What to wear for my photoshoot
So you have a family photo session coming up and you are not sure how to dress the members of your family. I can help! My goal is for you to have a laid-back session and some preparation ahead of your session will reduce stress and create beautiful photos of your family that complement the location you have chosen for your family photo session.
Start with dressing the star of the show. That’s you, momma.
My #1 rule is that the momma feels both BEAUTIFUL and comfortable enough in what she is wearing, to be able to move, dance, play, and love on her littles without feeling self-conscious about her posture, her lady bits falling out, or sucking in her stomach.
Off the shoulder dresses for mommas wanting to reduce focus on the mid-section. Plus, it shows off the beautiful neckline. Don’t like dresses? That’s just fine. Wear something that shows your personality.
Wearing a maxi dress the light can shine through (adds drama to photos), and that shows movement (adds emotion to photos).
I have a small client wardrobe with boho style dresses. Just email me if you want access to the client wardrobe for your photo session.
Nude color undergarments under transparent dresses
A nude lace bandeau can be worn under a dress that is too low cut
Textured cardigans that hang beautifully, worn off the shoulder (for layering in cooler weather)
Want feedback on your styling selection? Email me a picture of you wearing your outfit.
Build the rest of the family’s wardrobe off of mom’s outfit. Styling Do’s and Don’t’s below!
Start selecting your wardrobe pieces about a month prior to your session.
Take everything you have selected and view it all laid out together at least one week before your session.
Have everyone try on their outfits (You too, momma!). Shopping will be SUPER stressful when there is less than a week to prepare. If you would like feedback, feel free to email me a photo of all of the pieces laid out together.
You will feel more confident and ready for a fun, laid back, and SUCCESSFUL photo session by having the wardrobe completely finalized heading into the week before your photo session.
Styling Do’s:
Natural fabrics that are comfortable, breathe, move, and have texture (i.e., linen, gauze, relaxed cotton)
Colors. My editing style works best with Earth tones. Earth tones should also complement the location for your photo session.
Earth tones
Natural white versus pure white
Chambray blue instead of royal, navy, or sky blue
A cohesive color palette, with everyone in a unique look with different patterns, textures, etc. for separation. If everyone is in the same colors, they will blend into each other in the photos.
Try pulling the color palette from the colors in a floral or patterned piece being used in the styling.
If you prefer a monochromatic palette, try lighter and darker neutrals with different texture fabrics
I can help you with this! Email me. Pinterest is also great for family photo session color palette ideas/inspiration.
Accessories:
Brimmed hat (1 person max)
Statement ring
Layers (dusters, kimonos, sweaters, fringe, belts to accentuate waistlines)
Texture to things like leggings, sweaters, etc.
Things to warm kiddos on cooler days (bonnets, beanies, long sleeves, textured sweaters, layers, blankets)
Blankets that have texture or tie in the landscape/wardrobe colors
Styling Don’ts
Stiff fabrics- they wrinkle easily and feel and look uncomfortable
Navy or royal blue- these colors almost never tie-in with the colors in the locations I shoot in
Themed clothing (holiday or patriotic)- this isn’t something people where daily and won’t look natural
Overly matchy-matchy palettes- not enough separation or visual depth in photos
Vibrant colors- stand out too much from environments I shoot in
Shoes that are uncomfortable or will be difficult to move around in on natural terrain
Nail polish that catches the eye. No polish or clear is best.
Watches
Phones, wallets, etc in pockets
Graphic tees, logos, sunglasses, baseball hats
Short or fitted dresses. Trust me you will not be able to move freely and sit comfortably in a short or fitted dress. You’ll be limited to primarily standing poses.
There you have it. Please email me for interest in my client wardrobe or any questions you have about styling for your family photo session.
