What to Wear...

You've either booked a session with myself or maybe even another photographer, and now you are planning your families wardrobe. For some this is may be one of the more enjoyable parts, but for many it's a stressful task and they don't know where to begin. This is where you get to express your families personalities and show who you are.  So I've put together some tips to keep in mind when you are putting together your families attire for your upcoming professional photo session. Pinterest is also a great place for inspiration and ideas! If you book a session with me, I offer complimentary assistance with planning your attire. Inquire for more details.

1. Be yourself.  No one looks more uncomfortable than someone wearing something they NEVER would wear any other day of the year. You can find clothing that is clean, nice & comfortable and still show your style.

2. Coordinate. Everyone wearing blue jeans and a white shirt is a thing of the past, to be frank. When you are thinking about what each family member is going to wear, think of complimenting colors and patterns. Lifestyle photography is meant to be original. Since I use a variety of posed and lifestyle approaches during my sessions, it does portray a more genuine image when wearing complimentary clothing instead of matching outfits. Unless of course you and your family do wear matching clothing on a typical day.

3. Make sure it fits. This is especially true for those little ones, they grow up fast! Please have your children try on their planned attire prior to the day of the session. Nothing looks more silly than when a child is swimming in their clothes, or rolling it up to 'fit' properly. 

4. Say "NO" to fluorescent colors and graphics.  Being a mother myself to a sport loving boy, I am all too familiar with the bright colors of the athletic wear and shoes. These neon colors become overpowering and tend to make your child's face look neon green or yellow. Graphics can tend to come and go in style, so it's my suggestion to avoid them if at all possible. 

5. Don't forget your shoes and to accessorize. This is some of the best ways to really tie in other family members clothing with headbands, scarves, shoes, necklaces, etc. However, this isn't the time to try a new style you've been wanting to. For example, you don't ever wear scarves or a hat...this isn't the time to try it. Most of the time people are uneasy in a "new look" and that can be apparent in the photo. 

6. Get inspiration.   My advice, find something mom is confident & comfortable in. Let's be honest, this is a time for mom's to shine. If you are like me, most of the time you are on the back side of the camera capturing your families memories and milestones...so this is your time glow! By purchasing or selecting your attire first, you can plan your families around you. Pinterest is your friend here.