Wardrobe Style Guide on What to Wear for Family Photos

 

Where do I start?

• Imagine what you want to see on your wall. Think of the images that inspire you. What is your vision? If you are really lost, give me a call.

What colors do I wear?

• Avoid neon colors near the face (this can cause a bright color cast on the skin).

• Avoid primary colors. Choose colors with a muted tone. Imagine throwing a gallon of grey paint into a color.

• Avoid solid white. A bright white will blow out the photograph and might make the images difficult to edit.

• Avoid solid black. The color black will cause the subject matter to recede and not pop from the background.

• Do not wear the same color head to toe.

• Consider the time of the year. Don’t wear fall colors in front of a bright yellow flower field. For inspiration, Google “What are the colors of this year’s season?”

• Consider the location. Try to coordinate, do not match.

• i.e.: Don’t wear a bright green t-shirt when the shoot is planned for a location in a field.

• i.e.: Consider pastels vs. head to toe taupe on a sandy beach.

What are the rules for patterns and pattern combinations?

• Rules? Nope! Use your best judgment! If it doesn’t work, try something else. Some of the best shots combine contrasting elements: hard and soft, bright and pastel, dark and light. Mix floral patterns with stripes, polka dots or even plaid. The possibilities are endless.

• Keep in mind that your wardrobe needs to be visually appealing.

• Try to coordinate, do not match.

Do you have maternity dresses I can wear?

• I do! Currently, I own 3 dresses for you to choose from.

• Colors I own: White, maroon, and navy blue.

• Bring your own undergarments such as a strapless bra, and no show underwear.

• Bring your own accessories such as jewelry and hair accessories.

• Photography clients get 30% off hair and makeup services.

What do you recommend for boys?

• Look at periods of history for inspiration. For example, a white tank with suspenders, jeans, and a newsboy cap look really cute. Boys also look great in tweed suits.

• Layer up. For example, pair a knit cap with an undershirt and a button down top, jeans, and a belt.

• Avoid animated t-shirts or graphics.

What do you recommend for young girls?

• Dresses!

• Layers!

• Avoid: Leggings paired with a onesie.

• Avoid: Massive headbands

What should my Husband wear?

• Keep the wardrobe clean and simple.

• A contrast always looks beautiful.

• If one person is in a dress or something that is “busy” or more extravagant, the other should be in a clean and pressed button-down shirt and suit pants. Bring the suit coat and leave it unbuttoned.

• Look at fashion magazines and catalogs for inspiration.

Do I need to accessorize? What about jewelry? What about props?

• Less is more. Keep it simple. Don’t wear too much jewelry.

• Bring the lovey! (*a “lovey” is a child’s favorite stuffed animal, etc.).

• Don’t bring props unless it’s something simple that can be interacted with while posing for the session. i.e.: coffee cups, tree ornament, book, wand, stuffed animal, etc.

Can I ask you for further suggestions?

• Of course! Send me a quick cell phone picture of your ideas laid out on your floor or bed.

What if I don’t have a proper wardrobe?

• Let me know!

• If it’s down to the wire, simply bring a couple options to the shoot. I will make suggestions then. Be sure to press and hang your options.