Amber Gold
00-20
The Magnolia, Everly, or your own shawl/top
pair it with…
Color:
Size:
The Zoe: Skirt
The Athena, Zoe, Sandy, Siennas, Stella, or your own top/gown
pair it with…
Vintage Cream
00-16
Color:
Size:
The Magnolia: Top
The Zoe, Athena, or your own gown
pair it with…
Vintage Cream
00-16/18
Color:
Size:
The Harper: Top
A crown or sash
pair it with…
Rust
00-18
Color:
Size:
The Charlotte: Gown
The Everly or your own top/jacket/shawl
pair it with…
White
00-12
Color:
Size:
The Athena: Gown
The Athena, Stella, Siennas, Pebbles, or your own gown
pair it with…
White Lace
00-12
Color:
Size:
The Everly: Top
A crown or sash, or your own jacket/shawl
pair it with…
Apricot
XS/S
Color:
Size:
The Catherine: Gown
The Athena, Everly, Siennas, Pebble, or your own top/gown
pair it with…
Rainbow
00-20
Color:
Size:
The Rainbow: Skirt
The Magnolia, Everly, or your own top/shawl
pair it with…
Purple
00-14
Color:
Size:
The Sienna: Gown
The Magnolia, Everly, or your own top/shawl
pair it with…
Black
00-14
Color:
Size:
The Sienna: Gown
Deep Red
S/M
Color:
Size:
The Rory: Gown
pair it with…
A crown or sash, or your own shawl/jacket
A crown or sash, or your own shawl/jacket
pair it with…
Cream
S/M
Color:
Size:
The Sandy: Gown
A crown or sash, or your own shawl/jacket
pair it with…
Light Gray
Up to XL
Color:
Size:
The Pebbles: Gown
Emerald Green
4-16
Color:
Size:
The Esmeralda: Gown
pair it with…
A crown or sash, or your own shawl/jacket
Cool Pink
Up to M
Color:
Size:
Blossom: Gown
pair it with…
A crown or sash, or your own shawl/jacket
The Magnolia, Everly, or your own top/shawl
pair it with…
Emerald
00-14
Color:
Size:
The Stella: Gown
A crown or sash, or your own jacket/shawl
pair it with…
Cobalt Blue
Up to L
Color:
Size:
The Delphine: Gown
A crown or sash, or your own shawl/jacket
pair it with…
Light Pink
00-16
Color:
Size:
The Leilani: Gown
A crown or sash, or your own shawl/jacket
pair it with…
Pink
Up to L
Color:
Size:
The Daphne: Gown
Red
Up to XL
Color:
Size:
The Ruby: Gown
pair it with…
A crown or sash, or your own shawl/jacket
Blush Nude
Up to XXL
Color:
Size:
Pearl: Maxi
White
Up to M
Color:
Size:
Chantilly: Maxi
Sheer Pink
Up to M
Color:
Size:
Holly: Maxi, Double Slit
Purple
Up to M
Color:
Size:
Hydrangea: Maxi
Green
Up to M
Color:
Size:
Honeydew: Midi
Blue
Up to M
Color:
Size:
Edgewater: Mini
Gold
Up to M
Color:
Size:
Golden Girl: Mini
for moms
pair it with…
tights, frill socks, shirtless or onesie
Color: Olive
Sizes: 0-3mo, 3-6mo, 6-12 mo
Romper: Shorts
Girls'
pair it with…
sweaters, vests, leather or dress shoes and chinos
Color: Cream
Sizes: 2T, 3T
Button Down
Boys'
More kids' styles from Newborn to 5 are available, just not listed! While I update this section, let me know the sizes of your littles, and I'll send over options.
Shop Maternity Accessories
Shop for Accessories
Shop for
Dad
Shop for Kids: Boys
Shop for Kids: Girls
Shop for Mom: Maternity
Shop for Mom: Non-Maternity
If you're looking for outfit inspiration and an easy way to shop, with fast shipping, Amazon is our friend! Here are some lists I've created to help you shop for the whole family.
the shoppable lists
Sew Trendy
Baltic Born
Dainty Jewells
Silk Fairies
Needle & Thread
Anyuta Couture
Mii Estilo
Joy Folie
KH Fashion
VICI
Free People
Piper and Scoot
Lulu's
Morning Lavender
Daughters of India
Lukalula
Yewen
Asos
JessaKae
PinkBlush
Ivy City Co
Petal and Pup
Rylee + Cru
Petallush
Screws & Sparkles
Blushing Cactus Boutique
Arie Layne Boutique
When in Doubt - Etsy it out!
