Worrying about what to wear for your next photo shoot can be exhausting and hard! The truth is, what you wear really does make a huge difference in your photos!  I have written a few things here to consider:

Patterns and layers

Patterns and layers add interest and cohesion to your images. Vests, scarves, necklaces, jackets, boots and socks all can add layering that will add pops of color and cohesion with others in your photograph.  You want to be coordinated but not matchy matchy.  Don’t have everyone wear the same color.  Especially all black or all white. Add some other soft neutrals.  Neutrals are always very timeless. Think about timeless clothing and try not to mix eras.  If you are wearing something from the 80’s, but the rest of your family is wearing something very modern you are going to stick out and look like you really don’t belong with the rest of your family.  You should opt for a subtle pattern that will look good with solid colors and other family member’s outfits.  Your outfit shouldn’t be the loudest but look in place with the other outfits.  Cohesion without being matchy is the key!     

From your head to your feet

Some things to consider is any accessories and how they look together.  Think about hats and shoes. They can add interest to a photo, or they can take it over.  Sometimes with little kids, bare feet are best.  Necklaces and scarves can add a pop of color.   

Movement

Think about how things will photograph.  For girls a twirly dress can add amazing movement to a photo! Think about fabrics that move well and consider a dress from Alice + Ames. They are so very twirly. Don’t wear a stiff fabric that will not move well.  Also think about what you can comfortably move around in.  If your dress is so short, it keeps you from bending over you might want to rethink it!

Comfortable and fitted

Find an outfit that you like, that speaks to your style. It’s important to pick something that is waist defining. It must flatter your body and be comfortable.  No one is going to photograph well in a tuxedo unless they are actually very comfortable in it!  It needs to suit you! Not too tight and not too loose. You don’t want to wear sweatpants, or baggy frumpy clothing either! If a tie doesn’t suit your husband, then don’t make him wear one! His face will look miserable, and your photos will remind you of the power struggle over clothing instead of a fun time and beautiful memories.  

Be kind to your photographer and avoid neon and large brand logos

Neon will leave color casts on your skin.  They are not easy to get rid of in Photoshop.  It can be done, but it is time intensive and very tedious.  And depending on the photo, it may not look quite right after all of those adjustments in Photoshop.  So, it is best to stay away from it.  The last thing you want is an amazing moment ruined by weird skin tone.  Large logos take away from the people in the photograph and take a long time to clone out.  Children should stay away from trendy character tops.  Graphic tees and ones with fun sayings are OK for kids.

The key is to pick things that are not going to take away from the subjects (aka: YOU!) It’s helpful to start out with one piece that you really love and then build around that. These are some simple ideas to think about for your next photo shoot! There is a great article from Click Magazine that is very helpful: here and also here. Another option is to rent dresses or outfits at Opal and June or Bentley + Lace.  Follow me on Pinterest for more ideas and inspiration! I love putting together outfits and textiles so please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you need help!  

Thanks for reading!