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What to Wear 

 

Clients always about outfit coordination and what I recommend they wear for portraits. Clothing is the most important yet hardest part of family photos— but fret no more, here is a list of Do's and Dont's.

 

 

Do's & Dont's 

 

  • Do coordinate but DO NOT wear clothing that is too matchy-matchy. Pick 2-3 complementary colors and carry them throughout your family’s outfits.  When everyone is wearing the exact same thing photos can look stiff and people start to blend together. You want your family photos to resemble you and your family.

     

  • Don’t wear all white clothing! I’m not a big fan of white for family photos in general not matter what season it is. White is a tricky color to pull off successfully and can washout skin tones.

     

  • Do have fun with accessories: Scarves, gloves, hats, jewelry, belts, and hair accessories are all a great way to add a little personality to your photos. 

     

  • Don’t be afraid of color. Jewel tones look great on camera and can be rocked by most skin tones. If most if your family is wearing dark colors DON’T stick sister in pastel pink and white. You don’t want to look matchy-matchy but you want your outfits to have a good flow.

     

  • Do have fun with prints: It’s okay don’t be scared prints. If done right prints photograph beautifully! If you’re still afraid think about adding prints in small doses; a tie with a fun patterns, vest, scarf, or cardigan. These are all things that can be removed during your photos to change up your look. If most of your family is wearing solids DON’T stick someone in a plaid shirt or he will stick out. The fix for this problem would be to introduce a print, throw a scarf on someone, or add a bow.

     

  • Don’t wear clothing with logos or wording that is highly visible: This is very distracting in your images as the viewer is drawn directly to the wording and not your beautiful family! This tip does have a couple exceptions. If your shoot is styled around your favorite sports team or school this would be the time to show your pride through your wardrobe! If you’re having pictures taken of just your little one and find a cute shirt with wording that relates to the kiddo this would work as well but should not be done unless it has some type of meaning to you, your child, or your family.

     

  • Do have fun with layers: Layered clothing looks great in photos and is yet again another quick way to change up your wardrobe throughout your session. This is also a great way to hide problems areas or a way to introduce a print or pattern.

     

  • Don’t wait till the last minute to decide on your wardrobe: It takes time to put a look together and can be stressful especially if you wait till the very last minute. Give yourself enough time to decide on a color palette! Heck if all else fails look to pinterest.. we all know we love PINTEREST!

     

  • Do be afriad to get your photographer (me) involved: You can snap a picture of the outfits you plan on wearing and e-mail or text it to me. This also helps me decide on locations, props, and the overall feel of the session. It also makes it easy for me to make suggestions if help is needed. In fact, many times I won't decide a location without knowing what color scheme my clients are wearing.

     

  • Don’t forget shoes: Shoes are just as important as your outfit. No athletic shoes unless it fits with the overall theme of your session.

     

  • Do think about the location your family session will be held: You want your outfits to complement the location you choose. This is another reason why it’s a good idea to share your outfit selections with me so I can coordinate them with the backdrops selections.

 

  • Do have fun with your outfit selections: Pick something that you and your family feel good in! If you’re feeling good it will shine through in your photos!

     

  • Don’t highlight a part of your body that you’re uncomfortable with: If you’re uncomfortable with your arms don’t go sleeveless. It’s important that you feel good in what you’re wearing and if that means hiding areas that you are not so sure about do it! Wear clothing that is fitting: not too tight or too baggy.

     

  • Do think about how you plan to use your family photos: Will you hang them in your home and if so what room? What are the color schemes and do you want them to match? If this is important, you may strongly consider coordinating your outfits to match that room's color scheme. 

 

  • Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Don't be afraid to take a risk and go bold! If you feel good, you look good! 

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