Let me help you shop! Shopping is a favorite pastime of mine, I’m happy to assist! Below are some notes and suggestions as to what I feel photographs best for my sessions. I’ve also added my LIKEtoKNOWit collages for some visuals, and you can even purchase from the links. Feel free to text or email me ideas of what you’re thinking of wearing and I can help!
Once you’ve completed your booking, the next step is choosing the perfect outfits. I understand it can be a bit stressful, especially when dressing an entire family! My best advice is to prioritize comfort and lean towards neutral tones. Solid colors tend to photograph beautifully and help avoid any issues with camera calibration. However, you can consider incorporating patterns, opt for larger designs—think bold floral patterns rather than tiny prints. Alternatively, you could dress one person or sprinkle in patterns while keeping the rest in solids. Honestly, the more bland and boring you think your outfits probably look, the better! Ha - like everyone in cream, can’t go wrong!
Lighter colors are preferred. The best options for my editing style are cream, white, tan, brown, gray, maroon, burnt orange, and neutral green. Regarding blue: lighter shades work better as they don’t create a strong blue tint. Keep in mind that the focus should be on you in the photos, not your clothing!
Shoes are not usually the main focus; your expressions and connections take center stage. If you wear heels for height, ensure you can walk comfortably on grass or mud just in case (or bring a separate pair of shoes to wear). I like a casual look with jeans, but you can also wear a nice dress or khakis if you want. In the fall, darker colors are common, while lighter colors are preferred in spring, but these are just suggestions. Be mindful of the shoot location; wearing green in a green area can make you blend in, and red can clash with red brick. If we are outdoors, your kids may get a little dirty, but I can usually edit out stains, so let them have fun. Avoid distracting accessories like smartwatches or big watches, as they can take attention away from you. Put your phones in back pockets, not the front.
For the ladies: Dresses are a great choice because they're comfortable and can be as fancy as you want, but jeans and a nice top are OK too! Keep in mind the length of the dress, and if it will work or be comfortable for sitting shots. I love fun sleeves on a dress, and also floor length with some movement! Make sure that bra straps are covered, some can sneak out - I’ll do my best to edit them if so, but wanted to mention. Make sure to take off all rubberbands on wrists!
For the men: Men typically want to wear their standard button up shirt with checkers on it that they wear to work, BUT, this can cause calibration to the camera and your image might look 3D online! Try to stay away from these, and offer more neutral, solid options. If they don't want to dress up, there are nicer t-shirts they can wear. Try to stay away from logos, as it's distracting in an image. Pants are usually better for men, especially with sitting photos. Khakis are always a favorite.
For the kids: Same thing here, solids and neutrals! But also, add a print - it can be fun for the little girls, they can be a focal point if the rest of the group is in solids. Always love a good bow or headband! Have them help select their outfit, but make sure to have the choices that you like - so it’s a win win. If they’re figting you on something in the car, might be best to let them win to have a good experience, it’s only an outfit - smiles are more important! Remember, they’re kids and they’re going to get dirty so make sure you’re OK with that as most sessions are outside, and I do have them sit down on the ground for photos. It’s fun to dress little boys up like little men, and to have them coordinate with Dad. Suspenders and hats can be fun accessories. But make sure they're comfortable, so they can keep a good attitude and run around and play!
For newborn sessions: Newborn outfits should be SIMPLE. Bright and Airy is the look we're going for here. Swaddles are the best option for the newborn, because it keeps them wrapped up and easy to pose and move around for the shots. For the parents, try and wear lighter colors to match baby. Shoes are not necessary, as we'll be at home or the studio and these are more relaxed shots. Keep in mind for Mom, you will have just given birth so loose fitting dresses are probably a good option - unless you wear maternity jeans, just make sure you’re comfortable. If you have a pup in the shots, could be fun to throw a bandana or a bow on them!