After a client books a session with me, the number one thing I get asked is “What should I wear?” It’s an honest question and one that really should be thought about. What you wear to your shoot can set the stage for how your photos look, I promise it matters. Here are some tips and Do’s and Do Not’s to keep you looking snazzy and feeling great at your next session.
1) Consider the location.
Where you are having your session take place has a big impact on what to wear. For example, if you are having your session done at a park with lots of gardens and green trees, you wouldn’t want to wear a floral pattern top or something green. You want to offset the background, not be the background. For beach photos, I tell my clients to stay away from tops that are tan that blend with sand and stick with ones that have a little color pop. I think wearing all the same color shirts isn’t that appealing and days of white tops and khaki pants should be left in the 90s. Pick a color palette you like and go from there. COLORS ARE FUN!! Colors that are all different but coordinate well with each other look great. Pick a pattern and then maybe choose a few colors from the pattern and have kids wear pattern, parents wear solids. Accessories can be your BFF. Scarves. Necklaces or earrings are bonus.
2) SHOES!!!!!
This had to have its own number. Shoes really are important! I PROMISE. A lot of sitting photos will show your feet, so having shoes or sandals on that are in good shape and go well with the outfit is important. Also, try and stay away from white socks and opt for black. I know this sounds really nit picky, but it’s all these little details that pull the photo together. Shoes are one of them!
3) Your personal style.
Everyone has their own personal style. Some people aren’t jeans people. Other people don’t like to put on a dress. I always recommend sticking true to your personal style and what you feel comfortable in (minus sweatpants, because seriously who doesn’t feel comfortable in those). If you don’t like wearing a dress, don’t wear one. If you love being fancy, then rock that out in your session. If you are dressed in something you don’t typically like or are uncomfortable in, it can affect how you feel during the shoot and your custom photography shoot should be most enjoyable!
4) Logos, a no go.
Kind of going along to #3, the exception to this rule (as well as sweatpants), is to leave the clothes that have a logo on it at home. Believe it or not it can be distracting in the picture to have this amazing family picture of you and your peeps but with Dad’s shirt screaming Bob’s Big Boys Bait Shop.
Now there are a few exceptions to this rule. If you are doing more of a lifestyle shoot or maybe are sports fans and want to all wear your football Jerseys or favorite baseball team shirts for part of your session, that can be really fun and make for some awesome pictures that stay true to you and your family. I actually suggest stuff like that! But leave your latest Bud Light tee at home.
5) Maybe it’s NOT Maybelline, and maybe you were just born with it. Makeup 101.
I have had A LOT of moms message me in regards to make up. Wearing makeup in not for everyone. I mean really, I wear makeup maybe once a week if that. But, even if its just a little, I do suggest wearing some that accentuates your best feature. Love your eyes? Pop on some mascara! Puckered lips like whoa? Lipgloss is your BFF. High cheekbones that are stunning? Bronzer those bad boys up. I would say the more makeup the better, because in pictures it doesn’t show as much as you think, so pack it on if you want. Go with what you are comfortable with! You are beautiful either way, but accentuating those amazing features on you will make your smile and pictures POP!!
The most important part of all of this is to have fun planning and styling! These pictures are going to be hanging on your wall, and then your children’s walls and hopefully passed down for generations to come. Stay true to yourself and your style and you will rock it! Most importantly, DO NOT STRESS!
Best and love,
Jessica
xo
