What to wear...
Trying to figure out what to wear in family portraits can be stressful! It used to be that everyone wore white shirts and kahki's and that was that - simple, right? Sadly, that doesn't say WOW in family portraits; it doesn't show a whole lot of personality; and everyone has done it (okay - almost everyone). Besides that, white washes people out, so I generally suggest staying away from white for anyone in portraits, unless used as an accent, or placing colorful accessories over a white top.
Think about what you want to capture in this portrait session. Are you looking for simple and classic or bold, modern and edgy? Either way, wear clothing with texture such as chunky knits, or woven fabrics. Try to match the seasons with rich autumn colors in the fall or try bright, cheery colors for the summer. Clients often bring an armful, or even a basketful, of clothing choices to their sessions and we work together to find the best look for you and your family.
The most important thing to remember is to show your personality! You are more than just khaki pants and a white dress shirt - show it! If red is your favorite color, wear red. Like stripes? Great! Bring them with you. Simple patterns and bold colors look great in person and in photos.
Think about what you want to capture in this portrait session. Are you looking for simple and classic or bold, modern and edgy? Either way, wear clothing with texture such as chunky knits, or woven fabrics. Try to match the seasons with rich autumn colors in the fall or try bright, cheery colors for the summer. Clients often bring an armful, or even a basketful, of clothing choices to their sessions and we work together to find the best look for you and your family.
The most important thing to remember is to show your personality! You are more than just khaki pants and a white dress shirt - show it! If red is your favorite color, wear red. Like stripes? Great! Bring them with you. Simple patterns and bold colors look great in person and in photos.
Here are some helpful hints....
- www.Design-Seeds.com is a site full of fabulous eye candy. The artist finds beautiful images and picks a color palette out of those images that you might not otherwise notice. It can be applied to home decor or clothing. I think of it when picking out color schemes for portraits. It helps your eye to see color patterns that go together. You can do a search by color palettes or themes (spring, fall, ocean, edible) and you can sit there for hours drooling over the beautiful photography, but find an image / colors that resonate with you, and go with that!
- If you have a color palette in mind, or even if you don't, shop around to find that one patterned piece you love. It can be a little girl's floral dress, or a boy's plaid shirt, but if you find one central piece, it helps to plan everything around that. Since us moms like our kids to be the focal point, I'd suggest this focus piece to be on one of the children (not an adult). That doesn't mean they will stand out the most - after accessorizing, it will all flow together!
- It's a good idea to pick 3 colors to work with as your main colors, then consider grays, blacks, whites or browns as freebies. Not necessarily all of them together - but one or two that work with the 3 colors you chose.
- Choose a bold color that is similar to your eye color.
- Make sure everyone dresses at the same level of formality, either all dressy or all casual.
- Cardigan, necklace, headband, knits, corduroy, scarf, button-up shirt, tights or leggings, hats, ties - I love layers! Layers and accessories add dimension, pizazz, fun, texture and therefore richness to the overall look. A variety of textures will give your portraits some extra punch to go with your great smile!
- You know how some moms will go around the dinner table and make sure everyone has all their food situated before they sit down, and then their own food is cold? Don't be that mom when it comes to clothing for your family portraits! Don't pick everyone else's out, then just grab something from your closet that looks "ok" on you, and happens to match the color scheme. You need to feel AWESOME in your family pictures! Be a head turner. Wear the blazer that fits just right. Or that dress that makes you feel like a million bucks. Clothes that make you feel good make you look good. If you have the option, why not wear something that makes you want to smile?
- Pick clothing that fits nicely. It should be neither too tight nor too loose. The clothes should hang on the bodies well, without folding or creasing. And always dress for full-length shots, which means socks and shoes that also match and are in good shape. Some times barefoot is best, weather permitting.
- Avoid logos, bold patterns and character-wear. Leave Dora and Diego at home. Character-wear and logos may be precious in person but will leave you clueless in twenty years when you look back on your photos and try to figure out who that is on your child's shoes. Keep it timeless and focused on your faces, not your clothes.
- If you have natural pairs in he family - mom and dad, brothers, sisters, mom and baby - try to split up the colors, as they will often be standing near each other. When I have babies, I know I will want to be holding them (helps me look thinner!) so I see my baby as my "pair" and aim to not dress us alike. My husband is my obvious other "pair" and as the two tallest, I have to make sure he and I are also not "matchy-matchy". This part can get complicated, so do your best, then let it go!
- Be who you are.
- If you have a color palette in mind, or even if you don't, shop around to find that one patterned piece you love. It can be a little girl's floral dress, or a boy's plaid shirt, but if you find one central piece, it helps to plan everything around that. Since us moms like our kids to be the focal point, I'd suggest this focus piece to be on one of the children (not an adult). That doesn't mean they will stand out the most - after accessorizing, it will all flow together!
- It's a good idea to pick 3 colors to work with as your main colors, then consider grays, blacks, whites or browns as freebies. Not necessarily all of them together - but one or two that work with the 3 colors you chose.
