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The Ultimate Guide to Portraits, and Themed, Photography Sessions

Lily Rose Photography is a Napa and Sonoma-based studio offering portrait photography services, including family photos, senior images, lifestyle: Day in the Life sessions and themed photo sessions to clients in California.

"We’re 💀. They’re so good! " - Jennifer Losier, July 2025

At Lily Rose Photography, we believe that portrait photography is more than just capturing an image, it's about telling a story and immortalizing moments that reflect your personality, style, and journey. Whether you're celebrating a life milestone, planning your holiday cards, updating your professional headshot, or simply capturing the beauty of your family, we're here to make it happen.

Why Portraits Matter

Portraits have the power to capture not just appearances, but emotions. A well-crafted portrait reflects who you are; your essence, your style, and your personality. We specialize in crafting images of you that are authentic, engaging, and timeless.

Traditional Portraits

Traditional portraits are all about capturing the real you in a classic, timeless way. Whether it’s just you, your family, or you and your partner, these portraits focus on bringing out your true personality and connection.

We’ll guide you through poses, lighting, and settings to ensure you feel relaxed and natural while still capturing a beautiful, polished image.

These sessions are perfect if you’re looking for something that will always feel relevant, great for hanging on the wall, creating a family album, and a keepsake to cherish for years.

Day in the Life Lifestyle Photo Sessions

Capture the beauty of everyday moments with a Day in the Life lifestyle photo session. These sessions are all about authenticity, focusing on the simple yet meaningful moments of your daily routine. From morning routines to family adventures, a Day in the Life session tells the story of your life as it happens, without the need for posed pictures.

Whether it's a cozy Sunday morning at home, a family picnic in the park, or a day out exploring Napa Valley, or Northern California, we document the natural interactions and connections that make your life uniquely yours. These sessions allow you to relive your most cherished memories in a way that feels real, unposed, and beautifully candid. Perfect for anyone who wants to capture the true essence of their day-to-day life. This style of photography is all about embracing the moments that often go unnoticed but are just as crucial in shaping your story.

I love it!! You are a magician! ...there are so many good ones!!! Will be hard to pick favorite for Christmas card! You guys are the best!! -Mari Cosentino, Dec 2024

Themed Portrait Sessions

If you're looking for something unique, our themed portrait sessions are the perfect choice. Whether you're channeling vintage glamour, celebrating the seasons, or even creating a fantasy-inspired shoot, we'll bring your vision to life with creative direction, styling, and carefully chosen locations.

Ideas for Themed Session

Seasonal Themes: Capture the essence of each season with a Seasonal Portrait Session, where we highlight the beauty of nature’s changing colors and moods, from the vibrant blooms of spring to the warm hues of autumn, creating portraits that reflect the spirit of the season and your personal style. Spring cherry blossoms to October in the fall.
Fantasy & Fairytale: Transform into your favorite character or fantasy world, using creative props and settings to tell your story. Think Dungeons and Dragons, bring your favorite characters to life through custom costumes, epic backdrops, and creative props that capture magic and excitement.
Vintage Glamour and Prohibition: Transport yourself back to the 1920s with a Prohibition-themed portrait session, with the glamour and mystery of the Roaring Twenties, vintage outfits, classic cocktails, and timeless style.
Boho Style: Channel a free-spirited vibe with natural, earthy tones, perfect for vineyard or outdoor shoots.
Holiday Portraits: Celebrate the holiday season with Holiday Portraits and Mini Sessions, designed to capture the festive spirit of your family with joyful, seasonal backdrops, cozy outfits, and unique memories that make the perfect gift or holiday card photo.
80s Awkward and Kitschy Portraits: Embrace the fun and quirky side of nostalgia with 80s style portraits, where we bring out the bold colors, big hair, awkward poses, and over-the-top fashion of the era for a lighthearted and playful photo session that’s all about celebrating the unique charm of the 80s. A perfect gift for Mother's Day. ;)

