What to Wear

I am frequently asked “what do we wear?” ”  Below are a few tips, examples and thoughts I have on what to wear, what not to wear, and how to coordinate colors and patterns for a beautiful family photograph.

ALL MATCHING COLORS IS NOT IDEAL but COORDINATING COLORS, PATTERNS AND TEXTURES IS PERFECT!

WHY EVERYONE WEARING SOLID WHITES, NAVYS AND BLACKS DO NOT WORK:
Please Note: everyone wearing white, black or navy shirts with jeans or kahkis. This look does not photograph well.  These all solid, matching outfits are not only outdated, but take away from the beauty of an outdoor photograph.  Why?  For starters, with outdoor sessions especially, white is a reflective color. If you and your family are all wearing white, your shirts can photographed so brightly that your shirts become the focus of your images, rather then allowing you and your family to be the center of focus. If you all wear navy or black, the light is absorbed into your clothing, creating a darker image all around.  This can take away from the beauty of your family, creating a color block look, rather then a beautiful family portrait.

WHY MIX PATTERNS AND COLORS?
The awesome mix of patterns and colors or varying color palettes a beautiful way to capture your family.  Your photos will look natural, effortless and flow nicely in an outdoor setting.  Choose textures and patterns balanced with solids.  Layers like vests, light sweaters, scarfs and jewelry can really make photos pop. Do not be afraid to accent your clothes with accessories.  Do not go overboard, but a necklace or scarf can really add depth to your family photograph.  Please do not wear character shirts or loud logos as these are incredibly distracting, unless you are doing a character themed session, of course.  White and black can be mixed in with colors and patterns, making your entire family look like superstars!  At the end of it all, think of timeless looking clothing, that not only flatters your family, but also accents your home.  Think of where you want to display your imagery and possibly consider choosing your colors and patterns based on this.   Imagine photographs you do not need to take down because they are dated, but rather photographs you leave up because they are timeless beautiful and personal reminders of your family, not the clothing you wore.

WHAT ABOUT NEWBORN SESSIONS? WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
For newborn sessions, softer palettes work the best.  Creams, beiges, soft pinks, purples, greens and blues all photograph very nicely for family photos.  Please also have on hand a long sleeve black and a long sleeve white fitted shirt for help with posing your new baby.  Your shirt can be used as a backdrop!

THE IMPORTANCE OF COLOR PALETTES AND LOCATION
When choosing your clothing, please keep in mind your location.  If we are shooting at the beach, softer color palettes such as pale greys, creams, pinks, blues, mints, and lavenders, look beautiful, or go for nautical with navy, yellow whites and reds!  If we are in a location with shrubs and greenery, think rich earth tones in varying shades oranges, reds, teals, yellows, navy’s, plums, browns, blush pink, sky blue and creams will photograph beautifully.  Click Here/What to Wear for the link to my pinterest what to wear colors and suggestions.  You will find so many different color combinations intended to inspire you!

WHY CUSTOMIZING YOUR SESSION MATTERS
Pick a color scheme that will accent your home walls so you will be able to print, frame and hang photographs in your home or choose your favorite color palette and go with that!  Choose colors to reflect you and your family, your style and taste, clothes that make you feel beautiful.  I offer canvas, wood, metal and flat prints that will really help  personalize your home in a beautiful customized way.  If you have special memento’s of loved ones, or a special lovey or something you would like included in your session, please bring it. I love incorporating props and mementos,  this is what makes your sessions completely unique.  I love to create personalized family sessions.  My goal is for you to have fun first, capture you as you are, and really personalize your photographs for you.  I realize family photos are an investment, so the more custom tailored your photographs are, the more you will appreciate your investment.  Thank you so much for considering me to capture your beautiful family!

BE COMFORTABLE!
Lastly, do not forgo comfort for fashion.  If your kids do not like their clothing, they will not photograph well, always tugging and pulling or maybe complaining it itches.  Make them a part of choosing your session clothes. If everyone is comfortable and fashionable, your photos will be timeless memories that you will cherish for years to come!

SOME COLOR AND PATTERN SUGGESTIONS FOR YOU:
Below I have compiled a few color charts and family images that include multiple colors, patterns and accessories.  This is to help guide you in selecting your own clothing choices.  Don’t feel limited to just these, they are just ideas.  There are so many ways you can play with colors and patterns! You can also click here, COLOR PALETTES.  This will take you to my Pinterest page with many color palette options for you.