WHEN CHOOSING OUTFITS FOR MY FAMILY, WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN?
It’s easy as 1, 2, 3! Ask yourself…
Does someone already have an outfit that you love? Get the flow going by building off of that one outfit for everyone else. If you’re starting from scratch, start with YOU!
What season is it? The most important thing is that you’re comfortable. Please don’t make your family sweat in autumn clothes in July or be way too chilly without appropriate outerwear in November! Your physical comfort translates in your images.
What colors do you have in your home? If you hope to display your images in your home, let your home decor be your color inspiration for your session outfits. If you don’t have any orange in your home, it may not be best to have orange in your session wardrobe.
When preparing for your session and choosing your outfits, consider…
THIS, NOT THAT
👍 Mix patterns and textures
👎 Match everyone in the same fabric and color
👍 Coordinate varying colors that compliment each other
👎 Dress everyone in khakis and white polos
👍 Ensure everyone’s clothing is well fitted
👎 Settle for sizes that just aren’t quite right
👍 Dress appropriately for the season and weather
👎 Force anyone to be shivering or sweaty
👍 Wear clothing that compliments what you’re confident in
👎 Wear clothes that make you feel self conscious, need to be constantly adjusted or tugged at, highlight a feature you don’t love to show off
👍 Opt for lighter colors and shades
👎 Choose dark and heavy colors and fabrics
👍 Dress children in clothes that fit them on the day of the session
👎 Opt for clothing that you purchased in the hopes they’d grow into it
👍 Aim for dressier shoes for everyone
👎 Wear flip flops or sneakers
👍 Choose clothing with no visible branding
👎 Wear graphic t-shirts or clothing or shoes with large logos
Other Important Tips:
Don’t forget to groom! If you or a loved one included in your session has facial hair, be sure to clean up the edges, purposefully groom/trim it and make it look cared for! This goes for preventing bed-head and hat hair too!
Choose patterns on clothing that are larger than a pencil eraser! Smaller patterns can create an undesirable effect on camera called moiré.
Consider your undergarments carefully. Before your session, be sure to check all outfits with the undergarments you plan to wear. Of course, neutral/skin tone garments are best. Are your socks an eye sore? Do your bra straps keep slipping? Take a twirl, check yourself out in natural light and ensure there is no chance of visible bra straps or cups, underwear peeking through pant fabrics or fabrics sitting uncomfortably or clinging. This goes for every member of the family!
Your hair and makeup are really important! The camera softens makeup a bit so it’s recommended to apply a tad bit heavier than you would for a normal day. False lashes or lash extensions are a fantastic extra touch - just avoid heavy under-eye liner. You could also consider scheduling a blowout for your hair on the day of your session!
For maternity portraits, it is important to choose a top or dress that “hugs” the bump either under the bust or throughout the entirety of your torso. I do not recommend flowing, non-fitted styles for maternity as they can add bulk in place that are not your growing belly!
