The number one question I am asked is what to wear for your session. Here are a few tips for your session.
Family Portraits
- Coordination is Key! Outfits do not have to match completely. Think about where you plan to display your portraits. Choose a color scheme and run with it by choosing different shades of the same color paired with jeans or khakis. You can also choose complimentary colors and each person wears a different combination.
- Texture appeals to the eye! Wearing garments with texture adds to any image. Knit sweaters, jeans, corduroy, tweed, or even layering works well.
- Skip the trends! Trends fade, choosing timeless, classic outfits is often best.
- See past the clothing! Logos and busy patterns are distracting. Stick to solid colors or gentle patterns. You want your images to represent you, and not be an advertisement.
- Don’t forget your feet! Make sure your shoes are clean and stick with neutral colors that compliment your outfit. Bare feet are always fun, and if you want bare feet I recommend wearing loose fitting sandals with no socks for easy removal and so that you do not have sock marks.
- Remember your comfort. If you are uncomfortable in an outfit, don’t wear it! We want you to be comfortable in your portraits.
- Be you from top to bottom. Hair and make-up should not be over done. Hair trimming and cuts should be done at least 1-2 weeks before a session so that you do not have that “just cut” look. Do not try anything “new” for the session.
- Accessorize! But, keep it simple. I recommend not wearing watches or very large distracting pieces.
- Glasses, to wear or not to wear? As a glasses wearer myself, I recommend that if you normally wear glasses wear them during the session. If you prefer, we can do a few poses with and some without.
- Cuddlies, lovies and the such… Does your child have a favorite item that they take everywhere with them? Bring it! We will incorporate it in a few images, and your child will love that you allowed it to be captured and will look back on it when the item is all but forgotten.
Seniors
- Seniors should follow the same guidelines for “Family.” I would recommend sticking with classic, simple clothing, but you may want to wear at least one “trendy” outfit. Contact me for JHP for more clothing recommendations.
Babies & Toddlers
- For babies not yet walking, try to stay away from uncomfortable clothing. As cute as they are, avoid frilly, puffy outfits, big collared shirts, shoes and anything else they are not used to wearing. Babies are best photographed in simple outfits or just a diaper cover with bare belly, legs, and feet. Simple hats, bows, or small props are best for this age.
- For toddlers stay with comfortable, simple clothing. Little girls look adorable in classic slip dresses while the little guys look cut in plain shirts paired with jeans and bare feet. I have dress-up items that also look so adorable on the little ones!
Newborns
- Newborns are so tiny, and I recommend photographing this age only nude or in a diaper cover. At this age clothing is most often swallowing them. Remember special blankets that you may want to incorporate, but I provide tiny, simple accessories for these little ones. If parents would like to be in these photos I suggest having a solid black top and/or solid white top paired with jeans or khakis.
Examples of color palettes and outfit coordination:
