What to Wear for Your Photoshoot

These photos will be hanging on your walls and treasured by your family for years to come. This is why we do our first consultation and wardrobe consultation in your home, for all of us to make the best decisions together :)

We look at your home decor
Do you like bright colors? Neutrals? Since you will be hanging these photos in your house you want to make sure the colors of your clothes go with the color scheme of your home. We also look at the areas you want to hang them. What sizes and types will look best, would a beautiful glass folio box or an album be better for your coffee table?

Remember Season and Location
When choosing your outfits, be sure to always keep in mind the where and when we’ll be shooting. If it's in the middle of winter outside in the snow, choose warm clothes and appropriate shoes. If it's in a field, you will want shoes that you can walk out there in. If it’s going to be a July session in Texas, you may want to choose lightweight clothing. If you are taking photos in front of a backdrop, consider what you are wearing. We’ve seen photos where families were all wearing black in front of a black backdrop, and they look like floating heads.

Before the in-home wardrobe consultation, get some things together. 

Plan ahead
Once you book your session, start thinking of the clothes right away. You may think certain clothes will fit you or your kids or that one dress is clean. It's best if you already have that done prior to the in-home wardrobe consultation. If you wait until the day of or day before you may run into an issue of clothes not fitting, being dirty or need to be dry-cleaned. The day before the shoot, make sure that everything has been ironed, and you bring them on hangers. We have steamers, irons, and just about everything you could need, but it will save an enormous amount of time the day of, and wouldn't you rather spend that time being pampered in front of the camera?

Reflect Your Style
You need to be sure that your clothes represent your personal style, but you should also wear something you are comfortable in. Something that you feel beautiful/handsome in. If you feel good, that will be reflected in your photos. Don’t try and hide behind baggy cardigans and tops, or try and squeeze into jeans that won't allow you to sit down. Garments that fit and make you feel beautiful will make you look the best in photos.

Families/engagement/couples
Co-ordinate your wardrobe rather than match, having everyone matching tends to make them seem to blend together and there is no real pop to the photo. Besides, it’s much more fun to see everyone’s personalities in their outfits! Smart casual is the most popular level of dress. It’s best to avoid large patterns or a bright color that stands out from the rest, that's where your eye will be drawn to. Choose one fun accent color to build from and then add in a couple of neutrals and/or toned down colors that would complement that. Then try to keep everyone’s clothes in this color scheme as much as is manageable. You want the colors to be complementary to each other.

Shoes
For little ones barefoot always looks great, but that's not always possible, definitely no white tennis shoes unless that's the focus of the shoot. They draw the eye right to your feet and away from your family’s cute faces! Neutral shoes are usually best, but sometimes a pop of color is perfect on your feet, so it's not a rule. We love sassy heels and flair on your feet, but bring along a pair of flip flops or flats to walk around in when we move from location to location. Sometimes those killer heels can be… well…. killer.

Children
Dress them in clothes that fit rather than ones that they will grow into. Bring a couple of different outfits along. Avoid logos and large patterns that take the emphasis away from little one. Choosing simple, classic clothes will help give your images a timeless feel.

Textures and Layers
Using multiple textures such as lace, corduroy, denim, etc. can really add something more to your photos. Wearing layers is a plus, too. Layers can add some flair to your outfit, and as a bonus they can save you an outfit change if you throw on a sweater and a hat and have a whole new look… Or take off your jacket and shoes and have a new, more casual outfit.

Makeup Tips
For family sessions, makeup should be just the tiniest bit heavier than you would wear on a normal day. For engagement sessions you can choose to keep it natural. Boudoir will be heavier than daily. Some looks will be very trendy or glamorous, let us know what kind of makeup looks you're comfortable with.

Don't forget accessories
Accessories not only add to your outfit but they can be fun to use in photos. Have the man wear a tie for the woman to hold. Necklaces for the kids to play with or hats to hide behind, and scarves depending on the time of year can really add something to the image. If you have any accessories you think might work, bring them! They really make a big difference!

Avoid all white or all black clothing
If you are wearing an all white shirt then it is very easy to blow out parts of your shirt causing it to lose its detail. Same can be said with all black, it’s easy to have on black clothing and the detail is lost. We’ll help with this, don't worry!

For more ideas – head to our Pinterest page!