Your Go-To Guide for Photo Session Outfits
Choosing what to wear for your photo session can feel a bit overwhelming, you want to look your best, feel comfortable, and make sure your outfit works well on camera.
The good news is, it doesn’t have to be stressful!
I’ve put together some simple tips and tricks to help you choose outfits that flatter you, suit the location, and create timeless images you’ll love for years to come.
01. CHOOSING A COLOR PALETTE
When selecting outfits for your session, color is the first thing you’ll want to consider. I’m here to tell you that you just can’t go wrong with neutral and earth-y tones. Most of my shoots take place in a natural setting and it’s important to the overall look that your colors don’t clash with the scenery. White, beige, muted greens and subtle pastels all work well no matter what
02. TEXTURE, PATTERN & SHAPE
Natural textures found in linen, knitwear, high-quality denim pieces can really elevate an outfit and bring a unique style to each family member. Subtle floral patterns are a great way to break up solid colors, however, It’s best to have just one person wearing a patterned piece to avoid too much visual noise. The flow or drape of an outfit can be a great way to highlight our best attributes. A flowy dress can add a lot of movement and beauty to an outdoor session, while a more form fitting option is great for showing off a baby bump in a studio setting.
03. THE FORMULA
Parents Outfits First
I always start with the parents first so we can build an outfit for everyone else based on their look. Moms and Dads are usually the biggest people in the frame and we want to make sure their outfits coordinate before adding outfits for the kiddos. Once we choose one outfit it’s so easy to make choices for everyone else.
Don’t Forget The Shoes
It’s true that shoes can make an outfit. This can often be overlooked, but shoes are SO important to the overall look of your family photos. In the summer everyone can wear shoes made from natural materials (i.e. leather-like sandals or clogs). In the winter I suggest that everyone wear a comfortable boot that is one color (black or brown) and has minimal details.
Make It Comfortable
If we are shooting outdoors in the winter, nothing is worse than taking coats on and off in between photos to quickly warm up after freezing and forcing smiles! apply the style principles to your outer layers so you can stay warm throughout the entire session. You can have all of the style in the world but if you or your family isn’t feeling 100% comfortable in their clothes then it will show in the photos.
05. THINGS TO AVOID
Logos
I love to create a timeless aesthetic within my photography. Logos will instantly date a photograph and they tend to distract from the moment.
Unnatural Colors
As stated before, always stick with natural colors. Bright jewels tones often fight with each other and are difficult to coordinate cohesively. They can even reflect up into your face and cause discoloration depending on the light conditions.
Intense Plaid And Bold Patterns
I know many families love wearing matching plaid shirts, and I’ll admit its cute for a christmas card! When you are looking for an elevated family portrait, plaid and large patterns can be distracting and will clash with the environment. subtle plaid in a natural color can look great though! Just use your best judgement.