Spring is just around the corner and so are family photography sessions! The question that I get most often from my clients for lifestyle sessions is “What to wear?“. Let’s face it . . . choosing outfits for a photography session can be the most stressful part of the process. Here are a few tips that I send in my welcome materials advising clients about about clothing selections. Most importantly you want to select timeless clothing that reflects your family’s personality. Remember this investment in a portrait session will last for many generations.
1. Be yourself . Think about your family and how you dress on a regular basis. What reflects your family’s overall style? One of the best ways I advise clients to consider their style is to think about the decor of their homes. Does it lean towards a classic style or a touch or modern? Does your home have a neutral pallet with lots of natural textures or fun pops of color? Your portraits are going to be displayed on YOUR walls so you want them to flow with your home decor.
2. Mom chooses her outfit first. Mom, its your time to shine! Start by selecting an outfit from your closet or go shopping for a new one. As women we are the most critical about our personal appearance so it it essential that you start this process feeling confident and good. I suggest that moms text me a photo of them dressed in their outfit to make sure that it is just as flattering on them as it is on a hanger.
3. Coordinate, don’t match. This is one of my hard and fast guidelines with clients. The days of everyone wearing the same outfits are out . . . I mean sooooo out! Select a color pallet and then allow each member to have a different outfit that fits their individual style and comfort. If you have a darling little girl that does not like dresses encourage her to choose an outfit in the color pallet that compliments her personality. Dad’s are usually the easiest to dress. I suggest a nice t-shirt, polo shirt or button down with the top button undone + sleeves rolled up. Remember comfort is the key because I want you to be able to move and have fun!
4. Match the style of your location. Not all locations are equal and you need to plan for tall grass, gravel roads, urban graffiti and in-home comfort. You want the clothing to compliment the location and not compete with it. On the flip side you want to make sure that you do not choose clothing that will blend in with the background. You want enough contrast that your family is the highlight of the photo.
5. Avoid fluorescent colors and graphics. Ok boy mamas! I know that this one is hard. Believe me I have two that live in clothing with Nike + Under Armor logos plastered all over them. However, for family photos you want to select timeless clothing. Logos and graphics will date a photo faster that anything. You also want to avoid bright florescent tones because the clothing will cast a neon reflection on the skin. This gives the skin an ugly color cast. Think simple + timeless for the kids clothes.
6. Make sure that you choose clothing that fits. This is a also a good time to suggest avoiding high maintenance outfits. Nothing kills the fun and energy of a family photo session quicker than Mom constantly stressing about clothing. Sleeves that cover the hands, dress straps falling off the shoulder and baggy pants are distracting both during the session and in the final images.
7. Mix textures. Having everyone wear a variety of textures is a great way to create depth in your photographs. Wearing textures is a great way to show off individual personalities. Think of a little girl in a flowing dress and dad in denim + knit sweater. Another great way to incorporate textures is with with layers. It also gives you the option to go with a couple of different looks during the same session by simply adding or taking off a layer.
8. Add a pop of color. My photography style is fun + natural. What better way to incorporate fun than to add color to your session. I recommend primary colors for boys. Red, blue and yellow photograph nicely and bring fun to the images. Girls can add a pop of color with accessories such as jewelry, hair bows and shoes. Some of my favorite client images have fun and lively accessories.
9. Make a Pintrest board with outfit ideas. This is a great way to see what kinds of colors, textures and styles you are drawn too. Look at the images on your board and try to find common threads of color, pattern and texture.
10. Ask your photographer for help. As your photographer, I am always available to assist you with wardrobe selections. I want to make this process as easy and stress free as possible! I have utilized FaceTime, Skype and text to consult clients during the process. I can also recommend local hair and make-up stylist if you want to go that route.
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