Planning a Family Session in Savannah

March 23rd, 2026

What to Wear: Planning Your Family Session in Savannah

"What should we wear to our family session?" This is such a common question I get asked going into a family session. While choosing outfits for the whole family can feel like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be! Every session is unique just like the family in the images, but there are a few tried-and-true tips—specifically for our beautiful Savannah backdrop—that I want to share with you.

 

Tip #1 - Always Feel Comfortable

The most important thing to remember is that your clothing should reflect your own personal style. You should feel comfortable and wear something that makes you genuinely confident and happy. If you feel good, you will look good!

 

Choose clothing that gives you freedom of movement. Whether we are walking through Forsyth Park or navigating the cobblestones of Jones Street, you don’t want to be worried about adjusting your outfit every five minutes.

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Tip #2 - Consider the Savannah Aesthetic

Savannah is a city of textures—distressed brick, Spanish moss hanging from old oak trees, and ornate ironwork. When picking a color scheme, bear in mind that these images will likely end up on your walls. Think about your home decor; you want your images to harmonize with the interior of your house. For Savannah sessions, I often think of soft, earthy tones or light pastels that complement the natural greenery and historic architecture of the city.

 

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Tip #3 - Consider Your Location & Crew

Savannah is stunning, but it can be a "workout" for a family! When choosing your outfits, think about where we’ll be standing and how your kids (from toddlers to teens) will need to move. You want to look like you belong in the scenery, not like you're fighting against it.

 

  • In the Historic Squares: Think "Sunday Best" but breathable. Since we’ll be surrounded by deep green oaks and gray Spanish moss, avoid dressing everyone in dark forest greens—you’ll blend right into the trees! Instead, go for light blues, creams, or soft pinks.
      • Parent Tip: For toddlers, avoid stiff fabrics. If they can’t sit on a park bench or run through the grass comfortably, it will show in their expressions.
  • At Tybee Beach: This is the most relaxed vibe. Light, flowy fabrics work best here to catch the ocean breeze. Think sun dresses, linen button-downs, or simple cotton tees.
      • Parent Tip: Bare feet are the way to go! Don't worry about matching shoes for the kids—sand and salt are part of the magic. For teens, a rolled-up chino or a simple maxi dress keeps them feeling cool and not "over-dressed."
  • On River Street & The Cobblestones: This area is all about those cool, industrial textures like old brick and iron. Because the ground is uneven, shoes are the most important choice here. I have tried to walk down there in wedges, it doesn't always end well. 
      •  Parent Tip: Skip the heels or slippery dress shoes for the kids. A clean pair of leather boots or classic sneakers (without bright neon logos) works perfectly. It keeps the "historic city" vibe without anyone tripping on the cobblestones!
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Tip #4 - Pick the Colors First (Coordinate, Don't Match)

This tip might be the biggest reason I wanted to compile all the things I learned in my many years of experience into one space, so that you can go into your session with knowledge that gives you a sense of confidence and ease.

 

I recommend starting by selecting a base of 2-3 colors and carrying those through the outfits so that everything "goes" together but doesn't look like a uniform. Keep in mind that the colors you choose for each family member do not have to match exactly, but they should look nice together. You don’t want everyone looking identical in white t-shirts and jeans. Instead, mix neutrals with subtle accent colors. Neutral colors create a soft, elegant style and will give your images a timeless feel against Savannah’s lush backdrop.

 

Tip #5 - Choose Classic Over Trendy

Savannah is a city that has stood the test of time, and your photos should too. Think about choosing neutrals, pastel colors, and avoiding fast-fashion trends. Go for classic looks that will stand the test of time. The last thing you want is to look at your photos 10 or 20 years from now and question your fashion choices. I recommend staying away from large logos, distracting characters, or neon colors that could date your portraits or cause "color cast" on your skin.

 

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