What Should I Wear?
This can be one of the most stressful parts to having your photos taken, and the more people in the photos, the more overwhelming it may seem. I hope that by looking through the tips on this page I can help ease some of that worry and help lead you in the direction of finding wonderful clothing to compliment the location, and the personalities of those in your family. First off, here are some questions to as yourself:
Where are the photos being taken? You want to compliment your environment and not clash against it or blend in. If the area has a lot of greenery, steering clear of too many greens will help ensure that you don't get lost in the surroundings. You want your outfits to pop from the background so you're the focus. Be sure that whatever clothing choices you make are appropriate not only for the climate of your session but compliment the location that we're in.
What kind of clothing appeals to your personalities? If you are known for wearing a certain colour, incorporate that into your session. If your kiddo is IN LOVE with a certain pair of shoes, let them wear them! You want to look back and remember these little details about your family.
Do we need to match? No, complimenting each other is what you're going for. Choosing a few colours that look good with each other and building off those base colours is a good way to go. But if you want to match, that's a whole vibe that you'll really need to lean into.
Do the outfits look right with the environment/season? We're not wearing a sweatsuit at the beack, and we're not wearing a sundress in the winter. If you're not dressed appropriate for the season, it'll look off. Plus you probably won't be comfortable anyways and thats the most important part.
Do I feel good in this outfit? You need to feel like a million bucks. Because if you don't love the way you look in the mirror before heading out the door, you're not going to feel confident during the shoot and you certainly won't like the way your outfit looks in the photos after. Also, put your kids in their outfits and check for signs of discomfort. The socks are too tight, the tags are scratchy, the cuffs on the sweater feel wrong. All these things. If they're not comfortable they will be miserable. And the younger they are, the more they'll wear that discomfort on their face. It'll make them distracted. I don't want your kids to struggle through their discomfort because it will make the experience negative. Don't make them suck it up. This is a time for you to accommodate them.
Some tips for finding the right pieces for you and your family.
- Find something that's comfortable to wear. If an outfit is uncomfortable, it will read in the face. Hard to get a good smile out of someone who's pants are too tight.
- Choose items that are flattering for your body. Don't like your arms? Don't wear a strapless top. Not happy with your tummy, don't wear something tight to that area.
- Neutrals are key. Neutral items will almost always look good together, denim, tan, khaki, white, grey. Neutrals will also flow seamlessly between the seasons and transition between decor changes.
- If you're going to introduce a pattern into your clothing, try only one pattern per palette. Florals and plaid don't mix. Also keep the pattern small and soft,
- Wear clothes that FIT, especially in children, ill-fitting clothes can be a distraction from their adorable little faces. You want to look put together regardless of if you're going casual or formal.
- SHOES! Don't forget the shoes. I know it can be daunting to think about buying shoes just for a photoshoot, but pick up some casual plain shoes for the adults and the kiddos (second hand shops are great for this reason) A nice outfit can be ruined by the wrong shoes.
- Avoid clothing with graphics and logos (unless of course its a branding session)
- I love solids for sessions, they're not distracting and they're easier to pair with other articles of clothing.
- If you feel overwhelmed or discouraged, head to google or Pinterest and see what you like. Or shoot me a message!
- Dark colours are FINE. I wear black pretty exclusively and it can totally be worn for your session if that's what you want. Style it with other darker neutrals or colours. Or use black and white as a way to POP.
- Avoid anything neon or vibrant. The colour cast on the face from a bright colours is going to throw off the skin tones of everyone around you. It's one of the reasons you'll only catch me in neutrals.
- For the love of candy, dress appropriately for the weather. You can always take a layering piece off, but if you're cold your whole body will show it even if you think you're keeping it together, and your children will look miserable.
- Neutrals does NOT mean no colour. Muted colours can also act as a neutral. if it's paired with other colours compliment it.
Oh, and if you want to do something fun and crazy HIT ME UP, because I'm always up for something different, cool, and out of the box.
Below (and throughout this whole post) you can see a lot of differently styled family/couples sessions. Hopefully you can draw some inspiration!
What's a Colour palette and why does it help?
WHat is it?
See below for examples
In the simplest terms, a colour palette is a group of colours that compliment each other and can be used together and look cohesive and pleasing to the eye.
Why do I need to follow one?
See Above for Examples
It's a great idea to choose a colour palette to make shopping easier, and to ensure everyone looks good together no matter what pairing they're in during your session.
How do I decide on a Palette?
Contact me
I would suggest finding an outfit that looks great on you (the person reading this, and probably doing all the shopping and clothing selections) and build around that. Google will be your friend, and so am I.
