What to Wear Guide
Tips & Tricks for Dressing for Photos
Planning What to Wear for a Family Session
When planning for a family session, start with one outfit and build the rest of the family's clothing from there. It can be overwhelming trying to choose all the outfits at once so start small and build from here. Everything doesn't have to be new. Shop your closet!
Make sure that everyone's clothing fits properly and is weather appropriate. It can be tempting to buy kids clothing a size bigger so they'll have room to grow, but for photo sessions it's not the best idea. Bigger clothing can give a sloppy appearance. Also, if you're hot or cold during your session it's less likely that you'll appear happy and relaxed in your photos. This is especially true for children. If you feel good in your clothes, it shows!
If you choose to buy new outfits, try shopping for the family at one store. Many stores have clothing that coordinates!
Choose several complimenting colors.
Matching is out, coordinating is in. Pick a couple of colors and choose clothes that will fit in this color scheme. Typically focus on three colors that compliment each other. Try to alternate tops and bottoms. For example, avoid everyone wearing the same color of shirt. Perhaps one person wears a blue shirt, while another person is wearing blue pants.
Choose only one pattern and avoid graphics.
Avoid dressing the whole family in patterns. A good idea is to choose one item, a dress for example, with a pattern containing the colors you love. Then choose colors from the item that you love for the other family members to wear.
Avoid wearing clothing with pictures, phrases, and large logos.
Wear layers and different texture clothing.
Layers add dimension and depth to your images. If it's hot outside layer with accessories- cute belts, necklaces, bracelets, etc. If it's cool weather cardigans, vests, scarves, boots, and hats are all great examples.
To create texture in an image, wear different types of materials.
Don't wear neon colors.
Neon colors don't photograph well and cast colors onto the skin of those who are waring them. No one wants a bright yellow or green face!
Don't match the scenery.
Don't choose colors that match the scenery. For example, if you choose an outdoor locations for your photos, avoid wearing a lot of green as you'll blend in too much with the background. Of course pops of green here and there are fine!
Don't wear solid black and white.
Don't wear solid black or solid white clothing because these colors don't show dimension when photographed. They can make for a dull, boring image!