Family Portraits

Family portraits are all about capturing the love, laughter, and memorable moments that make your family unique. Whether it’s a multi-generational shoot, an anniversary session, a birthday celebration, or simply a casual family portrait, we ensure that every shot tells the story of your connection and joy. We’ll help you feel at ease and make the whole session fun, so you can focus on being together. These portraits are perfect for reliving those precious moments and creating lasting memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Senior Portrait Sessions

Senior sessions are all about celebrating a significant milestone in your life—graduating and stepping into the future. Whether you're into sports, the arts, or have a unique style, we ensure that your portraits highlight who you are and what you've achieved. From fun, personalized shoots that reflect your passions to creative studio portraits, we'll help you feel comfortable and confident while capturing this exciting moment in your journey. These portraits are a great way to look back on your high school years and celebrate everything you've accomplished.

Why Choose Lily Rose Photography for Your Portrait Session?

Personalized Experience: We understand that everyone has a unique story to tell. At Lily Rose Photography, we tailor each session to meet your vision. Whether it's an elegant family portrait or a themed shoot, we work with you to bring your ideas to life.
Creative Direction: For themed portrait sessions, we provide comprehensive creative direction, encompassing location selection, styling suggestions, props, and wardrobe guidance. Our goal is to create an experience that allows you to express yourself in a meaningful way.
Expert Lighting & Posing: With years of experience, we know how to utilize both natural and studio lighting to create the best portrait in the style you choose. We also guide you through every pose to ensure that you look your best and feel relaxed.
Quality Editing: We provide professional editing to enhance your photos, ensuring that your gallery features high-quality images. Our editing process preserves the natural look of the session while improving the details, colors, and lighting to create timeless images.
Booking Your Portrait Session: Whether you're interested in a classic portrait session, a creative themed shoot, or capturing the beauty of your family, Lily Rose Photography is here to provide an unforgettable experience. Let's create stunning portraits that reflect your style, personality, and milestones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear for my portrait session?

For classic portraits, we recommend neutral or soft tones that complement your natural features. For themed sessions, we'll provide wardrobe suggestions based on the theme, whether it's vintage, boho, or holiday-inspired.

How long does a portrait session take?

The length of the session varies depending on the type of session. A classic portrait might take around 60 minutes, while a themed or family session could last up to 2 hours.

Can we include pets in our portrait session?

Absolutely! We love working with pets and understand the importance they hold in your family. Feel free to bring them along for a fun and memorable session.

Portrait Session Style Guide: What to Wear

Choosing the right outfit for your portrait session can make a huge difference in how the final images turn out. The key is to feel comfortable, confident, and authentic to your style while also considering the colors, patterns, and fits that work best in front of the camera. Here's our comprehensive style guide to help you look your best during your portrait or themed session:

Keep It Simple: Neutral and Solid Colors - Solid colors work best because they allow the focus to remain on you, rather than on your clothes. Neutral colors, such as whites, grays, blacks, earth tones, and pastels, work well for most sessions, especially for classic portraits. These colors help create timeless photos that never go out of style.

Best Choices: White, cream, black, gray, navy, beige, soft pastels
Avoid: Bright neon colors or anything too flashy that might distract from your face

Add Texture, But Avoid Busy Patterns: While solid colors are ideal, adding texture to your outfit can help bring depth and dimension to your photos. Think cozy sweaters, denim jackets, or dresses with lace or subtle patterns. But be cautious with large patterns, logos, or busy prints, as they can become distracting.
- Best Choices: Knit sweaters, suede, leather jackets, soft plaid, subtle florals
- Avoid: Bold stripes, large logos, or intricate patterns that clash with the background.
Fit and Comfort Are Key: Your outfit should fit well and make you feel comfortable. Clothes that are too tight or too loose can affect your confidence, while clothes that fit perfectly will help you feel more at ease during your session.

