One of my favorite parts of planning a portrait session is helping to make any overwhelming questions of What to Wear easier for my clients. When I welcome new families and couples, I include information on clothing in their welcome packet. I’ve been so excited to hear from so many of how helpful this information is in planning their session. My suggestions are based on reading and studying how colors, textures, and patterns work together, how it comes across on camera to get that feeling you desire in your photographs, a look you will enjoy today and years from now. I often think of choosing clothing like setting the mood for a dinner party with friends–comfortable, casual, a lot of warmth, and some special touches.
I’m a pretty basic kind of gal when it comes to wardrobe. To me less is more. Even when I try to spice things up if we go out to dinner, I always find myself going back to the classic, timeless look of pearl studded earrings and soft, neutral colors. I really didn’t realize how my own closet represented the items of clothing I suggest to women for their sessions until we packed to go away for a few days last week! And packing for a few days for me really means packing for a month, I seriously don’t know how to pack lightly but always end up only wearing a handful of what I bring. 🙂
After my own recent portrait session, I realized how tough it was to pick out an outfit that best reflected my style and personality, so it motivated me to provide more details as we plan for your session. Something I have been excited to do for a while is to create a Pinterest board filled with looks and ideas for portrait sessions. After reading some great suggestions for photographers on wardrobe inspiration from the Fount Collective, and since I love visual examples, I thought this would be a great way to take a portion of what I include in my welcome packet one step further.
You can check out my Pinterest board HERE.
3 Suggestions When Choosing What to Wear:
1. Start with mom, brides to-be, girls:
I find it helpful to focus on what the women and girls will be wearing first. Once the color scheme and coordination is determined for the ladies, then it will be easier to select outfits for the men and boys. Rent the Runway is a great alternative for both engagement and family sessions. Easy and affordable options to get the look you desire without the commitment to buy. So that dreamy chiffon dress you would love to wear but only need once…now you can have it, GENIUS!
2. Keep it Simple, Timeless, and Classic:
It doesn’t have to be complicated. But it is important to select clothing that fits your style and personality. Maybe you love lace and long dresses and would like to incorporate both into your outfit. Or maybe you love sequin but a sequin dress seems too much for the location of your session. I would suggest incorporating both in subtle ways. An example would be, a flowy, chiffon or tulle skirt in a neutral color, paired with a blouse or fitted shirt in a coordinating neutral color with a pop of bling as an accessory—bracelet, necklace or earrings. Or a blush colored linen or cotton dress for added softness and romance with a cream knit overlay for added texture and layering.
Recommended Colors:
(Image courtesy: stylze.com)
3. Try to Avoid:
Some things to try and avoid are bright colors such as hot pinks, bright yellows, red, orange, big patterns, and big stripes as these do not photograph as well. Avoid graphic T-Shirts or shirts with logos written on them. For shoes, try to avoid running or basketball sneakers. Depending on your session, I would suggest wedges, flip flops, neutral heels, solid colored Mary Janes for children, or converse style sneakers. Going barefoot is always a great option too.
Some things to try and avoid are bright colors such as hot pinks, bright yellows, red, orange, big patterns, and big stripes as these do not photograph as well. Avoid graphic T-Shirts or shirts with logos written on them. For shoes, try to avoid running or basketball sneakers. Depending on your session, I would suggest wedges, flip flops, neutral heels, solid colored Mary Janes for children, or converse style sneakers. Going barefoot is always a great option too.
Suggested Colors to Avoid:
(Image courtesy: pickyyourpalette.blogspot.com, DM Photography)
Tips to Remember:
When selecting clothing for your portrait session, it is helpful to choose a simple color scheme. Try to avoid bold patterns and bright colors as they do not photograph well. Stick to neutrals, pastels, creams, navy, and shades of grey. Add a pop of color or some bling in accessories if that’s your style. Fabrics such as chiffon, linen, tulle or knits work well on camera. Layers such as an overlay, jean or corduroy jacket, cable knit cardigan or sweater will add dimension and depth to your images. For siblings and men, I like to recommend that they coordinate, but they certainly do not need to match. Most importantly is for everyone to be comfortable and wear what reflects their personalities.
Planning the clothing is only one part (but a fun part) of enhancing your session. My goal is to help you create images that you will look back on for generations to come, beautiful keepsakes that will make your memories last forever. Selecting a wardrobe that compliments your vision and helps to make you feel confident and beautiful is so exciting to see when it all comes together.