- Choose a bold color that is similar to your eye color.
- Make sure everyone dresses at the same level of formality, either all dressy or all casual.
- Cardigan, necklace, headband, knits, corduroy, scarf, button-up shirt, tights or leggings, hats, ties - I love layers! Layers and accessories add dimension, pizazz, fun, texture and therefore richness to the overall look. A variety of textures will give your portraits some extra punch to go with your great smile!
- You know how some moms will go around the dinner table and make sure everyone has all their food situated before they sit down, and then their own food is cold? Don't be that mom when it comes to clothing for your family portraits! Don't pick everyone else's out, then just grab something from your closet that looks "ok" on you, and happens to match the color scheme. You need to feel AWESOME in your family pictures! Be a head turner. Wear the blazer that fits just right. Or that dress that makes you feel like a million bucks. Clothes that make you feel good make you look good. If you have the option, why not wear something that makes you want to smile?
- Pick clothing that fits nicely. It should be neither too tight nor too loose. The clothes should hang on the bodies well, without folding or creasing. And always dress for full-length shots, which means socks and shoes that also match and are in good shape. Some times barefoot is best, weather permitting.
- Avoid logos, bold patterns and character-wear. Leave Dora and Diego at home. Character-wear and logos may be precious in person but will leave you clueless in twenty years when you look back on your photos and try to figure out who that is on your child's shoes. Keep it timeless and focused on your faces, not your clothes.
- If you have natural pairs in he family - mom and dad, brothers, sisters, mom and baby - try to split up the colors, as they will often be standing near each other. When I have babies, I know I will want to be holding them (helps me look thinner!) so I see my baby as my "pair" and aim to not dress us alike. My husband is my obvious other "pair" and as the two tallest, I have to make sure he and I are also not "matchy-matchy". This part can get complicated, so do your best, then let it go!
- Be who you are.
For Children's Sessions...
- Match their personality! Try cheerful, fun prints with polka dots, stripes, camo - whatever showcases who they really are. Add some layers and texture with a tutu, pettiskirt, tie or knit hat. Bring along their favorite stuffed animal or something that's important to them.
- Most older kids aren't comfortable in formal dress and occasionally it can show in their pictures. So, if you have your heart set on a suit and tie or an elaborate party dress, make sure to bring a second outfit that is more casual and comfortable.
- Bring their personality to the session! If your child wears a superhero cape every day, maybe you should let him wear it in a few pictures. Why not? You want pictures that capture how he really is, right?
- Props can be a great addition, too, so consider bringing your child's favorite book, stuffed animal, or toy.
- Most older kids aren't comfortable in formal dress and occasionally it can show in their pictures. So, if you have your heart set on a suit and tie or an elaborate party dress, make sure to bring a second outfit that is more casual and comfortable.
- Bring their personality to the session! If your child wears a superhero cape every day, maybe you should let him wear it in a few pictures. Why not? You want pictures that capture how he really is, right?
- Props can be a great addition, too, so consider bringing your child's favorite book, stuffed animal, or toy.
Maternity and Newborn...
- For maternity, we suggest some simple basics: jeans with a real waist, tight tops that hug the belly, a beautiful dress or flowing skirt and a flattering, comfortable bra/cropped top/sweater perhaps with a beautiful print. After all, most of this session will be all about the belly.
- Bring an ultrasound picture, if you've got one!
- Get a manicure or a light polish for a more finished look in close up shots of your hands around your belly.
- Solid colored shirts focus the attention on your tummy's shape and glowing expression. Large patterns distract. For this kind of portraiture, avoid big floral prints, swirls, plaids and stripes.
- Long sleeves tend to be the most flattering, but sleeveless and spaghetti-straps work well. Avoid t-shirt length sleeves.
- Open-front sweaters over snug tops is never a bad choice - it adds depth and texture without hiding that beautiful bump!
- For your precious newborn, naked or just a diaper is best. We want to capture those beautiful bellies, tiny toes and bums. If you have a special outfit be sure to have that ready to go as well. Props that work well with newborns include hats, baskets, bowls, etc.
- Bring an ultrasound picture, if you've got one!
- Get a manicure or a light polish for a more finished look in close up shots of your hands around your belly.
- Solid colored shirts focus the attention on your tummy's shape and glowing expression. Large patterns distract. For this kind of portraiture, avoid big floral prints, swirls, plaids and stripes.
- Long sleeves tend to be the most flattering, but sleeveless and spaghetti-straps work well. Avoid t-shirt length sleeves.
- Open-front sweaters over snug tops is never a bad choice - it adds depth and texture without hiding that beautiful bump!
- For your precious newborn, naked or just a diaper is best. We want to capture those beautiful bellies, tiny toes and bums. If you have a special outfit be sure to have that ready to go as well. Props that work well with newborns include hats, baskets, bowls, etc.