monterey's dramatic coastline is a photographer's dream, but capturing its full beauty requires understanding the ebb and flow of the tides. High tide brings crashing waves and dramatic scenes, while low tide reveals hidden coves and tide pools, offering unique photographic opportunities.

Plan to get your feet wet be sure to bring a jug of water to rinse.



Snacks Snacks and drinks for children

Have some snacks and drinks ready for the kids as reward pictures.

Before the Session snacks and drinks to AVOID

🚫 Red drinks and candy

🚫 Chocolate

🚫 Ice cream and smoothies

🚫 any fresh berries


Before the Session snacks and drinks that are OK

Clear juice, water, or sodas

✅ Veggie straws, corn chips or potato chips

✅ Fresh fruits and vegetables. Dried fruit

✅ Cheetos

*anything that will not stan there close or Hands before the session

Black and white close-up portrait of a smiling child.

FAMILY PHOTO PREP Checklist!




  1. ⬜️ Hair, nail, and makeup.
  2. ⬜️ Plan out your outfits and accessories
  3. ⬜️ Let the kids know what’s happening - We're getting pictures on (day of the week and day of session). I'm super excited to have pretty pictures of you on the wall and we need to give one to Grandma and Grandpa.
  4. ⬜️ Preparing your spouse for portraits. - Let your spouse know how important these photos are to you. Remind them what the photos are for.
  5. ⬜️ Prepare road, snacks and drinks for after the photo session.







A collage of four warm-toned sunset photos showing a family in rustic outdoor settings with text 'Making Memories that Last a Lifetime'.

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