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Wardrobe Carefully Selected for Storytelling

Jun 30, 2025 | By: Mars, Cranberry Township and Butler County Photographer

More Than Clothes—Wardrobe is the First Line of Storytelling

Every image I create is designed to feel like a page from a storybook—and what a child wears plays a key role in that story.

From the moment a child steps onto my property near Cranberry Township and Mars, PA, we begin crafting their story together. Whether they're chasing butterflies barefoot or hitting a home run in the tall grass, what they wear helps shape the feeling and tone of the portrait.

This vintage baseball session is the perfect example of how something so simple—jeans, tees, and a wooden bat—can become timeless when thoughtfully planned.

I hope this blog gives you a little insight into why wardrobe is so much more than just clothes in my sessions—it’s the beginning of the story we’ll tell together.

– Marsha Lonchena, Artist & Photographer at Always Remember Photography

vintage styled baseball photo session near Cranberry Township, Pa. Two brothers playing baseball with their baseball caps on backwards. The outfit and scene give a vintage feel.
Two brothers playing baseball in a field. They are wearing jeans, tee-shirts and baseball hats.

Dressing the Story: How Wardrobe Elevates Fine Art Children’s Photography

When it comes to creating timeless children's portraits, wardrobe plays a powerful role—just like props and setting. The right outfit not only adds to the beauty of the image, it becomes a part of the storytelling itself. I often think of wardrobe as another kind of prop: one that helps set the tone, time period, or mood of a scene.

 

a young ballerina wearing a beautiful dress of teal green sitting on a rock lacing her ballet shoes.

2. The Magic of My Wardrobe Closet

To make planning easier for families, I offer access to my children’s wardrobe closet. Over the years, I’ve collected classic cotton dresses, overalls, suspenders, and dreamy gowns—each piece chosen for its ability to enhance storytelling without distracting from it.

Parents love this stress-free option, and I love knowing that every item complements my artistic vision. (Fun fact: many of the portraits you see in my portfolio feature outfits from my closet.) A few items are even handmade by me—including this little blue jumper in the portrait below. 

A little girl watering flowers in a wildflower field. she is wearing a custom made blue jumper or dress. This dress was made for a custom photo session by a Cranberry Township Photographer.

3. A Personal Touch: Wardrobe with Meaning

Some families bring clothing that holds a bit of magic—a sweater knit with love by grandma, a cap worn by generations of adventurous siblings, or an outfit chosen with care. When thoughtfully selected, these pieces add more than style—they add heart. One of my favorite memories is of a grandmother who carefully selected smocked outfits in soft, dreamy blues for her grandchildren. It was her vision of a storybook moment brought to life, and the wardrobe became the thread that tied it all together.

Whether chosen for sentiment or simply for whimsy, meaningful clothing has a way of turning portraits into keepsakes—full of memory, love, and just a little enchantment.

four little children in blue smocked outfits sitting on a blue blanket near the woods reading a book.

5. The Shoe Dilemma: Barefoot or Styled?

Shoes might seem like a small detail, but they can make or break the overall look. When possible, I love photographing children barefoot—especially for outdoor sessions where it feels more natural. But if shoes are needed, simple leather sandals, brown workboots, or vintage-style shoes tend to work best. Bright sneakers or neon soles can be distracting and pull the viewer’s eye away from the moment we’re trying to capture. And most importantly: if a child doesn’t like being barefoot, we don’t force it. Comfort always wins.

 

A two year old boy walking in mud. He is walking away so we only see the back of him. He is wearing a red shirt and bluejeans that are rolled up.

6. A Wardrobe That Matches the Vision

Whether I’m styling a whimsical fairy session or a nostalgic summer adventure, I always start with a vision. What emotion am I hoping to evoke? What story are we telling? That vision guides every wardrobe choice—from colors to textures to accessories—so the final image feels cohesive, meaningful, and magical.

 

A young boy wearing an aviator hat and goggles sits on a red wooden toy airplane in a lush green field, gazing into the distance with his hand above his brow as if scanning the skies.

Want to See It All Come Together?
In my next blog, I’ll explore how location and background help support the wardrobe and storytelling in a session. Each element—wardrobe, props, setting, and light—comes together to create art you’ll cherish forever.

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook to see behind-the-scenes moments and full gallery reveals from my favorite storytelling sessions or click the link below to read Week One of my blog!
WEEK ONE: How I choose props for children photography sessions!

For more information on my Fine Art Children Sessions call 724-504-8711 or

 CONTACT ME HERE!

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