complimentary styling service

When you book a photoshoot with Rachelle Welling Photography, you will never have to stress about styling your session. You have access to this amazing and personalized styling service, Style and Select, which designs a wardrobe that allows you to feel fantastic for your photos. Most importantly, styling your session comes at no extra cost to you. This service is invaluable and we want you to get excited about dressing up for this special day.

Click here to visit Style & Select and enter styling code RACHELLE2024 and photographer email rachelle@rachellewelling.com to begin coordinating outfits your entire family from the comfort of your couch. No more running store to store and no more guessing! Feel free to play around with it until you have selected the perfect outfit combo! Click the shopping cart symbol on the items you like to make sure the retailer has your desired sizing and then email yourself the selected items. Or find similar items you already have in your closet. That’s it! Super easy right? Contact me if you have any questions!

what to bring

// extra outfits just in case (babies spit up, things happen)
// make-up for touch-ups
// oil blotting sheets if you’re like me and oily AF
// dogs or pets
// any props that are sentimental to you
// if you want to do any seated or laying down on a blanket, bring one you don’t mind getting a little dirty!
// for toddlers, if you have a special toddler chair you want to bring we can certainly get a few photos with them in it
// for babies that can’t sit up yet, bring a boppy/breastfeeding pillow and a neutral swaddle blanket to cover it
// if you have your heart set on a particular image you saw on pinterest, make sure you screenshot it and show it to me at the beginning of the shoot

what to leave in the car

// hair ties
// smart watches
// gum
// wallet or anything else in your pockets

what to wear

What to wear: Solid earth tone colors. Include dark browns, rust or camel colors for that warm/golden look! Pro tip, dress mama first, then work everyone else around mom. Picking a printed shirt or dress? Keep it to one family member. Mix fabric textures - knits, ruffles, corduroy, lace, velvet, linen, fringe, wool. Layer - off the shoulder sweaters over dresses, jackets, vests, kimonos. Accessorize - hats, bold jewelry pieces, bonnets for babies, show off tattoos, flower crown.

Colors not to wear: White - this color will suck in every other color around you, and it's just too bright for your final images, go with tan/cream or light brown. Black - one item (top or bottom) in black is perfectly ok, just avoid putting anyone else in black. This will hide you too much. Neon or vibrant bold colors including blues, bright reds, pinks, etc. I edit pretty vibrantly so sticking with a more muted earth tone color will help a ton. Blue Jeans - dark or whitewashed denim is okay.

For kids: Keep them in neutral undergarments. I've seen a few neon green underwear in my time and you can't keep it covered for every shot. Girls in diapers + pull-ups - if wearing a dress, use a bloomer or diaper cover. We'll probably twirl and throw them in the air.

prep for newborns

// plan to feed baby 2.5-3 hours before the session and then again 20-30 min before the session
// keep baby awake 1-2 hours before the session (give them a bath, let them kick with only a diaper on, tickle his/her toes, and even let them fuss for a bit with no pacifiers. this will ensure those squishy, sleepy newborn photos)
// the easiest way to ensure a sleepy baby is the willingness to nurse/bottle feed off and on
// have the soothie pacie on hand that the hospital gave you, it’s the bendy green/blue/orange one that won’t leave marks
// have white noise machines turned on nearby
// if you have a space heater, turn it on in the room(s) we’ll be in
// if older siblings will be involved, practice laying on the floor with both children so they are used to it