What is a client closet? | St. Louis Family Photographer

Everything you need to know about my client closet

What is a client closet, you ask? A client closet is a curated collection of clothing that photographers have available for complimentary use during a session. Yes, you read that correct; you can use all the clothing in my client closet for FREE! No more stress about what to wear or how to dress your family in for your session. A client closet is another way I try to provide a stress-free family experience for you. Every photographer approaches their client closet differently, so this blog post will be about all the details you need to know on a client closet related to sessions with me. Let’s dive in!

Who is a client closet for?

My client closet provides clothing and accessories for women, children, and newborns. This includes a wide range of sizes and styles. I have dresses for women that fit XS-XL including maternity. With a variety of children’s sizes, we can pull together a family look that is cohesive and gorgeous easily! But what about dad, you may ask?? At this time, I do not provide men’s clothing but typically send examples of colors or styles that would work best with what we have chosen for the session.

How does this work?

As stated before, the client closet clothing is included with every session I shoot. Choosing your clothing is flexible, but this is a general timeline. Once you book your session, you will get access to my VIP Facebook group and client closet IG page. On both pages, I share styling tips and photos of items found in my client closet. About 5 weeks before your session, you will receive an e-mail from me that includes session prep info, a questionnaire, and a link to my client closet and online styling service. The questionnaire helps me know where to begin with styling. From there we can start styling your family based on the location and vibe you are wanting for your session. We will begin to choose a wardrobe and put together options for your family. I am happy to put together design boards to help you visualize what it will all look like together. Most clients opt to try on a few options at the session but styling appointments are available on a limited basis. For newborn sessions, multiple options are brought to the session since sizing changes so much after delivery.

Why is clothing important?

After many years in business, I have discovered recently what a HUGE role clothing plays in the look and feel of my images. It is also the biggest stress for most families. I truly believe if you are investing in quality images, your clothing should enhance your photos not be a distraction. I think the best part of my client closet is being able to provide my clients with wardrobe pieces that they may not normally wear on daily basis but still allow them to feel like themself. The pieces I choose to add to the closet are colors, styles, and textures I know work well with my editing, the locations at shoot, and my shooting style (we run and may get wet, dirty, etc..we have FUN!). I invest in high-quality clothing pieces that truly do elevate your photos and create a piece of art for years to come.

Most of the clients that choose to work with me are drawn to a similar style as mine. That said, I have numerous clients who have personal pieces or prefer to shop for themselves and that is more than ok! I am always happy to help guide what looks best or piece together items from your closet and mine. The goal is for you to have a stress-free experience, save you time and money, and create the images you dream of with your family. Your clothing should be a reflection of that and truly tell YOUR story!

What is in your client closet?

Would you believe I kicked my husband out of our walk-in closet to make room for my client closet? Sorry, not sorry! I have developed a slight shopping problem but that has been a huge benefit to my families. Some items in my closet include custom, handmade made pieces from places like Reclamation and Hank’s Knitwear. My closet is stocked full of clothing from stores such as Free People, Vici, Lulus, Joyfolie, Baltic Born, Zara, H&M, Sweet Honey, Lou and Lou….and soooo many more! I provide handmade newborn headbands, swaddles, and a gorgeous Moses basket for your lifestyle newborn session.

I am constantly adding and removing items from the closet based on what photographs well and what my clients are looking for. Check out some of my favorites and a glimpse at what is available for you!

What questions do you have about a client closet? Let’s get styled!