Women's Shops
Sew Trendy
Baltic Born
Silk Fairies
Needle & Thread
Nothing Fits But
Agneshka Maternity
Anyuta Couture
Mii Estilo
Joy Folie
VICI
Free People
Lulu's
Piper and Scoot
Morning Lavender
Daughters of India
Lukalula
Yewen
JessaKae
PinkBlush
Asos
Ivy City Co
Petal and Pup
Rylee + Cru
Petallush
Screws & Sparkles
When in Doubt - Etsy it out!
Maternity Shops
I've got a list of shops I love to recommend, and some are even local to the West Valley! Check them out.
the shops
Baltic Born
Dainty Jewells
Needle & Thread
Joy Folie
Free People
Noralee
Cora and Violet
Reverie Threads
Dannie and Lilou
Morning Lavender
Mia Belle Girls
Janie and Jack
JessaKae
Ivy City Co
Only Little Once
Sew Trendy
Rylee + Cru
Screws & Sparkles
Tiny Love Creations
A few more around town
Kids' Shops
Men's Shops
busy
t-shirt
thin stripes
ribbed
polyester
jersey knit
Fabrics to Avoid
glimmer
ruffle
macrame
lace
glitter
sheer
Textures to Love
olive
dusty blue
Colors to Avoid
brown
nudes
mauve
taupe
grays
creams
Neutrals to Consider
emerald
magenta
royal blue
mustard
deep teal
rust
Bold Colors to Consider
Extended Family Guide
Newborn Guide
Family Guide
Maternity Guide
Sometimes, you already know exactly the styles you want, but finding the right color scheme is hard, without matching. Here are some color schemes with outfit examples!
color and style guide
neon
for her
for him
for Kids
A light, flowy dress that is able to catch the breeze. Coordinating colors, simple jewelry, and colors that are muted for that perfect golden summer look. As for your shoes, just keep the location in mind when deciding between heels, wedges or sandals. Hats, jackets, and shawls help add some variety in your gallery, too.
TIP: Pick something you KNOW you love and feel confident in! Choose something that is not t-shirt material, as other materials wear better on camera. T-Shirt material enhances all the 'weird' angles and curves of our bodies.
Button-down shirts, polos (not the sport ones, please) and sweaters are perfect! Bring a jacket/blazer or sweater for some variety. Plus, who doesn't love the look of an added tie? If you buy a new shirt, just make sure that it's all ironed or steamed to get out all those wrinkles and folds! For pants, go for some chinos/khakis or dressy slacks. For shoes, a pair of brown or gray dress shoes (unless the outfit is black).
TIP: Pick the comfiest dress-clothes possible, if it's not something you wear all the time!
The same ideas for adults apply! Girls and baby girls - dresses, rompers and skirts. I usually suggest strappy sandals or shoes so they stay on better than loose flats or slip-ons. Boys and baby boys chinos and some brown or gray shoes (boots are great).
TIP: Shoes will fall off, get dusty, and dirt/rocks may go into shoes, so opt for closed toe if they're picky, laces/Velcro if they're wiggly! And, yes, you are totally smart if you dress the kids after the drive over (since you're getting there early, right?!)
What not to Wear
Avoid anything too matchy-matchy - when you all wear the same color, you create one giant color blob! Refer back to my color guide for some help, and click on the links for family, maternity and color inspiration.
Avoid large logos, graphics, and bold prints at all costs.
Skip the jeans sneakers, tshirts, and tank-tops. Dark wash jeans and black jeans that are not faded are totally fine, but I highly recommend at least wearing chinos!
What not to Wear
Dress Code
Base Neutrals
Colors
- Formal
- Semi-formal
- Casual
- Choose black or brown, but not both
- Choose white or black, but not both (unless that's your theme!)
- Purple/blue + white: wine, maroon, mauve + baby blue, denim, navy
- Orange/red + brown: burnt orange, ochre, scarlet, rust,
Avoid anything too matchy-matchy - when you all wear the same color, you create one giant color blob! Refer back to my color guide for some help, and click on the link for extended family inspiration.
Avoid large logos, graphics, and bold prints at all costs.
Skip the jeans sneakers, tshirts, and tank-tops. Dark wash jeans and black jeans that are not faded are totally fine, but I highly recommend at least wearing chinos!
