BLOG
lisa smith photography
Inspiring. Informative. Real.
August 3, 2026
Fall Mini Sessions are one of my favorite times of the year. Beautiful New Hampshire foliage, cooler temperatures, and just 15 minutes to capture genuine connection with the people you love.
A little preparation beforehand helps your session feel relaxed and makes it easy to get the most out of our time together.
Plan Your Outfits Ahead of Time
One of the best things you can do before your session is choose everyone’s outfits a few days in advance.
Stick with coordinating colors rather than matching exactly, and choose clothing that’s comfortable and easy to move in. Layers, sweaters, denim, boots, and earth tones all photograph beautifully against New Hampshire’s fall colors.
If you need inspiration, check out my complete guide:
What to Wear for Your Fall Mini Session
Arrive a Few Minutes Early
Please plan to arrive about 5 minutes before your scheduled session.
This gives you time to park, walk to our meeting location, and let everyone settle in before we begin. Since mini sessions run back-to-back, arriving early helps keep everything running smoothly and ensures you receive your full session time.
Keep It Fun for the Kids
The best photos happen when kids are simply being themselves.
Have everyone fed before arriving (nothing messy), and if you have little ones, bringing a favorite small toy or comfort item is never a bad idea.
Most importantly, avoid putting pressure on them to smile.
Instead, tell them you’re going on a fun family adventure. I’ll take care of getting the smiles.
Trust the Process
You don’t need to worry about posing or wondering what to do with your hands.
I’ll guide you through the entire session with simple prompts that create natural interaction and genuine moments. Even if someone in your family says they’re awkward in front of the camera, I promise you’re not the first!
The less you worry about getting the “perfect” photo, the more authentic your gallery will feel.
Relax and Enjoy the Moment
Your Fall Mini Session is only 15 minutes long, and it goes by quickly.
Instead of focusing on getting everyone to look at the camera, focus on enjoying a few minutes together. Laugh with your kids, hug your partner, and let yourselves simply be together.
Those are almost always the photos families end up loving the most.
After Your Session
I’ll begin editing your gallery shortly after your session.
Within two weekw, you’ll receive an email with a link to your private online gallery where you can download your images, share them with family and friends, and order professional-quality prints directly from your gallery.
Ready to Book Your Fall Mini Session?
If you’re looking for a quick, relaxed way to update your family photos this fall, I’d love to photograph your family. These 15-minute sessions are perfect for capturing genuine smiles and beautiful memories surrounded by New Hampshire’s fall color.
Reserve your Fall Mini Session before the remaining spots are gone!
August 3, 2026
You’ve booked your fall mini session (yay!), and now comes the question I get asked the most:
“What should we wear?”
The good news? You don’t need perfectly matching outfits or brand new clothes. The best photos happen when everyone feels comfortable and looks like themselves.
Here are my favorite tips to help your family look great in your fall photos.
Start with One Outfit You Love
Instead of trying to coordinate everyone at once, pick one outfit that you absolutely love. It might be mom’s dress, your daughter’s sweater, or your son’s flannel.
Once you have one outfit chosen, build everyone else’s clothing around those colors. It’s much easier than trying to start with four or five outfits at the same time.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
The days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans are behind us.
Instead, choose colors that complement each other while adding a little variety. Mixing textures, layers, and patterns creates photos that feel much more natural and timeless.
Some fall color combinations I love include:
- Rust, cream, olive, and tan
- Navy, mustard, and brown
- Forest green, ivory, and denim
- Burgundy, camel, and soft gray
Stick with Earth Tones
Fall in New Hampshire already provides an incredible backdrop. Clothing in warm, natural colors blends beautifully with the foliage.
Great choices include:
- Cream
- Beige
- Camel
- Rust
- Olive green
- Mustard
- Burgundy
- Navy
- Brown
These colors photograph beautifully and won’t compete with the scenery.
Avoid Bright Neon Colors and Large Logos
Bright neon colors pull attention away from your faces, which should always be the focus of your photos.
Large graphics, logos, and busy patterns can also become distracting and may not age well over time.
Simple, classic clothing will always look better years from now.
Add Layers and Texture
Fall is the perfect season for layering.
Think sweaters, cardigans, denim jackets, scarves, flannels, knit dresses, boots, and vests.
Texture adds depth to your images without making them feel busy.
