I know it can feel kind of daunting to pick what to wear for your photos. Don't you worry, I'm here to help! These are a few guidelines I’ve put together so you can be sure to look and feel your best. Remember, these are only GUIDELINES, not rules! Theses are just what I’ve found that work best from trial and error from previous shoots. Most of the time, you probably don't even need to go shopping for new outfits. Bring clothes you normally wear, stuff that’s already in your closet that you love and feel yourself in. An old band t shirt and ripped jeans? Perfect. A big, knit, oversized sweater and cowboy boots? Awesome. Or something a little dressier with a long flowing skirt and your man in a suit? Wear something that you’re confident in. I cannot stress this one enough! This cannot be done if you aren’t confident in the way a piece of clothing hugs (or hangs on) your body. Choose something that you are excited to show off!
LOCATION + COMFORT
01.
Think about the conditions and locations we are going to be shooting in and plan around it. Make sure what you are wearing makes sense for where we are. If we are going to be hiking around the mountains, bring shoes that you can walk around in. If we are shooting on a sandy beach, you'll most likely want to be barefoot. Heels are almost always a bad idea in most scenarios, unless you plan to change into them before shooting. Be as comfortable as you can be!
COLOR DO'S + DON'TS
02.
I recommend you lean towards neutrals and earthy tones. This doesn't mean that you're just limited to creams, browns, and grays. There are neutrals to every single color! Instead of green, go for a soft forest green. Instead of red, go with a deep maroon. Instead of yellow, choose a mustard yellow.
Think about your session location. What colors can you see in the backdrop there? Wear neutral colors within those same tones. That way you'll fit perfectly with your surroundings!
PATTERN + TEXTURES
03.
Avoid big, loud, crazy patterns. The smaller and more subtle, the better! If the pattern is too loud, it will distract from your faces. Flannels and floral patterns are okay, but use them sparingly. And in very neutral tones. I usually try to avoid pairing too many patterns together because, as I'm sure you can guess, it makes the photos feel hectic and distracting.
ACCESSORIES + PROPS
04.
Accessories are always encouraged and can be such a fun element to add. Hats, fun scarves, and jewelry can add more interest to your outfits.
P.S. As much as we all love our Apple watch (or any watch for that matter) take them off for your photographs.
PICK MOMS OUTFIT FIRST
05.
Hey mom! Yes you, Choose your outfit first, then pick the rest of your family's. Wear what you want and base the rest of the outfits around yours!
That's it! Just apply the outfit guidelines from above and your outfits will look amazing!
If you have anymore questions, don’t hesitate to let me know! If you’re still freaking out about what to wear feel free to shoot me a pic or two of what you’re thinking and I can help you decide. But overall, just wear what you’re comfortable in and feel like you in. A pair of Vans you’ve had since 8th grade? Cool. A long maxi skirt that you love to twirl around in? Great. A flannel you wore for basically a month straight? Perfect. You do you, and I promise the photos will turn out amazing.
