WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING
Feel free to wear what you’d like! This is only a basic guideline to help you out. And we can also offer more personalized suggestions at your request.
3 QUICK TIPS
VISUAL GUIDES:
GENERAL:
TRY TO AVOID:
USE COLORS AND PATTERNS
It all starts with choosing color. Any color will do. Think about your background. Choose something that will pop against it and not blend with it. Think about your signature colors, what have you been told looks great on you. When picking patterns, choose smaller ones that won’t distract attention away from the main subject/s. When thinking about texture, choose different ones that will give photos some interest such as lace, corduroy, denim, etc. Avoid large logo’s, emblems and graphics like “GAP” and “Old Navy” because again, these will typically distract attention away from the subject. We want your faces and emotion to show, not promote the clothing company you purchased from!
DRESS TO IMPRESS
While casual clothes can be the type of image you prefer it’s still nice to dress it up a bit… or all the way! Men look most masculine in well fitted dress pants and closed toe shoes. High heels can elongate women’s legs and give some flare (bring flats for walking to sessions- if you aren’t use to heels). We find when our clients are dressed to impress they are more confident and this shows in their images. Plus it makes it more fun and brings elegance to a shoot. Art for your walls!
YOU BE YOU
The purpose of these photos is to hopefully capture each individual as they truly are, to capture the family, the relationships, and people in the photos just as THEY are. Forcing children to wear outfits that are uncomfortable and unfamiliar to them may cause some anxiety and stress to them which in turn will inhibit really capturing their personalities during the session. Same goes for adults. Wear clothing that YOU feel good in and the pictures will emanate those feelings. If your child wears a pair of rain boots everywhere he goes, it makes the most sense to have him wear them for pictures as well. Remember, you want to capture everyone as they are NOW. Capture these moments as they are!
PERSONALIZE IT
These are YOUR images and of course you want them to speak volumes about you and your family. Discuss things your family enjoys doing together and bring “props” and accessories that will help compliment who you are. If your family enjoys playing music together, bring your instruments to your session. If your family enjoys boating, suggest doing your session on a boat or at the very least near the water. Bring along items that will represent who each individual is AND who your family is collectively.
PLAN AHEAD
Make sure you have given yourself enough time to think about all of the details of your session. Plan ahead so that #1 you can truly think about your photos and everything you want out of the session, #2 you aren’t rushing and stressing out right before your session, and #3 if you have decided to go for a new look for your session or someone gets a bad haircut, you still have time to fix things if you need to.
CHILDREN:
FAMILIES:
MATERNITY:
BABIES:
- Matching is out! Coordinating is in! Coordinating color is what really brings wardrobe together. We usually choose two to three main colors of wardrobe, and maybe one accent pop of color. Also, mixing stripes with plaids and tweeds is okay! Expression is important. We want to see your personality through your wardrobe.
- We encourage outfit changes. You’re welcome to bring extra clothing for mixing and matching outfits. Get creative! Bring your hats, cute shoes, jackets, jewelry, scarves, ties – anything! Have an amazing dress? Bring that too. Unsure about something? Bring it anyway! We love having options to pick from!
- Layers, layers, layers!!! When putting together an outfit, layers are what make the outfit look polished and complete! Add a vest, jacket, cardigan, bowtie, hat, scarf, suspenders, belt, statement necklace, jewelry, etc. This also gives the shoot much more depth!
VISUAL GUIDES:
- Check out our pin-boards at Pinterest for some great visual ideas!
GENERAL:
- Stick to fitted clothing. Baggy clothing makes you look larger in photos and well…messy!
- You can never go wrong with layers.
- Don’t forget your shoes! They usually end up being highlighted in a few shots.
- Don’t forget about your fingers and toes! Your nails will probably be making an appearance – so don’t forget to touch them up.
- Feel free to bring props; books, blankets, vintage suitcases, “Thank You” or “Save the Date” signs, etc. (And we LOVE animals!)