Dress for the Weather
New Hampshire weather can change quickly in the fall.
Even if the forecast looks warm, evenings cool off fast. Wearing layers not only keeps everyone comfortable but also gives you options throughout your session.
Comfortable families are happy families and that shows in the photos.
Shoes Matter More Than You Think
Your shoes will absolutely show in many of your images.
Choose shoes that coordinate with your outfits and fit the season.
Some great options include:
- Brown boots
- Chelsea boots
- Neutral sneakers
- Loafers
- Flats
- Booties
Athletic sneakers with bright colors tend to stand out and can pull attention away from the rest of your outfit.
Let Kids Be Comfortable
Children photograph best when they can move, play, and be themselves.
Choose clothing that fits well and allows them to run, snuggle, and explore comfortably.
If they’re constantly tugging at itchy sweaters or uncomfortable shoes, it usually shows in the photos.
Think About Where You’ll Display Your Photos
One question I always encourage families to ask is:
“Would I hang this on my wall?”
Choosing timeless clothing instead of trendy pieces helps your photos look just as beautiful years from now as they do today.
The Most Important Thing
The best outfit isn’t the most expensive one.
It’s the one that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself.
Your family’s connection is what makes these images meaningfuf, not perfectly coordinated clothing.
Ready for Fall Photos You’ll Love?
Now that you’ve got outfit inspiration, the only thing left to do is book your session! Fall Mini Sessions are just 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy families who want updated photos without committing to a full session.
If you’re ready to capture this season surrounded by New Hampshire’s beautiful fall color, I’d love to photograph your family.
Reserve your Fall Mini Session today before the remaining spots are gone.
February 18, 2026
If you’ve been wondering what to wear for engagement photos, you’re not alone. Outfit planning is one of the biggest stress points for couples before their engagement session.
As a New Hampshire engagement photographer, and someone who has been on the other side of the camera, I understand how easy it is to overthink it. You want everything to feel cohesive, not clashing, so the photos feel timeless.
The good news? Choosing what to wear doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple guidelines can make the entire process easier and your photos timeless.
What to Wear for Engagement Photos: Start with Neutrals
Guess what?! Couples ask me what to wear for their engagement photos all the time! My answer is always the same: start with neutrals.
Beige. Cream. Soft gray. Tan. Muted olive. Warm browns.
Of course, neutrals photograph beautifully because they don’t compete for attention. Instead, they allow the focus to stay exactly where it belongs, on your expressions and connection.
In addition, neutrals complement nearly every New Hampshire location, whether we’re in the mountains, by the water, or inside a studio setting. So, if you’re unsure what to wear for your engagement session, building both outfits around neutrals is often the easiest and most timeless option.
With that in mind, here are some of my favorite neutrals and earth tones.
Sticking to Neutrals Is the Safest (and Strongest) Choice
If you want to simplify what to wear for engagement photos, keep your palette neutral and cohesive.
Neutrals naturally work together. You don’t need to match, you just need to complement.
For example:
- Cream + soft denim
- Tan + muted sage
- Ivory + warm brown
- Light gray + soft olive
This creates beautiful photos without feeling overly styled or “matchy.”
The result is clean, elevated, and timeless.
Adding a Pop of Color Without Overpowering the Image
Once you’ve chosen a neutral base, you can add one or two intentional pops of color.
When thinking about what to wear for engagement photos, remember: subtle always photographs better than bold.
Consider:
- Dusty blue
- Muted blush
- Soft rust
- Forest green
The goal isn’t to make a statement piece the star. It’s to add warmth and personality without distracting from your connection.
Accessories are an easy way to incorporate color:
- A textured scarf
- A blazer
- A cardigan
- Simple jewelry
Keep it intentional. Keep it balanced.
Engagement Color Scheme Ideas That Photograph Beautifully
If you’re still deciding what to wear for engagement photos, here are combinations that consistently look beautiful:
Soft Neutrals + Warm Accent
Cream + tan + muted rust
Perfect for golden hour sessions.
Cool Neutrals + Blue
Gray + ivory + dusty blue
Ideal for coastal or mountain locations.
Earthy Tones
Olive + tan + soft mustard
Adds depth without overpowering.
Studio Minimal
Ivory + light brown + textured knit
Clean and timeless.
