
Imagine a bucket of gray paint mixed in with the colors
Wardrobe Style Guide on What to Wear for Family Photos
Where do I start?
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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?
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Avoid neon colors near the face (this can cause a bright color cast on the skin).
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Avoid primary colors. Choose colors with a muted tone. Imagine throwing a gallon of grey paint into a color.
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Avoid solid white. A bright white will blow out the photograph and might make the images difficult to edit.
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Avoid solid black. The color black will cause the subject matter to recede and not pop from the background.
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Do not wear the same color head to toe.
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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?”
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Consider the location. Try to coordinate, do not match.
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i.e.: Don’t wear a bright green t-shirt when the shoot is planned for a location in a field.
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i.e.: Consider pastels vs. head to toe taupe on a sandy beach.
What are the rules for patterns and pattern combinations?
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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.
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Keep in mind that your wardrobe needs to be visually appealing.
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Try to coordinate, do not match.
Do you have maternity dresses I can wear?
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I do! Currently, I own 3 dresses for you to choose from.
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Colors I own: White, maroon, and navy blue.
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Bring your own undergarments such as a strapless bra, and no show underwear.
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Bring your own accessories such as jewelry and hair accessories.
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Photography clients get 30% off hair and makeup services.
What do you recommend for boys?
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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.
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Layer up. For example, pair a knit cap with an undershirt and a button down top, jeans, and a belt.
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Avoid animated t-shirts or graphics.
What do you recommend for young girls?
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Dresses!
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Layers!
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Avoid: Leggings paired with a onesie.
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Avoid: Massive headbands
What should my Husband wear?
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Keep the wardrobe clean and simple.
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A contrast always looks beautiful.
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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.
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Look at fashion magazines and catalogs for inspiration.
Do I need to accessorize? What about jewelry? What about props?
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Less is more. Keep it simple. Don’t wear too much jewelry.
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Bring the lovey! (*a “lovey” is a child’s favorite stuffed animal, etc.).
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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?
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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?
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Let me know!
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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.