Are you are wondering what in the world you and your family members are going to wear for your photo session? This is a very commonly asked question. Here are some general tips to use as a guideline:
Color is a good thing! While I try to bring in lots of color from wherever we are doing you session, the more color you wear the more fun images will be. (The only downside to color-reds and greens tend to cast a color in your skin tone that is difficult to process. You might want to steer away from those.)
Patterns on children are also a good thing, as long as all children are not dressed in competing patterns. I suggest you start with a colorful pattern piece of clothing you love for your child/children and pull colors out of that when you’re coming up with the outfits for the grown-ups and other family members. Try to think of everyone’s clothing as one big outfit, while you might not choose a pattern for anyone, you can achieve lots of color, without everyone being completely matching.
Some cute ideas for boys:
~An unadorned white t-shirt with a simple button down over it, buttoned or open with denim jeans or khakis.
~The layered look with a short-sleeve and long-sleeve on top one another.
~Plaid short with layered polo shirts.
Some cute ideas for girls:
~A simple slip dress with cowboy “girl” boots.
~A patterned skirt with a top of solid “color”.
~A crazy outfit that she always puts on when asked to dress herself:)
A few other things to keep in mind:
- Avoid words or big logos on clothing. Your eye immediately jumps to them when looking at your images.
- Don’t forget your accessories on women/girls. Earrings, great necklaces, fabulous shoes, and scarfs all work to enhance images.
- Dads – do not wear white socks with darker pants and darker shoes. I know, sorry to even say it, but check the socks before you leave the house. Also if you are a black watch guy-you might want to take it off for the couple hours that we are together. Eyes also get drawn to the big, black thing on your wrist when you’re looking at your images.
- Remember the key is to “blend”, not to contrast each other, like with mom in a white shirt and dad in a black shirt. If you are dressing siblings, dress one in a pattern and solid color top or bottom, then choose another coordinating color from the pattern for each other sibling. Trust me…it will work!
If you can’t decide between something funky and something a little more traditional, bring a change of clothes in the car. We can take a little break halfway through your session and you can all change in the car.
If you need some “clothing inspiration” check out websites like: Old Navy, GAP, Gymboree, Children’s Place, Matilda Jane. They have lots of combinations together that you could then find in your local area.
My final and most important advice is to wear something you’re comfortable in.