Need inspiration for your engagement session? Check out these beautiful color schemes!
What Not to Wear for Engagement Photos
Just as important as knowing what to wear for engagement photos is knowing what to avoid.
Try to steer clear of:
- Neon colors
- Bright red
- Stark bright white
- Heavy head-to-toe black
- Large logos or graphics
These elements can pull attention away from you and create distractions in the final images.
If you’re unsure, I’m always happy to review outfit ideas before your session.
The Goal Isn’t Trendy. It’s Timeless.
Engagement photos are about capturing your connection and love for each other. When deciding what to wear for engagement photos, aim for something that still feels like you years from now.
Neutral foundations. Intentional color. Proper fit.
When your outfits feel aligned, you relax. And when you relax, the photos feel natural.
If you’d like even more guidance on what to wear for engagement photos, you can explore my detailed styling tips here: What to Wear for Engagement Photos: Your Ultimate Guide
And if you’re planning your New Hampshire engagement session, I’d love to help you build a look that feels effortless, cohesive, and completely you.
Let’s start planning your engagement session
January 23, 2026
Branding Mini Sessions are designed to be quick, intentional, and impactful. Because the session is focused and efficient, a little preparation ahead of time goes a long way. When you arrive feeling ready, relaxed, and confident, it shows in your images.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know on how to prepare for your Branding Mini Session so you can make the most of your time and walk away with images you’re excited to use.
Get Clear on Where You’ll Use Your Photos
Before your session, take a moment to think about how you plan to use your images. Will they be featured on your website? Shared on social media? Used for marketing or announcements?
Knowing this ahead of time helps guide the overall look and feel of your photos. It also allows you to show up with intention, which makes your images feel more aligned and purposeful.
Choose Your Outfit Ahead of Time
Branding Mini Sessions are quick so you’ll only have time for one outfit, so choosing it ahead of time is key. Your outfit should feel comfortable, confident, and aligned with your brand.
Stick to clean lines, neutral tones, and brand colors that work well across platforms. If you’re unsure what photographs best, check out these Outfit Ideas for Branding Minis to help guide you.
Keep It Simple
The goal for hair and makeup is polished but natural. You want to look like yourself, just slightly elevated.
Avoid trying anything new right before your session, whether it’s a new hairstyle or makeup look. Simple, familiar choices help you feel more confident and comfortable in front of the camera.
Bring One or Two Meaningful Props to Your Branding Mini Session
Props are optional, but they can be a great way to visually communicate what you do. Think about items you naturally use in your business, such as a laptop, notebook, tools of your trade, or products you sell.
Keep it minimal. One or two well-chosen props add context without distracting from you.
Arrive Early and Give Yourself Time
Plan to arrive a few minutes early so you’re not rushed, especially when it comes to parking. Giving yourself a moment to settle in before your session begins helps you feel more relaxed and ready when we start.
Trust the Process and the Direction
You don’t need to know how to pose or worry about what to do in front of the camera. I’ll guide you throughout the session with clear, easy direction and natural prompts.
Branding Minis are designed to feel relaxed and approachable. Trust the process and allow yourself to focus on showing up as you.
After Your Branding Mini Session: What Happens Next
Within two weeks of your session, you’ll receive a private online gallery where you can view your images and make your selections. Your session includes an image credit that can be used toward a set number of digital downloads or applied to a larger digital collection if you’d like more variety.
Preparing for your Branding Mini Session doesn’t need to be complicated. A little intention ahead of time helps you show up confident, relaxed, and ready to make the most of your session.
These sessions are designed to support your business visually and give you images that feel polished, aligned, and easy to use wherever your brand shows up.
Ready to Book Your Branding Mini Session?
If you’re ready to refresh your brand imagery or have questions about preparing for your session, I’m always happy to help. View upcoming Branding Mini Sessions or reach out anytime with questions.
January 13, 2026
When choosing what to wear for a branding mini photoshoot, especially a mini session with one outfit, versatility is key. Here are tried-and-true outfit ideas that photograph well and work across websites, social media, and marketing.
The Blazer
Dress It Up or Down
A blazer is one of the most versatile pieces you can wear for branding photos. It instantly adds polish and structure while still feeling modern.
- Wear it open over a simple top for a relaxed look
- Button it up for a more professional feel
- Roll the sleeves for something a little more casual
Blazers work beautifully for entrepreneurs, creatives, and service-based businesses alike.
