Whenever I’m asked about wardrobe for a session, I always tell my clients the following: In all my years of looking at pictures of myself, I’ve never looked at a portrait and thought, “Oh, I wish I wouldn’t have dressed up that much,” or “I put way too much effort in to getting ready!”. But I can tell you that I have looked at a picture, cringed, and wished I would have put a little more effort into my look on numerous occasions.
When you ask a professional photographer to photograph you and your family, you are making an investment. These portraits will possibly be shared on Christmas cards, social media, and hang on the walls of your home for years to come. Make sure your investment is the best representation of your family as possible! There are many things you should consider, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! I’ve put together a list of helpful tips for you to consider when deciding what to wear.
My fall mini sessions are booking now. Get your spot here and then read on to help make styling your family a breeze!
First……
NO, your family does not all have to wear the same colored shirt and khaki pants! In fact, I recommend quite the opposite. Each member of your family has their own style, so forcing everyone to “match” doesn’t exactly capture the truest version of your family.
1. Consider your environment and the season.
You wouldn’t necessarily wear the same thing for beach photos in July as you would in a field with tall grass during November.
2. Wear something dressier than what you wear every day.
Maybe that means wearing jeans and a top, maybe that means a dress. And it always means something nicer than what you would send your children to daycare/school in!
3. Choose clothing that is comfortable, especially for small children.
If shoes are too tight, a pair of pants are too restrictive, or a sweater is too itchy, it will definitely show in the photographs. Your child will pull at it, repeatedly try to take it off, and then frustration will set in making the experience much more frustrating than it has to be. The same applies to adults too :). It is always a good idea to take a selfie in your outfit to make sure there aren’t any straps showing, buttons pulling, etc.
4. Start by choosing one “anchor” outfit.
This is usually a girl/woman’s dress. Women and girl clothing is usually much more detailed in color and pattern, and matching a male outfit that compliments it is usually much easier.
5. Choose 2-3 colors from the “anchor” outfit, and begin building outfits from that palette.
Do these colors have to match exactly? No, it is actually best if you use different tones in the same color family, a shade or two darker or lighter, unless the pieces come from the same clothing line (think Janie and Jack) and match exactly.
6. Patterns are great, but don’t go overboard!
Florals and plaids can add visual interest, but when there are too many of them, they can become a distraction. Pair florals and plaids with solid colors.
7. Use layers and textures to add visual interest.
Think ruffles, lace, tweed, corduroy, velvet, linen, chambray, sequins, tulle, fur, etc. A velvet blazer with a silk top, a button up with a vest, a silk top with a tulle skirt, and a structured pant paired with a flowing top are all great examples.
8. Don’t be afraid to add accessories to your outfit.
Hair pieces, hats, jewelry, suspenders, ties, scarves, belts, and vests are all excellent options. They can be worn during part of the session and easily removed to give your gallery more variety. But, again, too much and it becomes distracting.
Here are a few more examples of what to wear….
And now for somethings to AVOID….
- Avoid t-shirts with large print, graphics, or brand logos. They will be the first thing people notice. Unless your son or daughter is being sponsored by a certain brand, make sure they wear something without the logo. And no matter how much your child loves their “insert character name here” shirt, don’t let them wear it. You likely have hundreds of photos of your child in that shirt on your phone. Bring it with you to the session so they can change into it afterwards as a reward for a job well done!
- Avoid tennis shoes and flip flops (unless you are at the beach). Choose a nice sandal, flat, loafer, or boots.
- Don’t try to match colors unless the pieces are from the same line of clothing. Solids and neutrals are always great choices. In fact, with my style of editing, neutrals, pastels, and earth tones always look best.
- Avoid ill-fitting baby clothing. Don’t wear shoes that continue to fall off, shirts with sleeves that cover their hands, or anything with a collar that rides up and covers their face.
And finally, here are some details to think about leading up to your session….
- Make sure your fingernail polish is NOT chipped. Either fresh paint or none at all looks best.
- Schedule haircuts at least one week before your session.
- If using self-tanner, apply a few days prior to avoid orange skin tones and streaking.
- Try on your outfit and take a picture. Make sure to avoid ill fitting clothing such as slipping straps, buttons that pull, gaping pockets, etc.
- Consider bringing a spare shirt for younger kids, or just have them change in the car right before the session. I’ve had clients that have had nose bleeds or spilled bottles in the car on the way to their session.
I hope these tips and pictures helped give you the confidence you need when selecting your outfits. It is so important that you show up feeling and looking your best. I can’t wait to see you all show up for your sessions looking fabulous, even if I am in my yoga pants and messy bun! Sign-up for your fall mini session using the link below!
