What to wear to your next family session. | Fairhope Family Photographer | Fairhope Alabama
”What should I wear to my session?”
I get asked all the time by clients when preparing for their upcoming session. As a photographer, it’s not only my job to capture the moments that will reveal themselves during your session. But it is also my job to help you look and feel beautiful.
So here are a few tips to help make your next session less stressful and more fun.
Stay clear of Fluorescents.
Fluorescent colors tend to cast on faces, necks and hair. They’re harsh, especially in sunlight. If you like brighter colors, then I recommend primary colors. Yellow (mustard), red (crimson), and blues ( navy, and royal) photograph beautifully.
Stay away from green clothing when having photos taken in grassy/wooded areas.
It’s just too much. Green as an accent color is great, though. You want to stand out among all the greenery you’re surrounded by, not blend in with it.
To get the flow going with wardrobe, start with one outfit that you really like. From there, build from it for everyone else.
Wear what you feel good in.
Moms and dads, this tip is for you specifically. If you are not comfortable in what you’ve chosen for pictures, it will show. If you can’t find a dress you feel good in, but you feel fabulous when you wear a good pair of skinny jeans, do that. If you can barely walk in heels, there’s no harm in doing cute comfy flat boots or sandals. If you can’t comfortably walk in a heel, a wedge is a great alternative, too.
Layer, Layer, Layer!
Layers add dimension and depth. In the spring and summer, try a cute belt, necklace, and /or pendant to go with your dress. In the fall and winter, cardigans, belts, statement necklaces, scarves, hats, and blazers.
Purchase clothes that fit- and fit well.
As parents, we have a hard time buying clothes for our children. A large polo shirt, baggy jeans, or a jacket that’s falling off the shoulders just looks disheveled. Most likely you will be purchasing outfits for our session so choose something that fits perfectly, make it look tailored. Go a size smaller in jackets, cardigans, or blazers. You want to compliment your shape, not hide it.
Matching is out. Coordinating is in.
Anything goes! I’m going to photograph you as a family, so wearing the same colored shirt, pants, shoes, etc. looks like a bit awkward and honestly, boring. Coordinating color is what really brings wardrobe. Also mixing stripes with plaids and tweeds is ok. Expression is important. I want to see your personality!
Less is more for indoor sessions
I always recommend clients keep wardrobe neutral and simple for home sessions. You don’t want any clothing to overshadow the precious little people we’re showcasing. I recommend neutrals-grey, ivory, white, or soft earth tones. I highly suggest solids, or very simple patterns. I you have a pattern outfit, then I recommend just one member of your family should wear it and the other family members coordinate around it. If we will be posing big sister or brother with baby, then light pink or blue is a good color that adds a little something but again, it’s not enough to overpower the baby.
Dress for the weather and be flexible.
If you are from any state in the South, you know that it can be 65 and cloudy one day, and 85 and sunny 12 hours later. Be prepared to be flexible with wardrobe. If you plan on dressing your daughter in a cute sun dress but the weather dips and ends up being 20 degrees colder than you were anticipating, switch it up a bit by adding layers. Dress appropriately for the weather that day, even if it doesn’t go with your original plan.
Dress for the location.
Dressing for the weather is important, but dressing for the location is just as important. If we are capturing documentary or lifestyle sessions in your home, wear what you normal wear in your everyday. Wear what is comfortable to you. No coordinating or matching is necessary. These sessions are meant to be normal, true life and every day as possible.
No matter what you choose to wear, just remember that this is your family. Let your family’s personality shine!
For more information on scheduling a session or any more tips, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
XO,
Caitlen