Neutrals
You Can’t Go Wrong
Neutral colors photograph timelessly and keep the focus on you.
Think:
- White
- Cream
- Beige
- Black
- Gray
- Soft tans
Neutrals also make it easy to layer in your brand colors through accessories or props while keeping your images versatile and long-lasting.
Keep It Classic with All White
An all-white outfit feels clean, confident, and elevated. It works especially well for modern, lifestyle, and creative brands.
- Choose structured pieces with texture to avoid looking flat
- Avoid sheer fabrics and make sure everything fits well
- Great for bright, clean branding aesthetics
All white is a strong choice when you want your images to feel fresh and editorial.
Add a Hat for Personality
Hats can be a fun way to add personality and movement to your images—especially if they’re part of your everyday style.
- Wide-brim hats
- Simple fedoras
- Neutral tones work best
Only include a hat if it feels authentic to you and your brand.
Pop of Color
Adding a pop of color is a great way to bring personality into your branding photos while still keeping things clean and cohesive. This works especially well when the rest of your outfit is neutral and the color ties back to your brand palette.
A blazer, jacket, or top in a brand color instantly draws attention without overpowering the image. It adds energy, helps your photos stand out, and keeps your marketing visually consistent across platforms.
Tip: Stick to one intentional pop of color rather than mixing multiple bold tones.
The Accessory
Including an accessory you actually use in your business helps tell your brand story at a glance. Think of it as a visual cue that shows what you do without needing explanation.
Whether it’s a camera, notebook, laptop, tools of your trade, or a signature item you’re known for, accessories add context and authenticity to your images. The key is keeping it simple so the focus stays on you.
Tip: Choose one meaningful accessory and use it naturally rather than posing with it stiffly.
The best outfit is one that feels confident, comfortable, and aligned with your brand. If you feel good wearing it, it will show in your photos.
Now that you know what to wear for a branding photoshoot, the next step is creating images that work for your business. Branding Mini Sessions offer a quick, intentional way to refresh your website, social media, and marketing content.
September 9, 2025
The holiday season is busy enough without worrying about family photos! That’s exactly why a Christmas Tree Farm mini session is the perfect way to capture holiday memories – quick, fun, and relaxed. With just a little preparation, your session at the tree farm will feel effortless, and you’ll walk away with images that make holiday cards, gifts, and keepsakes extra special.
Plan Outfits Ahead of Time
Coordinating outfits in advance makes a huge difference. Stick to cozy layers, textures like knits and flannels, and a mix of neutrals with pops of festive color. Think timeless, not too “matchy,” and make sure everyone feels comfortable, especially the kids. For more detailed inspiration, check out my full guide: What to Wear for Christmas Tree Farm Photos: The Perfect Outfit Guide.
Arrive a Few Minutes Early
Give yourself a little cushion by arriving a few minutes before your Christmas mini session. Arrive a few minutes early so you have time to park, walk to the meeting spot, and settle in before we start. The extra time means no rushing and a more relaxed start for you and your family.
Keep It Simple for the Kids
Kids don’t need to be perfect, they just need to be themselves! A quick snack beforehand (nothing messy), a favorite small toy or blanket for comfort, and the reminder that this is all about having fun will go a long way. The best smiles come from candid moments, not forced poses.
Trust the Process
Your Christmas mini session is designed to be short and sweet and just 15 minutes. I’ll guide you with easy prompts and natural interactions so you never have to worry about what to do. The more relaxed you are, the more your kids will follow your lead.
Think Ahead for How You’ll Use the Photos
These photos aren’t just for the moment, they’re for the season! Holiday cards, framed gifts for grandparents, or festive wall art are all great ways to enjoy your images. Ordering early through your gallery ensures everything arrives in time for the holidays.
The key to a stress-free Christmas mini session is simple: plan a little, relax a lot, and enjoy the moment. Your only job is to show up, have fun, and let me capture the joy of your family.
Ready to book? Spots for this year’s tree farm minis are limited, so don’t wait!
TIPS TO LOVE THE WAY YOU LOOK!
free guide: 5 engagement styling
5 engagement styling tips to love the way you look
send me the guide
the free guide
Stop stressing and start loving the way you look with this comprehensive 5-Tip guide!
