OUTFIT GUIDE

WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR SESSION

The outfits you choose for you and your family can impact the overall look of your final images. I have compiled a list of various tips for wardrobe selection and will be happy to discuss this further with you during our consultation.

Basic tips:

  • First and foremost, your choice of clothing should reflect your personality and style.

  • Ensure that you are comfortable with what you are wearing and that you can move around with ease, including siting down and playing around.

  • Go for a timeless look by choosing classic pieces, instead of the latest trend.

  • Choose clothes that show movement in photographs. This can make a world of difference, making the images more impactful and giving more variety and options for your posing. For example: dresses that catch the wind behind you, or jackets that you can work into your poses - open, closed, or wrapped around you.

  • Incorporate layers and clothes with texture to add visual interest and give you multiple styling options. Some ideas include jackets, sweaters, scarves, and hats.

  • Wear something that is shape-defining without being tight. For example, shirts that have a tapered waist or flexible dresses that are cinched at the waist - or throw on a belt.

  • Choose long pants for men/women or a skirt below the knee for women so that your legs don’t take attention from your face. Women should also be careful with short dresses or deep necklines, as they can be problematic with certain poses or angles for an image.

  • Avoid branded clothing (logos or emblems)

Colors:

  • Colors to choose: I recommend neutral colors as they are classic and do not get outdated. Colors to choose include muted blue, off-white, linen, and cream tones, pale pink, brown, khaki, cool gray, hunter green, and mauve.

  • Colors to avoid: bright, neon colors, especially reds, oranges, and yellows, which make you look larger. Other colors to avoid are bright pink, purple, and bright green.

  • Choose similar tones for the top and bottom (both dark or both light). A white top and dark pants will make your top look bigger. White pants and a dark top will make your bottom look bigger.

Patterns:

  • Use them sparingly and in combination with solid colors. For example, plaid and stripes are good mixed with complementary solid colors, as are delicate patterns.

  • Avoid “loud” and distracting patterns as they could dominate a photo.

  • Pick motifs that are on the smaller end. For example, chose small flowers over large ones.

Materials:

  • Look for different materials and textures – lace, chunky knits, corduroy, silk, etc.

  • I recommend avoiding denim, but if denim is a must, go with a lighter wash.

Shoes:

  • Leather is best for shoes.

  • If you plan on wearing heels, be sure to bring a pair of flats that can help you get from point A to point B.

  • Try to avoid bright sneakers, especially for children. Converse and other similarly funky shoes look great if they suit the outfits and location (urban setting).

  • Think about sock choice too. Choose dark socks because white socks are very noticeable.

  • Bare feet, depending on the context, look adorable – that is in a meadow, the garden, at home or at the beach.

Accessories and Jewelry:

  • Accessories are one of the biggest contributors to visual interest in your look, so accessorize with hats, scarves, jackets, blankets, etc.

  • Keep jewelry simple and minimalistic.

  • No caps for men.

  • No large, sport watches (Apple, Garmin, etc.)

Make up:

  • Hands are very important in photographs, so make sure nails are neat and tidy for the whole family.

  • Treat yourself to a fresh manicure in a muted color (blush pink, white, nude, grey), or make sure that nail polish is removed. This goes for little kids, too!

  • Keep make up simple and natural-looking. Softer and more neutral lip tones and eyeshadows work best