Styling Your Clients – And Why it Matters

Styling Your Clients – And Why it Matters / By Jacqueline Mancini

If you’re just getting started in photography, one thing you might not realize right away is just how much client styling impacts the final gallery. I definitely didn’t at first. I used to think, “As long as the family looks cute, it’ll be fine!” But here’s the thing—what your clients wear can either elevate your images or distract from the connection you’re trying to capture.

Over time, I’ve learned that guiding your clients through what to wear isn’t just a bonus service—it’s essential. Especially if you’re going for that soft, timeless, emotional feel.

Styling Your Clients – And Why it Matters / By Jacqueline Mancini

Think of styling as part of your creative vision. When you gently guide clients toward neutrals, soft textures, and light tones, you’re not just helping them look beautiful—you’re creating a visual that is cohesive with your style and brand. It also helps with your editing style too. For example, my style is more true to color, light and airy, and timeless. When I edit, the light and neutral outfits always photograph best. If you are more moody in your style, you may want to direct your clients to wear more earthy, darker tones. The goal is to make the emotion the focus—not the outfits.

Here’s what I’ve found works beautifully (and what I now include in my prep guides):

– Soft neutrals (ivory, beige, dusty pinks, sage, etc.)

– Flowy dresses, textured knits, linen shirts

– Bare feet or simple sandals for a relaxed vibe

– Coordinated tones, not matching outfits

And what I’ve learned to kindly steer them away from:

X Busy patterns or bold colors

X Logos, writing, or character tees (especially with kids!)

X Anything stiff, super formal, or uncomfortable

Styling Your Clients – And Why it Matters / By Jacqueline Mancini

If a toddler’s wearing a Peppa Pig shirt, guess where the eye goes in every photo? And while that’s adorable in everyday life, it doesn’t help us tell a timeless story.

By encouraging clients to dress in a way that complements your style—soft, light, and distraction-free—you’re setting the stage for the real moments to shine. The way mama looks at her baby. The quiet snuggles. The playful laughter. That’s what we want to remember. These photos are meant to last for generations. Styling helps make that possible.

Styling Your Clients – And Why it Matters / By Jacqueline Mancini

Also, don’t be afraid to be clear and confident in your guidance. Most clients want the help! They’ll feel more relaxed when they know what works, and that comfort translates to more natural, connected photos. I now include visual inspiration and a few “dos and don’ts” before every session—and it’s been a total game-changer. I send every client a questionnaire before their session. One of the questions I ask is if they would like assistance with wardrobe. Almost all of my clients answer yes. If they answer no, it’s mostly because they’re repeat clients and already know what to wear. But my favorite is when they still send me pictures of their ideas. I’d be lying though if I said it hasn’t taken me a while for clients to catch on to my style.

Another thing that has helped is that I do have a small client closet for toddlers and newborns.I have blankets, swaddles, rompers, onesies, dresses, and even a white quilt!  In my questionnaire, I simply ask what color scheme they want from the options I have available. This has helped tremendously, especially for newborn sessions because let’s be honest, new mamas don’t want to have to worry about all of that during those first few weeks home.

Styling Your Clients – And Why it Matters / By Jacqueline Mancini

So if you’re in the beginning stages of building your brand, I promise this is worth thinking through. The more you gently lead, the more your galleries will reflect your artistic voice and style—and the more your clients will fall in love with what you create. Clients will begin booking you because they like your style and the look of your photos. You’ve got this!

Hey, I’m Jackie! I’ve been married to my high school summer camp crush, Mike, for 12 years, and we have three amazing kiddos—Luca (10), Leo (8), and Mia (3)—plus our wild but lovable boxer, Luna. I was a teacher for 12 years, but after having Mia, I knew I wanted to be home with my littles. I tried working as an office manager from home, but it just wasn’t filling my cup.

Photography had always been a passion—I was that girl constantly taking pictures (sometimes to the point of annoying my friends and family 😅). With a little nudge from one of my favorite photographers and friends, I finally decided to turn that passion into something more. I dove into online courses, mentored with photographers whose work I admired, and learned everything I could from YouTube and trial and error. Now here I am—doing something I absolutely love, with my husband (aka my unofficial “office manager”) helping me behind the scenes.

I’m a year-round cold brew girl, love to shop, and you can usually find me either at home with my crew or wandering Target with a coffee in hand. Fall is hands-down my favorite season. I used to teach Zumba, and love to dance! Love me some 2000’s hip hop. I’m not much of a baker, but I fell down the sourdough rabbit hole last year and haven’t looked back. Most Friday nights, you’ll catch us making homemade pizza, playing board games, or snuggling up watching a movie as a family—and honestly, that’s my kind of perfect. I love family and newborn sessions most. I love natural light, sun-chasing and candid photography. I love capturing families as they are in that very moment. Chaos and all. I call it those perfectly imperfect moments.

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