Coordinate outfits

Do not try to match with khaki pants or jeans and a white shirt! You want to complement each other’s outfits by choosing colors that work well together. Coordinate VS. Matching…. You want to look like you belong as a group, but not blend in together. Remember, with this guide, these are simply outfit recommendations and not a requirement to photographed.

 

Be timeless

For some fashionistas, this may be a difficult concept, however, you are going to want these images to stand the test of time. Pick outfits that aren’t t considered too trendy, but will be able to be enjoyed and displayed for many years to come. One example of something that is timeless is jeans… classic look and style yet you can still incorporate your own flair into the outfit with your tops and accessories. Still be YOU, never forget that!

 

Use colors & patterns

Colors are a very important part of a photo. I feel that people in my photo tend to look best in earthy colors such as a golden yellow, a dull green, tans, and browns. If you find something in bright colors, just keep in mind to not clash with others. Too many colors could cause your photos to look like a big rainbow family! When picking outfits, avoid patterns or choose smaller ones that won’t distract attention away from the main subject/s. Use patterns sparingly…. if one person is wearing a small pattern, try to avoid putting someone else in a competing pattern. I highly recommend solid colors and not stripes. When thinking about texture, choose different ones that will give photos some interest such as lace, corduroy, denim, etc. Avoid large logo’s, emblems and graphics like “GAP” and “Old Navy” because again, these will typically distract attention away from the subject. We want your faces and emotion to show, not promote the clothing company you purchased from!

*Also, NO BRIGHT COLORS! Avoid fluorescent colors and aims for earthy or burnt colors.

 

Let your personalities SHINE

Perhaps the most important “rule” in my book. The purpose of these photos is to hopefully capture each individual as they truly are, to capture the family, the relationships, and people in the photos just as THEY are. Forcing children to wear outfits that are uncomfortable and unfamiliar to them may cause some anxiety and stress to them which in turn will inhibit really capturing their personalities during the session. Same goes for adults. Wear clothing that YOU feel good in and the pictures will emanate those feelings. If your child wears a pair of rain boots everywhere he goes, it makes the most sense to have him wear them for pictures as well. Remember, you want to capture everyone as they are NOW. Capture these moments as they are!

 

Dress for the season & location

Obviously you want your images to make sense. One typically wouldn’t be wearing jeans, boots, and a jacket to the beach in the Summer so why would you for pictures? Dress the part and be aware of your location. For example, if you are shooting at the beach, ladies wear a pretty dress and sandals, put dad in a short sleeve shirt and shorts OR pants (which you can also roll up), put your little girl in a sweet Spring or Summer dress, etc. You will want to make sure that everyone is on the same page and coordinates in both colors AND styles.

 

Layering

One of my favorite “tips” for clothing choices! In the Summer months, this may be more difficult to pull off but during all of the other seasons, definitely layer your outfits. Not only will it provide more visual interest in each photo but it will also allow a lot more variety in your shots and poses. Have a ton of images of yourself in just your dress or cute top and jeans? Throw on a little sweater or jacket and a hat and you have entirely different look.

 

Visualize for art on your walls

Typically, not something everyone will keep in mind before their session. However, I always encourage clients to think about their home, their decor, colors, and style of their homes. Chances are, at some point after your session, you will be ordering prints or digital files. Why not keep your decor in mind and ensure that it all blends into your home. This will ensure that any large portraits will coordinate beautifully.

 

Shoes

I’m all for a sassy pair of shoes, however, they may make for a very long and painful session. If you plan on wearing heels, be sure to bring a pair of flats or flip-flops that can help you get from point A to point B without any pain. You can just swap them out as you need to.

 

Plan ahead

Make sure you have given yourself enough time to think about all of the details of your session. I recommend no new hairstyles at least 2 weeks before your session, so you are comfortable with your hair. Plan ahead so that you aren’t rushing and stressing out right before your session.

If I were building outfits for my family this is how I would do it:

Keeping your location and season in mind, start with one person. Don’t try and think of everyone at the same time. I find that mom or a little girl makes the most sense since they would typically be the ones wearing a print. So mom might be wearing a solid color dress.
Now move on to the next person. You will be pulling colors from mom’s dress so begin to think about who in the family would look good in what colors. Dad doesn’t look so good in XYZ since it tends to drown out the tone in his skin. Let’s pick ABC for him instead. And so on.
Then start to come up with ideas to personalize the session. A little boy may have a security blanket or teddy bear he never parts with…. be sure to bring that with you. The little girl may like crafting so have her make a cute matching headband or clip for her hair. Enjoy these outfit recommendations, and as always feel free to share your ideas with us as well!

For more sessions showcasing outfits, click here!