What to Wear Guide
Deciding what to wear for your session can seem overwhelming, and often the most stressful portion of the session prep- but it doesn't have to be!
I’M HERE TO HELP!
I WANT to know what you’re considering. Send me screenshots of shopping considerations, lay out all the items and snap a picture, let’s see your selfie! I would love to see your ideas and please, ask for my opinion if you want it!
CLIENT CLOSET
Before you head out shopping, be sure to browse the complimentary Client Closet!
THINK AHEAD.
If you are addicted to purchasing (basically everything) online, get on this asap! You will want to allow plenty of time for shipping and returns if need be. Try on outfits prior to photo day to make sure everything fits and is free of stains or wrinkles. Still unsure of what looks best? Send me cell pics and I would love to give you my opinion!
KEEP YOUR LOCATION AND WEATHER IN MIND.
Session at the beach? Perhaps jeans and heels may not fit the part. Cold winter day? Think chunky knits and mitts. If your session lands on a windy day, you can pull back your hair or be prepared to embrace the movement!
BE COMFORTABLE.
Wear something that allows you to laugh, run, dance, sit on the ground and play without being self conscious about what you’re wearing. Wear clothes that make you feel your best and are 100% representative of you.
COORDINATE WITHOUT MATCHING.
Gone are the days of matching outfits and everyone in white t-shirts and jeans. Determine who is the toughest person to dress in the family and start with him/her (typically mom). You can then build everyone else’s outfits around them. I usually choose two to three main colours of wardrobe, and maybe one accent pop of colour. Also, mixing stripes with plaids and tweeds is ok! Expression is important we want to see your personality through your wardrobe.
LAYERS, TEXTURES AND ACCESSORIES.
Jackets, scarves, hats, shoes, jewelry, fur…the possibilities are endless. Not only will layering provide more visual interest in each photo but it will also allow a lot more variety in your shots and poses.
PURCHASE CLOTHES THAT FIT.
And fit well. I know we all have a hard time buying clothes for our kiddos that don’t leave a lot of room for growth, seeing as they do grow so fast. However, keep in mind that for pictures, too large of a polo shirt, saggy ill-fitting jeans or a jacket that’s falling off the shoulders looks sloppy. You’ll be purchasing outfits specifically for pictures, most likely, so choose something that fits perfectly, or even just a little bit snug. Make it look almost tailored. Go a size smaller in jackets, cardigans or blazers. A too-big jean jacket will not compliment shape. It hides hips and waist for moms. If you typically wear a size medium jacket, try on the small. Even if it’s just a little snug in the shoulders, it should lay nicely around your hips and waist, creating a tailored look.
BE MINDFUL OF DIAPERS AND UNDERWEAR
Dresses on little girls are an excellent outfit choice, but in the midst of tickles and playing during your session, chances are under garments will be exposed. Diaper covers or shorts under dresses and skirts is always recommended.
THINK ABOUT YOUR IMAGE DISPLAY.
When choosing colours and tones, ask yourself how it will coordinate with your home once it becomes Wall Art.
DON’T REINVENT THE WHEEL
Pull inspiration from Instagram & Facebook and go ahead and copy what others are wearing! The best way to know what’s trending or what you love is to start gathering images that speak to you. Don’t know how to find what you’re looking for? Try a IG search for #familyphotographer #familyphotography #engagementphotographer #engagementphotography to start. Here is a link to my What To Wear Pinterest board to get you started in your search.
Women, have your hair & makeup done so that you look your best (even if you do it yourself).
AVOID:
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matching outfits- coordinating does not mean everyone needs to wear the same pieces.
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busy patterns
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clothing with logos or sayings
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baggy clothing
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florescent colours that can cast colours onto your skin. I recommend versions of primary colors. Yellow (mustard), red (maroon, brick), and blue (navy, royal)
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ratty shoes (yes, your feet will show in photos!)
- don't wear a lot of green when having photos taken in grassy/wooded areas. It's too much green. Green as an accent is great though!
Maternity sessions
IDEAS FOR MATERNITY CLIENTS
Maxi dresses (comfortable and very flattering,) a belt (you'll want to place the belt just below your bosom right where the top of your belly starts,) solid colours (keeps the focus on your bump,) tight clothing (if you are comfortable wearing and don't mind showing off all your gorgeous pregnant body curves, opt for a tight bodycon dress,) go timeless (you don't want to look back in years to come and think "what was I thinking?" go with a more timeless, simple look. Such as jeans, a simple top and cute boots,) textured clothing (adds more dimension to your photos.) Form-fitting, clingy clothing is good for showing off your baby bump. ei.Form fitting Maxi dress, Loose fitting maxi but fitted at the top. Short dresses with high gathered waist or skinny jeans with a fitted tunic are some examples. Also, your hands will be showing for the belly poses, so make sure your nails look nice.
-Men: dress shoes or loafers look best. Avoid wearing running shoes. Khakis or nice jeans with a button up shirt or polo shirt look great for men.
For fall, a vest or nice blazer are perfect touches.
Newborn sessions
The nice thing about Newborn Session attire, is that the items are usually staple items you already own! By all means, come dressed however you would like; but if you need some guidance, this may help:
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I will be concentrating on photographing the upper part of your body and therefore dress comfortably from the waste down- black pants work great..
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Solid neutrals with little to no logos are encouraged
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keep it simple
CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOM
I love the look of skin-to-skin and therefore I encourage you to wear a tank top. I am not at all concerned with the fit… you just gave birth; nothing fits correctly- I GET IT! For this reason, images are cropped above the postpartum belly and baby covers your chest.
***Quick Tip: Throw on a fresh coat of polish as your hands will be a focus holding your Babe’s sweet head!
CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DAD
If you are proud of your body or have some tattoos, LET ME KNOW! As I said before, I love the look of skin-to-skin and therefore I may ask if you want to remove your shirt for some photos! Otherwise, a neutral coloured t-shirt, polo short, collared shirt works great!
CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SIBLINGS
If you would like to add some colour into your family photos consider adding some colour into the siblings outfit. For boys, shirtless if preferred but of course it is at the discretion of the parent. Again, browse the Client Closet for options!