
WHAT TO WEAR
What you wear is key for a successful session. Clothing complements who you are as a family, speaks to the environment in which the session is taking place, and coordinates with the home where final images will be displayed. Your style should be as unique as your family, so I’ve put together some clothing advice for a creative, comfortable session.
Begin by looking at your home. What color are your walls? Your decor?
If you plan to display your photos on your walls, your clothing choice will greatly influence how well your photos will coordinate with your home.
FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Be sure to plan and try on your outfits completely a week (or sooner) before your session. Here are some general rules of the road for making picture-perfect fashion decisions:
Choose a palette of 3-4 colors and mix it up, including both pants and dresses. You want a cohesive feel without being overly ‘matchy-matchy’. Picture a page in a clothing catalog where everyone coordinates, but noone stands out more than the rest.
Bright hues in small doses or a fun pop of color (think scarf, hat, or jewelry).
Arrange your outfits ahead of time on a big bed, including accessories.
Make sure all clothes are clean, pressed, and on hangers a few days before your session.
Remember, shoes must be clean and stylish, too.
BABIES AND KIDS
Newborns are sweet, sleepy bundles; keep things simple.
CHOOSE:
Solid onesies, simple cloth diapers or diaper covers, and plain swaddling blankets.
Simple, knitted caps, which are adorable for a few images.
A few special/classic props, like small stuffed animals extra blankets.
AVOID:
Grown-up clothes, with collars and buttons socks, shoes, or big bows
Babies and Kids can be bolder with color and style.
CHOOSE:
To show off their fun style with layered clothing.
Nonfussy, casual clothes to keep kids comfortable and for natural expressions of their real personalities.
Fitted clothes.
AVOID:
Big bows, makeup (lip gloss is okay).
Baggy clothes.
ADULTS
CHOOSE:
Clothes that flatter your body type and coordinate well with the rest of the group.
A mix of solid & patterns.
A clean shaven look for men.
To have hair cut a week, or so, before the session (men, especially shaved heads).
To have hair styled before the session (women).
To have natural makeup that is slightly heavier than usual (especially on eyes) & matches skin tone (check out hte makeup & hair link for inspiration).
AVOID:
Dressy clothes, unless it is a formal event.
Wearing anything that doesn not make you feel 100% comfortable and confident.
Logos.
WEAR
bright and/or neutral colors
layered looks
stylish shoes
a week old haircut
manicured/trimmed nails
simple accessories
glare-free eyeglasses
a squeaky-cleaned face
(kids & babies)
DON'T DARE
loud patterns
wrinkled clothes
sneakers
a new haircut
dirty nails or chipped polish
distracting, trendy jewelry
sunglasses
sunburns
band-aids
MY FAVORITE STORES
ModCloth, Anthropologie, Zara, H&M, Express, Urban Outfitters, Mini Boden, GAP