14 Jun Planning Your Photo Shoot: What to Wear
Now that you’ve set up an appointment with your photographer, you’re probably wondering “What in the world are we going to wear?” This is often a part of the process my clients want or need guidance in as it can be overwhelming, especially for family portraits. Your photographer should be able to guide you in your clothing choices based on session location and you or your child’s personal style.
First of all, I don’t want anyone to think they should run out and spend a fortune on new clothing! A lot of times prior to our session, I’ll go through the child’s closet or even each family member’s closet and pull “looks” that will work well together.
I recommend wearing bright colors as they photograph nicely but almost always end up photographing a couple of different looks with children which may include solid black or white.
Here’s a simple age breakdown for recommended clothing choices:
Newborns/Babies: In newborn sessions, your photographer will want to focus on the precious details of your new addition as clothing can be distracting. Besides, is there anything cuter than a bare baby? For older babies, hats and diaper covers are a sweet addition.
Toddlers/Big Kids: Bright colors, baby legs/leg warmers/tights, hats, hairbows, tutus and bloomers look adorable. Your photographer may have a few items on hand for you to use – just ask! Try to avoid logos, cartoon characters and anything not age appropriate. Layering looks nice on big kids and don’t be afraid of fun polka dots, florals or even stripes (in small doses.) Barefoot looks sweet for this age group as well.
High School Seniors: The sky is the limit for these sessions as most seniors bring several clothing changes. I always recommend something bright and fun, something black, a fun dress and accessories for girls. Layering looks really nice (think cardigan over a sweet sundress or a fitted jacket paired with nice jeans or a dress.) Scarves, hats, jewelry and fun shoes complete the look. Guys photograph well in darker denim, button downs, sport coats and anything that defines their style (hats, a funky belt, sports jersey, etc.) Again, try to stay away from logos and characters.
Families: Some might disagree but I really think complimenting each other versus matching each other is key! How many pictures have you seen with everyone wearing white shirts and khakis? For a more modern, colorful approach try these combinations or a variation of:
-Primary colors like red, yellow, blue and green mixed in with denim
-Jewel tones like deep purple, crimson, navy, emerald green and gold
-Navy with a pop of color like bright yellow or orange
Need a little inspiration for your little ones? Some great catalogs and websites for children’s clothing include J Crew’s CrewCuts, Mini Boden, Hanna Andersson, Chasing Fireflies, bestdressedkids.com, MyVintageBaby.com, Gymboree, Old Navy, and for amazing designer deals, my new fave is Gilt.com.
For one-of-a-kind and affordable hand-made treasures, I’ve purchased lots of unique baby items including hats on Etsy.com. Careful though – it can be an addictive website!
Lastly, and probably most importantly, your clothing should accurately reflect you and your family. If you aren’t the type to pile on the layers and accessorize, then you probably shouldn’t be photographed that way. Don’t be afraid to play with color and textures. And never hesitate to ask your photographer for guidance!
2 Comments