What Should We Wear?
I'm here to Help!
Clothes... most people find this the most stressful and scary part of the whole process, but I've got you covered.
I have put together an easy-to-follow style guide full of tips and tricks to make this as painless as possible.
I ask all my clients to send me pictures of their outfits before the session. This way I can coordinate blankets, props, and even locations based on your clothing choices.
Nikki@MakeMomentsLast.com or text me at 937-766-1122
Choose several complimenting
colors and stick to them.
What are your family's favorite colors? Don't choose one color for the whole
family - multiple colors will add dimension to your images, just keep it balanced.
Pick one pattern and go from there.
Avoid dressing the whole family in patterns. A good idea is to choose one item, a dress for example, with a pattern containing the colors you love. Then choose colors from the item that you love for the other family members to wear.
Be Comfortable. Make sure that everyone's clothing fits properly and are weather appropriate. If you're hot or cold during your session it's less likely you'll appear happy and relaxed in your pics. This is especially true for children. If you feel good in your clothes it shows!
"This is what I like about photographs.
They're proof that once, even if just for a heartbeat, everything was perfect."
—Jodi Piccoult
The Do's and Don'ts of Clothing for Photography
These Rules Apply Whether You Have 1, 2, or 6 People In Your Photo Session
Do: Wear Layers
Layers add dimension and depth to your images.
If it's hot outside layer with accessories - cute belts, necklaces, bracelets, etc.
If it's cool weather- cardigans, vests, scarves, boots, hats, are all great examples.
Avoid graphics on clothing - accessorize instead!
Do: Correct Fit
Purchase Clothes that fit your body. It can be tempting to buy kids clothing a size bigger so they'll have room to grow, but for photo sessions it's not the best idea. It doesn't look good when kiddos clothing is baggy or rolled up or when that dress you've always loved is just a little too snug.
Do: Build Out
Start with one outfit and build the rest of the family clothing from there. I usually recommend the Mom first, because she usually has the hardest time finding the perfect outfit and she deserves to look amazing! Everything doesn't have to be new, shop your closet.
Do: Be Yourself
Lifestyle photography is meant to be authentic. If your daughter hates dresses, don't make her wear a dress. If your son can't stand button-down shirts, avoid them. Dress the best version of your family's style - sporty, casual, preppy?
Being Comfortable and REAL. it will show in your pictures.
Don't: Match
Matching is out, coordinating is in. Remember, it doesn't have to match, it just has to GO. There are rare occasions where everyone wearing the same color works, however generally you want diversity in colors and patterns. To be frank, its cheesy and out of style for everyone to be wearing jeans & white polos.
Don't: Neon
Neon colors NEVER photograph well and cast colors onto the skin tone of those wearing them.
No one wants a bright yellow, green, or orange face.
Neon colors will also clash against the rest of the family and background, making them stand out and the rest of you blur into the background.
Don't: Graphics
Stay away from graphic t-shirts, busy prints, and logos.
These are distracting and will not create the classic timeless look you'll want in your photos. I can't promise Hollister will be in business 30 years from now and your son wearing that huge logo on his chest will appear out-of-date and not cool down the road.
Don't: Feet
We can see your feet in the pictures. A great outfit with ratty shoes won't look as good. Men's' feet usually aren't that pretty, so no sandals. Women, if want to wear open toed shoes -I recommend painting those toenails...seems like a small detail, but you'll notice if you didn't take the time for that pedicure.
