Cleveland families always ask me, what should I wear to my photography session?
This is the burning question for most clients. How do I dress my family and keep my sanity at the same time? Relax! I've got you. Before our session we can discuss your aesthetic and color palette, you can send me images and links to what you're wearing I can help you decide what the best options are.
Choose several complimenting colors and stick to them. Pick some colors that coordinate well together and go from there. What are your family's favorite colors? Don't choose one color for the whole family - multiple colors will add dimension to your images.
Have fun with it!
DO: Think layers!! Layers add dimension and depth to your images. You can get creative - a cardigan, scarf, hat, etc. Add pieces to draw interest. Remember to keep it simple.
DON'T: Avoid clothing with writing or large logos. They draw away from the subject.
DO: Dress Comfortably. If you are not dressed appropriately for the weather or wearing something you are not comfortable in, the shoot won't go well. It’s normal for people to want to shop for new, sparkly, fabulous clothes to wear to a photoshoot. Usually, the best route is to go with something that’s tried and true.
DON'T: Avoid ill-fitting clothing. Resist the temptation to buy clothes your kids will grow into. Clothes that fit properly will photograph better.
Remember, be comfortable!
COLOR
When choosing color(s) for your outfits, I recommend selecting soft, light tones and muted shades. By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors, it will help bring all the attention to your faces.
The camera loves soft pastels and neutrals like peach, lavender, blush, sky blue, sage green, golden yellow, heather gray, creams, tans, leather, denim, and soft white. This soft color palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments.
When in doubt, go neutral. Kids can do minimalist, too! Mix patterns to add interest. Start with cream, tan and beige for most of the pieces, then mix in a couple nice denim, black, or gray pants, and finish it off with a couple hits of visual interest like an animal print shoe or hair bow. Simple, minimalist, beautiful.
**Black, though slimming, becomes very shapeless in photos. Avoid black if you can, but if you must wear it, black pants are fine.** Avoid neon or bright colors - they typically don't photograph well.
FABRICS & PRINTS
Fabric selection has the power to add positive interest or negative distraction to your photos.
A solid-colored fabric is always a winner, but if you don't want to wear (or don't have) a solid-colored dress, select a print that is minimalist and understated, rather than bold and design-forward. Think calicos, dainty florals, repetitive geometric motifs, checkered patterns, or small stripes.
Neutral colors
START WITH A "THREE CORE COLOR" PALETTE OF NEUTRALS & NEARLY-NEUTRALS
The plan is to pick a palette. Start by selecting a base plus 2-3 neutral colors and build most of the outfits using those 2 to 3 colors.
Note: black becomes very two-dimensional and blob-like in photos, so if you want to incorporate black, keep it to a minimum and keep it on the bottom half of the outfit if you can.
Accent colors
If you want to add a bit of variety, or if you can't find a complete outfit from your 3 core colors, add in one or two accent colors, to be used less frequently than the core colors.
These colors should complement the neutrals and nearly-neutrals that you're already using.
Finish off by adding nonessential clothing items such as wraps, sweaters, hats or statement accessories such as watches, bow ties, bracelets, hair bows, and jewelry that fits the core and accent colors.
My most important advice is to be comfortable with what you are wearing! Be yourself in your most natural and authentic, so we can reflect that in your photos. I am always here if you have any questions!
I can't wait to meet you!
