Challenging Myself as an Artist Through Intentional Wardrobe

If you know me, you know I love wardrobe.
If I find a dress I love for a child’s photo session, I’m likely to buy it in every size — just in case. Many of those dresses have been used in my signature style portraits, but there are always a few sizes that are never worn.

Over the years, my wardrobe closet has grown into a collection of timeless clothing that supports the stories I create for children. Wardrobe has always been one of the most important parts of planning a session and is often the very first place a story begins in my Fine Art Children’s Photography sessions.

When a child is photographed without much thought given to wardrobe, the result is often a sweet, simple moment. But when wardrobe is chosen with intention — to complement the setting, the mood, and the story — it becomes part of the foundation for creating art. Thoughtfully selected clothing keeps the focus on the child while quietly supporting the scene, allowing the final image to feel less like a snapshot and more like a page pulled straight from a storybook.

For me, wardrobe isn’t just clothing. It’s inspiration.

A New Goal

As I move forward in my creative work, I’ve made a promise to myself as an artist: I will only purchase or create new wardrobe when a specific photo session is already imagined.

The portraits above and below are examples of this approach — where every piece was chosen to support the story while keeping the focus on the child.  Instead of buying pieces “just in case,” every new outfit must now have a purpose behind it — a vision, a story, a session imagined from beginning to end.

This shift allows me to create more thoughtfully and will be part of what gives my Storybook-style Children’s Outdoor Portraits  as well as my Fine Art Children Studio Portraits their timeless feel.

This change isn’t about buying less. It’s about creating with intention.

The Creative Challenge: Starting With One Vision

This creative challenge begins with a single inspiration image. Last summer, a dear friend gifted me several fairy portraits, and I found myself returning to them again and again—drawn to their feeling and the story they quietly told.

My Fairy Sessions have always been rooted in storytelling and beautiful gowns. This challenge invites me to step beyond what feels familiar by building an entire fine art fairy  portrait around one vision, without relying on my custom fairy gowns.

Letting go of what feels comfortable creates space to see differently, and that is where creativity grows.

Every detail—from textures to layers—is chosen with intention to support the story. Many of the pieces already exist within my Children’s Wardrobe Closet, allowing the focus to remain on thoughtful artistry with only a few new purchases.

Once the session is complete, the outfit will be added to my Children Wardrobe Closet, ready to be styled again and woven into future storytelling sessions.

The image above reflects this process — a winter scarf, a floppy hat, and a small lantern marking the beginning of my Fairy Challenge.

While this challenge begins with a fairy-inspired session, my new rule will guide all of my Creative Fine Art Work moving forward. 

This is just the beginning.

Final Thoughts

Wardrobe is one of the most powerful tools for creating timeless, meaningful portraits. By embracing this challenge of intentional wardrobe, I will plan my creative sessions with purpose, create images with deeper storytelling, and build a collection of clothing and accessories that truly serve my vision.

Every dress, hat, or accessory becomes a building block in a larger story—a story that highlights the beauty, personality, and imagination of the children I photograph.

Follow my blog to see the results of this challenge when it’s complete, or contact me to create your own personalized session!"

I am currently bringing this intentional wardrobe philosophy to life through a Fairy Portrait Challenge featuring two unique portrait settings. You can view the project here.