Why DON’T I offer client’s closet?

Jan 24

I’m sure you’ve seen it before—a perfectly dressed family in the mountains, surrounded by wildflower meadows. Mom in a long, flowy dress, kids in neutral overalls, every detail looking just perfect. But do we really strive for perfection? Do family photos have to be flawless? That’s entirely up to you.

You can absolutely hire a photographer who creates those dreamy, polished images, and there’s nothing wrong with that. They’re beautiful, and I love admiring them! But would I want that for my own family? No, thank you. I choose connection over perfection.

My brand is a reflection of who I am, and my goal is for my photos to capture what truly matters to me—authentic, heartfelt moments that tell your story, just as it is.

Eva Burrow Photography serves Anacortres, Whidbey island and Skagit county in Washington state — Hey, I am Eva

I’m an aspiring minimalist who doesn’t love shopping. In fact, I *love* getting rid of stuff—sometimes a little too much. My husband would probably agree since he occasionally can’t find what he needs! Clutter and chaos overwhelm me, so I truly believe *less is more.* I think three times before buying anything… and then usually return it anyway.
I’m also not great at hunting for deals, and I have zero interest in spending my time online shopping or searching for the perfect dress in local stores. But what I do love is the idea of **gown rentals, clothing swaps, and passing down special pieces among friends.** I grew up sharing a closet with my mom and sister, so that kind of community just makes sense to me. (Except for shoes—my feet are way too big for that! Lol.)

What to wear for your family session

Let’s be real—I want you to feel like your best, most authentic selves during your session. I know you’ll do a great job choosing outfits, and I’m here to help! I’ve written several blog posts on coordinating outfits for different types of sessions, from maternity to newborn, because clothing choices truly make a difference. Colors, textures, and layers all play a role in creating timeless, beautiful images.

To make things easier, I personally guide each client through the outfit selection process. You can even share photos with me beforehand for feedback, and I offer free access to Style & Select—an amazing app that helps you style your entire family with outfit suggestions you can purchase in real time.

When putting together your outfits, here are a few simple guidelines:

Mom chooses first. Start with an outfit you love, then build the rest of the family’s look around it.
Coordinate, don’t match. The days of everyone wearing blue jeans and white shirts are long gone! Instead, mix complementary tones and textures.
Stick to soft, neutral, or earth tones. Warm, off-white, beige, and muted colors photograph beautifully. Black and navy blue aren’t ideal for most outdoor sessions.
Avoid loud colors, busy patterns, and logos. These can be distracting and take attention away from your family’s connection.
Choose movement-friendly clothing. Flowy dresses, relaxed fits, and comfortable fabrics allow for natural, candid moments.
Ditch the heels if we’re in nature or at the beach. Barefoot photos are often my favorite!
Layer and mix textures. Sweaters, linen, and soft knits add depth to your photos. Accessories like a hat or scarf can also bring interest to your look.

And here’s the best part—you can break any of these “rules” because these are your photos! The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, confident, and excited for your session.

The reasons WHY I do not offer client’s closet:

I want you to be you. If that means wearing a gorgeous gown, go for it—I love that for you! If you feel most comfortable in denim for your cozy in-home session, I’ll be cheering you on. The key is wearing something that makes you feel beautiful and confident. Ask yourself: What outfit will make me feel like the best version of myself?

Even though I don’t offer a client closet, I care deeply about what you wear because outfits make a big difference in the final images. But I also believe in celebrating individuality. I don’t want every client wearing the same outfits, styled the same way, in the same locations. Your unique style is part of your story, and I want your photos to reflect you—not a one-size-fits-all look. Plus, photographing the same outfit over and over again would take away from the originality of each session.

Lastly, on a personal level, I’ve embraced a more minimalist lifestyle, and holding onto a collection of clothing just doesn’t align with that. Instead, I’m here to help you choose outfits that feel true to you while making sure they elevate your session in the best way possible.