What to wear
If you're like me, the first thing I wonder about after booking photographs is, but what do I wear!? I've put together some ideas to get your started.
Being comfortable is everything
Look, I get it. Dressing yourself in the morning is tough enough when you don’t have to stand in front of a camera and be your best self. Add having to dress a couple of kids and perhaps even your partner, and things can get a little complicated!
But the number one thing I want you to remember is that being comfortable is everything. It’s normal to want to shop for new fancy clothes to wear to a photoshoot. And that’s totally fine if that’s your jam and you’re comfortable with that. But usually the best route is to go with something that’s tried and true. When selecting the right footwear, think about what’s appropriate for the location, and what presents the lowest risk of a sprained ankle. Maybe it even makes most sense to ditch the shoes altogether!
seasons
Wear something that’ll keep you cool in summer, warm in winter, and that’ll make you feel like the sparkly human that you are on the inside. Bring a couple outfits so that we can play with different options and combinations, and get a little sandy/wet/muddy if you’re game and the moment calls for it!
If you have anything in your wardrobe that is textured, sheer, or billowy, fabrics that flow show up so beautifully in photographs because they capture snapshots of movement – avoid starchy, stiff-seeming garments that get crumpled in weird spots and need adjusting.
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hair & makeup
If you feel like getting a little glammed up, there’s absolutely no reason not to get your hair and makeup done. Just try to keep it as natural as possible. Fancy and intricate hairdos can sometimes look a little out of place if we’re tromping around a field, and I love the motion that is captured with hair blowing in the wind.
Back to clothing
Be careful with prints, logos, and bright colors as sometimes these detract from the most important parts of the photograph – you!
Avoid matching and blending together into one monochromatic blob. In order for the components of your photograph to really sing, you’ll want to find complementary outfits that showcase a controlled variety of textures and colors so you can look good together without looking the same.
Once we pick a location together, we can discuss color palettes that will help you stand out beautifully against your environment.
So where do I get started?
It's best to start with the moms clothing. Chose a color that compliments your eyes and is comfortable and flattering to wear. Add layers and textures, like a cardigan on top. Try to avoid wearing white, although lace or textured clothing photograph really well.
Then move onto Dad's outfit. Two words. Ok. Three. Keep it simple. Jeans and neutral colored t-shirt or collard shirt look great!
If you are having a newborn photoshoot - A plain white, grey, or pastel colored short sleeve onesie is more than enough for baby to wear. Then we can see the rolls in the arms, legs and toes. Also have a couple swaddle blankets ready to use. Again, neutral, solid colors. I will bring a few muslin swaddle blankets (white, brown, bronze, light blue) as well as some neutral newborn onsies. I will also bring some headbands and hats.
And last but not least, the kids. Siblings should coordinate with the families clothes, however, they can be your pop of color. So if your little girl wants to wear a sparkly tutu, let her wear the tutu! Just make sure to cover diapers/underwear and that they are dressed in something that doesn't ride up when they get picked up. Keep kids clothes fashionable yet functional. You don't want them fussing over their clothing. If they are uncomfortable it will show in the photographs.
