What-to-Wear Guide
Now that you have your portrait session booked, the next question is usually “What should we wear?” Here are some simple tips for selecting looks that will flatter everyone being photographed:
1- Choose the Level of Formality
Your outfits should match the location/setting. A three piece suit and evening gown with stilettos will look a bit out of place in a rustic park. Those are great options, however, for a downtown city backdrop.
The level of formality should be shared by everyone being photographed.
Consider the backdrop. If you have your heart set on a field of sunflowers as the setting, wear neutral colors and avoid patterns that will create an extremely busy photograph.
2- Choose the Color Palette
Sticking with neutrals, muted or classic shades make your photos timeless year-round. Soft pinks, blues, grays, blushes and creams photograph beautifully. Your clothing should not compete for the attention of the viewer over your beautiful faces.
Opt for coordinating outfits for a group that compliment one another over matchy-matchy pieces.
3- Choose Patterns Wisely and Sparingly
Keep patterns simple. Uncomplicated stripes, plaids, checkered patterns and polka dots add visual interest without being overpowering.
Textures can be used in place of patterns for added visual interest: lace, seersucker, tulle, velvet and cable-knit sweaters all look great next to flat, solid colored material.
Limit the number of people wearing patterns. For couples, if she is wearing a print dress, he should be in solid colors or vice versa. For families, the pattern wearers should be equal to or less than the number of people in solids. When groups are involved, the multiple patterned pieces should coordinate with a shared color, for example. When in doubt, choose solid colors with texture instead of patterns.
Avoid logos, graphics, text and character prints on any piece of clothing from shirts to shoes.
4- Dress Appropriately for the Weather and Season
Cute coats or jackets, chunky sweaters and scarves all look great in the fall and winter. It doesn’t make visual sense to be photographed in a short sleeve shirt while walking in the snow, nor would knee-high suede boots on the beach in summer.
5- Wear Comfortable Clothing
Choose clothing that you can move in and doesn’t feel restricting or uncomfortable. If you are uncomfortable in your attire, it will show in your facial expression or stiff frame.
Long and flowy skirts or dresses for the ladies are ideal choices as they photograph beautifully. Moms with tiny humans will likely sit on the ground or crouch down to their level, and the length helps you avoid awkward shots trying to make sure nothing is revealed or restricting your movement.
6- For the Ladies
Make sure any dress or skirt you are wearing is not transparent when sunlight shines through it from behind. You may need to invest in a slip to avoid any unintentional, revealing silhouettes.
It is ok to use a heavier hand with your makeup brush on picture day. A bit of extra blush, lining your eyes and using a darker contour for eye shadows will look beautiful. Think of it as theater makeup as it photographs lighter than it appears in the mirror to you.
When in doubt, treat yourself to professional hair and makeup. You’re worth the splurge and it will look great in the pictures!
Fiancee’s should get a manicure so those nails are pristine when I photograph your new bling!
Keep in mind that red or dark lip colors will appear near black in a black and white image, so keep your lip color shades neutral or moderate.
7- For the Gents
Long pants with close-toed shoes will make you appear the most masculine and sophisticated.
Shirts that will be left untucked should end about 2” below the waist of the pants. Anything too long when left untucked will look disheveled. Look for shirts specifically labeled as ‘untucked’ styles.
If the shirt is tucked in and your pants have belt loops, wear a belt. The belt should match your shoes.
8- For the Tiny Humans
Avoid character prints, text or large graphics on clothing. Keep it simple for them as we want their adorable faces to be the focus of every shot.
Pick clothing that makes them comfortable and they can move in. I will have everyone moving during the session. Avoid itchy, restrictive or ill-fitting clothing they will be pulling at or trying to remove or fussing about.
Many children have an opinion about what they wear. Learning from my own family portrait sessions with a very picky three-year-old, do not spring a new outfit on them the day of the session, especially if it is not their preferred style. They will refuse to wear it and lead to either a battle or them wearing something that doesn’t match everyone else, both of which will stress you out. It sounds crazy but make sure the kids approve of their outfit. Don’t force what will make them miserable, it isn’t worth your sanity or happiness. When in need, bribe them to wear what they don’t love but will tolerate.
Bring a back-up outfit to the session as kids are adorable accidents waiting to happen. If they fall into a puddle or rip their pants 10 minutes into the session, the back-up outfit will save the day.
9- General Tips
Dress in whatever makes you feel like your best self.
Keep your photographs timeless by opting for classic looks over fad styles and colors.
Layers like sweaters, jackets, vests, etc. add visual interest, give options for changing up the look by adding or subtracting pieces and help cope with variable weather.
Very dark colors, especially black, tend to appear rather shapeless in photographs. Avoid black whenever possible.
Don’t forget to consider shoes! Your feet will likely show up in at least a few photographs. Everyone’s shoes should coordinate in style, color and level of formality.
When in doubt, Pinterest is always a great source for further outfit inspiration. Searching things like “spring family portraits” or “fall engagement portraits” provide endless images to help guide you.
If you have any questions leading up to your session, please do not hesitate to contact me. I cannot wait to photograph you and your family!