Styling

What you wear for your session is such an important element of your images. I know the task of selecting outfits can be daunting, especially choosing if you're choosing outfits for a whole family, but I am here to help!

"What should we wear?"

One of the most common questions I'm asked prior to a session is "what should we wear?" and I am always happy to advise and work with you to help select outfits. I want you to feel like yourself, while also feeling confident in how you look, and creating a coordinating (but not "matching") aesthetic for your images.

There is an abundance of inspiration and information out there from color palettes for every season and colors that complement each other, to outfit ideas for seniors, families, and kids. I can help point you in the right direction - I can base this off our location, time of year, and information from you about who will be involved with our session. You can also share ideas with me for outfit options you are considering, and I'm happy to advise and share ideas.

Along with that collaboration, there are a few general tips I can share. I've been photographing clients for many years, and there are some things that photograph well and some that don't. I'm guessing that if you choose me as your photographer, you like my style and what you have seen from my work. That is a combination of many elements coming together that starts with wardrobe choice, location, a comfortable session, and a skilled photographer. If you can trust me with all of these things, we will have a fantastic session together and you will love your images.

With that in mind, here are a few tips to consider:

Avoid logos/words/images on clothing. They can be distracting.
Choose clothing that fits right now. It can be tempting to choose a shirt a little big for a child because they can "grow into it later" but it will not look great on them. Along those same lines, you should like how your clothes fit too. If it's too big or too small, it's not great.
For family photos, I always recommend that the mom choose her outfit first, and feel confident in her outfit, and then select outfits for the rest of the family. Unfortunately way too often, moms choose clothes based on who already has what, and coordinate outfits all together, and she is left at the end with whatever works, even though she doesn't love it. You want to love how you look. It's very important that you like the images.
For senior photos, it's a great idea to bring a casual outfit and a more dressy outfit. It's fun to have something casual that you'd wear every day like a hoodie or tee with jeans, or something athletic if that's your style. It will capture who you are at this time in your life. We may have time for three outfits. A cap and gown is always fun if you have access to it!
I tend to discourage the selection of polo/golf/activewear shirts for men made out of that kind of silky, slippery material. I know it is a collared shirt, but it's not typically the most flattering or forgiving material. Trust me!
Coordinating but not matching is best. You don't need to (and shouldn't) all be wearing the same color.
Textures are fantastic and photograph beautifully
Think about adding layers, and pay attention to all the details of an outfit. For example, layering is fun for adding interest and character, but think about how layers beneath clothes could add unwanted lines or bulk, and if that could be unflattering. Layers for kids can be fun (collared shirt plus corduroy or textured vest on a little boy, dress plus jean jacket on a girl, etc.).
Think about your socks and shoes! You'll be able to see them in the photos.
Pinterest is a great resource for coordinating outfits/colors if you search for "neutral family photo outfits," "Fall family photo outfits," or something similar.
Choose something you feel confident in, and feel free to show your personality and be yourself!