TRY TO AVOID:
- BIG Busy patterns. Don’t overdo the patterns. Busy prints take the focus off you.
- White. (Unless you’re a bride, of course!) If you want the soft, airy feel of white, we recommend wearing pastels instead. They give the look without the harshness of white. White tops generally wash people out in photos, so we suggest staying away from white altogether unless it’s just an accent color.
USE COLORS AND PATTERNS
It all starts with choosing color. Any color will do. Think about your background. Choose something that will pop against it and not blend with it. Think about your signature colors, what have you been told looks great on you. When picking patterns, choose smaller ones that won’t distract attention away from the main subject/s. When thinking about texture, choose different ones that will give photos some interest such as lace, corduroy, denim, etc. Avoid large logo’s, emblems and graphics like “GAP” and “Old Navy” because again, these will typically distract attention away from the subject. We want your faces and emotion to show, not promote the clothing company you purchased from!
DRESS TO IMPRESS
While casual clothes can be the type of image you prefer it’s still nice to dress it up a bit… or all the way! Men look most masculine in well fitted dress pants and closed toe shoes. High heels can elongate women’s legs and give some flare (bring flats for walking to sessions- if you aren’t use to heels). We find when our clients are dressed to impress they are more confident and this shows in their images. Plus it makes it more fun and brings elegance to a shoot. Art for your walls!
YOU BE YOU
The purpose of these photos is to hopefully capture each individual as they truly are, to capture the family, the relationships, and people in the photos just as THEY are. Forcing children to wear outfits that are uncomfortable and unfamiliar to them may cause some anxiety and stress to them which in turn will inhibit really capturing their personalities during the session. Same goes for adults. Wear clothing that YOU feel good in and the pictures will emanate those feelings. If your child wears a pair of rain boots everywhere he goes, it makes the most sense to have him wear them for pictures as well. Remember, you want to capture everyone as they are NOW. Capture these moments as they are!
PERSONALIZE IT
These are YOUR images and of course you want them to speak volumes about you and your family. Discuss things your family enjoys doing together and bring “props” and accessories that will help compliment who you are. If your family enjoys playing music together, bring your instruments to your session. If your family enjoys boating, suggest doing your session on a boat or at the very least near the water. Bring along items that will represent who each individual is AND who your family is collectively.
PLAN AHEAD
Make sure you have given yourself enough time to think about all of the details of your session. Plan ahead so that #1 you can truly think about your photos and everything you want out of the session, #2 you aren’t rushing and stressing out right before your session, and #3 if you have decided to go for a new look for your session or someone gets a bad haircut, you still have time to fix things if you need to.
CHILDREN:
- Dress your child in something that allows their personality to shine. Cheerful colors, layers, striped leggings, polka dots, stripes, tutus, etc. Let their clothing tell a story.
- And if they feel most comfortable in their Batman cape or princess dress – feel free! We recommend that you bring an extra outfit or three though since accidents do happen.
- It’s important that your child feel comfortable in their clothing. You don’t want their discomfort to show in the photos.
FAMILIES:
- Think coordinating or complementary colors. Make sure everyone dresses in the same level too – either dressy or casual. You want to make sure you all have the same ‘feel’ with your outfits. And we always love fun shoes!
- Please avoid dressing everyone matching clothing (i.e. jeans and a white or black shirt. In fact, avoid white altogether if you can.) We feel that it’s outdated and boring – and we know that’s not you! Wear clothing that shows your personality.
MATERNITY:
- Simplicity is best. Dresses or flowy skirts, jeans (with real waists, not the maternity kind), tight tops that accentuate the belly are all great. Remember that this session is all about your midsection! Don’t forget your baby shoes, sonogram pics, or any other props you want to incorporate.
BABIES:
- Babies, especially newborns, are best in their bare skin. They also look adorable in hats and blankets. Bring your own, and we usually have a few to choose from. Diaper covers are also great!
- *Please remember to loosen the diaper 30 minutes before the session to avoid marks on skin.