What to Wear to Your Photo Session
Solids over prints.
Solids will get my vote every time. The right print can look great, but more often I will suggest that a client wear a solid color. Bold prints can look very busy and distract the viewer from the focus of the photo, you.
Solids will get my vote every time. The right print can look great, but more often I will suggest that a client wear a solid color. Bold prints can look very busy and distract the viewer from the focus of the photo, you.
Color is your friend.
I love a nice bright, rich color that really pops in a photo. Even white can look great and feel fresh depending on the location and background.
I usually suggest staying away from dark colors because they can blend into the background, but if you know you’ll be shooting in a location that offers a light background, dark colors can also be slimming. A nice bright color however, just adds a little something to the photo. And if you have a favorite color that you just love, wear it!
I love a nice bright, rich color that really pops in a photo. Even white can look great and feel fresh depending on the location and background.
I usually suggest staying away from dark colors because they can blend into the background, but if you know you’ll be shooting in a location that offers a light background, dark colors can also be slimming. A nice bright color however, just adds a little something to the photo. And if you have a favorite color that you just love, wear it!
Avoid trends.
Unless you’re going for a particular style for your shoot, it’s usually a good idea to avoid anything too on trend so that later on you aren’t looking back at your photos thinking, “why did I wear THAT?”
Unless you’re going for a particular style for your shoot, it’s usually a good idea to avoid anything too on trend so that later on you aren’t looking back at your photos thinking, “why did I wear THAT?”
Don’t be too matchy matchy.
For group family portraits, you can certainly match if that’s truly what you want, but in my opinion simple color coordination is all that’s needed. You could choose pastels, for example, and everyone can stick to that color palette but not wear the exact same color. Or choose a color combination that you like, just as you would do for a wedding, and have everyone in the family dress any way they want, but using only those color options. You want to complement each other, not look identical.
For group family portraits, you can certainly match if that’s truly what you want, but in my opinion simple color coordination is all that’s needed. You could choose pastels, for example, and everyone can stick to that color palette but not wear the exact same color. Or choose a color combination that you like, just as you would do for a wedding, and have everyone in the family dress any way they want, but using only those color options. You want to complement each other, not look identical.
Comfort is key.
If you know you’re going to be doing a lot of walking during your photo session, laying on the ground, getting wet…anything at all, you’ll want to be comfortable in what you’re wearing. If you have a pair of heels that you’re dying to wear for your photos, it might be a good idea to have a pair of flats with you just in case. And as they always say, if you’re comfortable, you’ll feel more confident and it will show in your photos. So, look nice, even dress up if you like, but don’t wear something if it makes you self-conscious or you know you’re going to have keep adjusting it during your shoot.
If you know you’re going to be doing a lot of walking during your photo session, laying on the ground, getting wet…anything at all, you’ll want to be comfortable in what you’re wearing. If you have a pair of heels that you’re dying to wear for your photos, it might be a good idea to have a pair of flats with you just in case. And as they always say, if you’re comfortable, you’ll feel more confident and it will show in your photos. So, look nice, even dress up if you like, but don’t wear something if it makes you self-conscious or you know you’re going to have keep adjusting it during your shoot.
On location and in season.
Think about the location and the season. If you’re shooting outside you don’t want to freeze if the temperatures have been dropping. Likewise, in the summer when it’s extremely hot outside, you don’t want to wear a fabric that isn’t breathable.
Think about the location and the season. If you’re shooting outside you don’t want to freeze if the temperatures have been dropping. Likewise, in the summer when it’s extremely hot outside, you don’t want to wear a fabric that isn’t breathable.
Newborns and Children.
Newborns are best photographed in their birthday suits. If you have a special outfit or blanket be sure to have it ready. I also bring some props.
Children can wear whatever you would like or according to the setting (i.e. beach/park/house). Please stay away from logos or characters — simple is best.
Parents should wear something complementary to their children's clothing.
Newborns are best photographed in their birthday suits. If you have a special outfit or blanket be sure to have it ready. I also bring some props.
Children can wear whatever you would like or according to the setting (i.e. beach/park/house). Please stay away from logos or characters — simple is best.
Parents should wear something complementary to their children's clothing.
**For parents with newborns, please have available a black shirt for each of you. In addition, remember that stripes, plaids and busy prints don’t photograph well.
Maternity.
Maternity shots are done dressed or undressed, or somewhere in between! Upon your booking we will discuss clothing options depending on your comfort level.
Maternity shots are done dressed or undressed, or somewhere in between! Upon your booking we will discuss clothing options depending on your comfort level.
Be yourself!
The most important piece of advice I can share is to just be yourself. The above are all great tips, but for an engagement or any portrait session, the focus is YOU and you want your personality to shine through.
The most important piece of advice I can share is to just be yourself. The above are all great tips, but for an engagement or any portrait session, the focus is YOU and you want your personality to shine through.
