How to choose your session wardrobe in 10 simple steps!
Be You
Wear what you are going to be most comfortable in! Look in your closet and choose a color you wear most often and a style that is you! If you are doing family portraits do your best to bring in everyones style while still harmonizing with the rest of the family.
Be Comfortable
You want to look relaxed in your photo and the more comfortable you feel the more relaxed you will look. Make sure that you are comfortable sitting, standing and possibly laying down in whatever you choose.
Ladies: V-neck and open collars will elongate the neck. Bulky sweaters and turtlenecks will cause you to look bulky. Form fitting but not tight is best for flattering your figure!
Guys: Collared shirts will frame the face and make you look your best. Same goes for you guys with the baggy clothes - they WILL make you look bigger!
Be Bold and Bright
Choose maybe one piece that is bold or bright in your color scheme and build from there. Maybe your daughter has a dress you love with a colorful print, choose 3 colors from the dress and build everyone else’s outfits from those colors. Try not to mix too many patterns or prints together we want you to blend and coordinate.
Tip: Wear something that contrasts your skin and makes you stand out from the clothing rather than blending with what you have on. We want You to be the main attraction of the photo not the clothes!
Be Clean and Pressed
Seems like an easy one but some need a reminder! Please make sure your clothes are clean. Dirt and stains will show up in photos and are not always able to be Photoshoped out. Make sure you iron before the shoot - I don't do ironing at home or in photoshop!
Ladies: Fresh polish on your nails (fingers and toes) looks so much better than chipped up polish!
Don't Match
Coordinate is the word here! Gone are the days of everyone in jeans and white shirts! (I have a few of those in the house) Choose no more than 3 colors and coordinate everyones outfits. Example: You can use grey as your base color and add pops of yellow and turquoise. Layers are great for photos a scarf, well fitting jacket, or cardigan sweater add great texture and depth. I have a Pintrest board (here) set up with lots of ideas of what to wear and how to coordinate.
Don't Be Dated
Wear something classic so that you wont be too dated looking back at your photos. Logos or pictures will date you and they just don’t look so great in a portrait! This goes for hair and makeup also, don’t go too trendy.
Don't Forget the Shoes
Make sure your shoes coordinate with your outfit. A great pair of boots or heels can make a fun statement and are a good place to show a little more personality. Never under any circumstances wear athletic shoes! They are a big NO NO!
Guys: go with simple black or brown to blend.
Ladies: If you are wearing a dress remember heels will make your legs look longer and leaner!
Do Accessories
This is a place you can get fun and funky! Hats, scarves, hair accessories, and layered necklaces are all a fun way to add texture and pop to your photos. This is also a good place for that personality to shine through! Props make good accessories also, an instrument, sports item, books, or anything that you love and want to incorporate into the photos.
Do Plan Ahead
Make sure you start planning your wardrobe as soon as you book your session. This will cut down on that last minute stress and help you be more relaxed for your session.
Tip: Looking at your decor and where you want to display your photo may help you decide on a color palette.
Have Fun
This is the most important part! In years to come you may look back and laugh at the clothes or hairstyle you chose, but you will always cherish the photo! So have fun, relax and create a great memory to look back on!