Coming from a Hispanic family, I KNOW the effort it takes to get everybody on the same page, especially for a portrait session! My biggest tips for with getting your family coordinated are right here for you. All of the above styling guidelines apply, but these tips will simplify it a little more to make it as easy as possible.
styling extended family
- The day of your session, if you're wearing sandals, avoid socks and tight shoes. Leave the hair tie off of your hair and your wrist for the day, to avoid hair and skin indents. Opt for a claw clip instead!
Things You Wouldn't Think About
- Whether for adults or kids, pack some non-messy snacks (no cheese puffs, please) and water. Especially when it comes to sessions close to dinner time and summer heat, they can be super helpful!
Snacks
Bonus List
- Steam, iron, set and hang your clothing well before you need to get ready. If you've got kiddos, I am totally a fan of you changing them when you arrive (because you're getting there early, right?!)
Wrinkles
- I **always** recommend nude (skin color) underwear, and especially thongs and strapless bras for the ladies. Please make sure your underwear suits the clothes you have, and stop by the store if you need to. Those bra straps and cups stand out to us in photos. While I am great at editing those out, it does come at a fee from me.
Undies
- Make sure your nails are *clean* because dirty nails tend to stick out in photos! Go for a neutral or tame color, unless you're wanting to show off some statement nails. This counts for kids, too!
Nails
- Start your whitening treatments a couple of weeks before your session, rather than the day before or the day of.
Pearly Whites
- Especially if you're planning to wear lipstick, you need smooth, soft lips for your color. Lather on the chapstick the day and night before, and bring it with you for your session. TIP: Use a toothbrush or sugar to scrub your lips (gently) each day during the week before your session. The night before your session, apply a lip mask or thick skin moisturizer like vaseline, Aquaphor, Hempz, preparation h, etc. Apply more when you wake up.
Soft Lips
- A good rule of thumb any woman should live by, is to get her hair cut 4-6 weeks before she wants it to look the way it should. Why? 2 weeks for you to get used to the new cut and styling, and 2-4 weeks for it to grow out to the perfect length (stylists tend to cut a little more). Men with hair from buzz to medium can get away with 2 weeks or 2 days depending on where they fall in that spectrum. The rule includes coloring! *If you are going for a new cut and/or color, this gives you some time to make any corrections, should anything be less than what you are hoping for! As far styling, if you're not getting your hair professionally styled, I always urge you to only do Tried-And-True styles that you have perfected for yourself! Keep that extra stress off your plate!
Hair Cut & Styling
- STAY OUT OF THE SUN!!! Sunburns are not fun for anyone. Don't golf, plan a lake day, or head out for soccer without good protection…or at all, if you can help it! If you're going to a professional tanning appointment, stay on top of your routine; if you're doing a self-tanner, make sure it's not something new to avoid any accidents and give yourself plenty of time to apply so you don't have splotches. While I am able to blend some skin blemishes, a bad tan could mean hours of work, and that does come at a fee from me!
Tanning
Self-Care List
- If you're religious about your hair removal, make sure you get it done before your session! I do not edit armpits, legs or upper lip hairs out.
Body Hair
- In the 3-4 days leading up to your session, make sure you are moisturizing. It doesn't hurt to bring some lotion with you and put it on in your car when you arrive.
Dry Skin
- While I am a big fan of embracing where your body is *right now* we all know bloating happens at the worst times. In the week leading up to your session, aim for homemade cooking with fresh produce and other ingredients. Avoiding all things processed will help you keep that bloat away!
Acne & Breakouts
- When it comes to acne, scars, and scratches, I am happy to remove those blemishes. Clean eating, drinking at least 40oz of water each day, and good skin hygiene are going to be your bestest friends. Try to start at least a month out from your session! Build that morning and night routine!
Bloating
Wellness List
Session Prep Checklist
As your photographer, #TheCAPExperience is my love language. I've worked with hundreds of parents since 2014, and have curated my best resources through them to keep every step stress-free.
For the pre and post session expectations, The Lounge has everything we talk about and more, in one place to make the most of your portrait experience. Take a look around!
If you have any questions about your Experience or The Lounge, I'm here to help!
This space is just for you! From start to finish, you will have exclusive access to all of my client resources.
Welcome to The Lounge!
Ask A Question
Let's Stay Connected!
Business Hours
contact details
Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm
Sat-Sun: CLOSED
amber@cactusandpinephotography.com
Text: (480) 525-7544
14955 W Bell Rd #8643
Surprise, AZ 85374
Follow on Instagram
Like on Facebook
Join the Group
