What should you wear for your photography session?


One of the most common questions a photographer is asked is what should me and my family wear. I will never give you an exact answer on this because your session is about you and showing who you are. If you have a teenage daughter who is into goth styled clothing, it would not make sense to dress her in a pretty floral dress because that is not who she is. So I will provide you with some helpful tips for you to select the perfect clothing choices for your shoot.


Don't Match, Coordinate and Compliment!

This rule is also not a requirement as some families may have a certain matching shirt they want to wear in the photo or maybe you have a group photo that everyone is uniformed. This is perfectly okay! But as a general rule of thumb, find patterns and colors that compliment each other. If mom is wearing a bright pink dress and dad is wearing a Carhartt Jacket, these items will make for an awkward image. If one child is dresses in stripes and the other in polka dots, it will create an eyesore in your images. If the entire family goes with pastel colors, it creates cohesion within the image and creates less issues with lighting.


Highlight your best features

Fella's have a seat for a second. Ladies listen up, if you have an area you are insecure about, hips, bust, waist, etc... wear something that does not draw attention to those areas because that is going to be the first place you look when you receive your final images. We try our best to put you in the best poses possible and to hide any insecurities you may have but sometimes you will still pick them out because it is something you are self conscious about. Start with the person who will be most difficult to decide. This will allow everyone else to match the theme as close as possible and make the selection much easier.


Retail Therapy!!!

You read that correct. What better time to go clothes shopping for the family then right before a family photo shoot. Go look and find some new styles and don't forget shoes while you are at it. You never want to ruin a perfect shot being dressed in a really nice spring outfit with a pair or work boots on or filthy sneakers. I have seen so many photos wear just this one item can take so much away from a perfect picture. I know, some of you may be asking "can't we just crop them out". Yes we can, however, cropping out limbs is highly discouraged in the photography community because it leaves an unfinished look and an unnatural appearance.


Location is key

If you know your shoot will be in a wooded park, avoid colors like brown and green. These colors will blend with the background make you (the star) not stand out like you should. We are doing this to showcase you, not the beautiful scenery. Create contrast and stand out.


Avoid Complex Patterns and logos

Yes you AC/DC shirt is awesome... I named my daughter Journey after the band, but having giant logos and images on your shirt is distracting. Even worst, "My Eyes are up here" written across your shirt draws attention to the words on your shirt and not what we are focusing on.


Comfort

We live in Florida. It's hot, it's rainy, it's muggy, it may or may not snow in 20 minutes, who knows. Dress comfortably. Dress for the weather and dress for comfort. if an outfit is bothering you when you put it on, it will bother you while you are doing your photo shoot. I want you to be comfortable and relaxed.


Final Thoughts

When all else fails, ask me. I am by no means a fashion expert but I have an idea of what items photograph well and which ones don't. Another great resources is Pinterest. If you search for family photo mood boards or beach photo mood boards or whatever them you are going with, it will give you plenty of ideas to look for. Many photographers who do themed shoots use Pinterest all the time just to spark their creativity. I hope this Blog post helped you and I know your photos will be absolutely perfect!