Best Choices: Tailored pieces that hug the body in all the right places without being too tight
Avoid: Overly baggy clothes or items that restrict movement, such as tight belts or high heels that make you uncomfortable while walking.

Complement the Location: Consider the location of your session when selecting your outfits. A vineyard shoot calls for a relaxed, natural style, while a downtown Napa session might be suited to more sophisticated or urban looks. If you're going for a themed shoot, choose colors and styles that fit the concept.

For outdoor/natural shoots: Soft, flowy dresses, casual denim, or comfortable boots work well.
For indoor/urban shoots: Dresses with clean lines, blazers, and stylish tops add a modern vibe.
For themed shoots: Choose outfits that reflect the theme, such as boho dresses for a vineyard shoot or retro-inspired outfits for a vintage session.

Layering and Accessories: Layers can add dimension and variety to your photos. A jacket, cardigan, or scarf can be used for a quick change in look. Simple accessories, such as necklaces, bracelets, or hats, can enhance an outfit and add character to your photos. However, avoid over-accessorizing, as too many items can distract from your face.

Best Choices: Scarves, statement jewelry, layered outfits
Avoid: Over-accessorizing or using flashy items that draw attention away from your face

Footwear Matters: Footwear is a crucial element that is often overlooked. Choose shoes that are appropriate for the setting and that you can comfortably wear throughout the shoot. Whether it's boots for a rustic session or heels for a more formal look, ensure they're comfortable enough to wear for the entire duration of the shoot.

Best Choices: Comfortable boots, flats, stylish sneakers, or classic heels
Avoid: Worn-out shoes, uncomfortable high heels, or sandals for formal sessions

Hair and Makeup: While natural beauty is key, a little extra attention to your hair and makeup can make a big difference. For women, we recommend opting for a natural, polished look with a bit more emphasis on the eyes. For men, grooming is essential—clean-shaven or neatly trimmed facial hair is always a good choice.

Hair: Keep it natural but styled—think soft waves or smooth curls. Avoid overly tight updos or styles that are too fussy.
Makeup: Opt for a polished look that accentuates your natural features. Avoid heavy makeup that might look too harsh on camera.

Matching for Groups: For family and group portraits, coordinating outfits is essential for a cohesive look. While it's great to have everyone match, try to avoid being too matchy-matchy. Instead, pick a color palette that works for everyone. For example, choose a mix of neutral tones with a few people in complementary colors, such as navy, beige, and blush.

Best Choices: Coordinated but not identical colors (such as navy, cream, and olive green)
Avoid: Overly matching colors or identical outfits for everyone.

Bring Multiple Outfits: If you're unsure about what to wear, bring two or three outfits as a precaution. This allows you to experiment with different looks, ensuring you get a variety of photos that showcase your personality and style. Make sure the outfits complement each other and reflect the overall vibe you want to achieve.

Best Choices: One more formal outfit, one casual look, and one fun or themed outfit for variety
Avoid: Overpacking or bringing too many outfits that may clutter the session time.

What to Expect During Your Portrait Session

We want you to feel confident and relaxed during your shoot. At Lily Rose Photography, we guide you through every step of the session, from posing to wardrobe decisions, so you don't have to worry about a thing. Here's what you can expect:

Pre-Shoot Consultation: We'll discuss your outfit choices, location preferences, and any themes you want to explore for your session.
Creative Direction: If you're planning a themed portrait session, we'll assist with styling, props, and location selection to help bring your vision to life.
Relaxed Posing: We will guide you through poses that feel natural, comfortable, and flattering, ensuring you look and feel your best.
Beautiful Images: After the session, we'll provide you with an online gallery to view and select your images, professionally edited and ready for print or digital use.

Book Your Portrait Session Today

Ready to create stunning, memorable portraits that showcase your style and personality? Lily Rose Photography is here to bring your vision to life. Whether you're celebrating a special milestone or capturing your unique identity through a themed portrait session, we look forward to working with you to create images you'll cherish forever.