.WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR PORTRAIT SESSION.
.START WITH ONE PERSON.
It’s easier to visualize an entire group’s look once you know what one person is going to wear. Try starting with one of the women of the group, since women’s clothing tends to have more colors, prints & patterns.
.COMPLIMENT, DON’T MATCH.
You'll want to choose colors that generally complement one another. For example, soft colors [light blue, gray, blush] or warm colors [brown, orange, burgundy], If you want colorful images, then you should choose a more vivid color scheme for your outfits.
.STICK TO ONE OUTFIT.
Don’t make things more complicated than they need to be! All you really need for an awesome portrait session is one really nice outfit for everyone. If your portrait package offers an outfit change, think about adding or removing layers, rather than changing you or your child’s outfit all-together. Often times getting little ones to "zone in" after an outfit change can be difficult & you may not even end up getting any ‘useable’ photographs in the second outfit because of this.
.CONSIDER YOUR HOME DECOR.
If you’re planning to hang prints of your images in your living room that’s decorated in all white, you probably don’t want your clothing to be dark. If you’re hanging them in a colorful nursery, then wear vivid outfits.
.PLAN FOR THE WEATHER.
Nothing is worse than being miserably uncomfortable in the perfect outfit. If you’re planning an outdoor session in the middle of December, think about coats, gloves, and hats. In the summertime, dress in layers so that you can easily take something off if you get too hot.
.DON’T FORGET YOUR FOOTWEAR.
These are often the forgotten last element, but they can really make or break your outfit! If you can’t find shoes you love, consider going barefoot, obviously if the weather calls for this [just be sure to bring along a pair of walking shoes to help you to get from point A to point B]. Steer away from athletic footwear and ultra-bright, white sneakers.
.TRY ON YOUR CLOTHES WELL IN ADVANCE.
Check your outfits from all possible angles in the mirror. Try sitting, squatting, leaning forward, etc. Your clothes should work well in motion so that everyone, [including me],can play a little bit during your portrait session [think flying, tickling, hanging upside down, etc.].
SAY YES TO:
COMFORT
Above all, if you feel good, you will look good. Choose clothing that gives you freedom of movement, keeps you warm/cool, and won’t require a lot of maintenance throughout your session.
TEXTURE
Add some visual interest to your images with unique fabrics. Some examples include: lace, cable knits, chambray, tweed, herringbone, chambray, faux fur, wool, etc.
PATTERNS
Don’t be scared of patterns and prints. They can work great, but only in moderation. Try one statement piece [a colorful floral dress for one person] and one subtle pattern [maybe tiny polka dots for another], and then keep the rest of the group [if there are 2 more more] a bit more plain & simple.
LAYERS & ACCESSORIES
These are the quickest way to take your outfits from average to amazing. Some examples include: scarves, blazers, cardigans, belts, jewelry, fun socks, hats, etc.
FITTED CLOTHING
You don’t want your clothing to be too baggy or too tight. Properly fitted clothing looks put together and will show your true shape. For women, your upper half and lower half should be balanced: so for instance, blousy shirt + skinny pants, or tight shirt + flowing skirt.
CLASSIC CHOICES
Try to steer away from current trends, since they’ll most certainly date your photos 10 years from now.
SAY NO TO:
‘TOO FORMAL’ CLOTHING
Let your clothing match your surroundings. A tuxedo or extremely formal dress will look out of place in the woods.
BRIGHT WHITE
If you love white, try wearing something that is off-white or ivory instead.
NEON COLORS
These colors can create skin tone/color cast issues in post-processing.
LOGOS & TEXT
Clothing with text will just draw attention away from your faces.
TRANSITION LENSES
If you wear glasses every day, please wear them in your shoot! However, lens glare and shaded lenses will keep your eyes from being seen. You can have anti-reflective coating added to your lenses or wear just the frames instead.
ATHLETIC SHOES
Self-explanatory.
HOLIDAY COLORS
Even if you’re planning to use these images for your holiday cards, try to steer away from ‘holiday-colored clothing’ and let your card design incorporate those colors instead. That way you’ll be able to enjoy these images all year round.
SHORT-SLEEVED T-SHIRTS
Button-down or structured shirts generally look better in professional photographs. If you have your heart set on a t-shirt, try layering it with a blazer or jacket on top.
COMPLICATED PATTERNS
These just don’t always translate well in-camera.
.FOR FAMILIES OR GROUPS OF [2] OR MORE.
SHE/HER
SAY YES TO:
Maxi dresses, loose fitting tops, knee-length to long skirts, a-line dresses/coats, jeans, cardigans, blazers, scarves, ankle boots, fitted tunics
SAY NO TO:
Strapless, sleeveless [unless you LOVE your arms], low-cut shirts, extremely tight-fitting clothes, super-chunky knits, flimsy, wrinkly fabrics.
HE/HIM
SAY YES TO:
Blazers, khaki pants/shorts, button-downs, sweaters layered over collared shirts, dark wash jeans, leather shoes/boots, cardigans.
SAY NO TO:
Short-sleeved polos, short-sleeved button-down shirts, super-baggy shorts/pants, athletic shoes, cargo shorts, plain white t-shirts.
GIRLS
SAY YES TO:
Everything listed for she/her, plus these optional accessories: headbands, hats, bows, rain boots.
SAY NO TO:
Visible diaper/underwear [try shorts for under dresses], neon, athletic shoes or character shoes.
BOYS
SAY YES TO:
Everything listed for he/him, plus these optional accessories: suspenders, bowtie, caps, high-top sneakers.
SAY NO TO:
Tank tops, neon, visible diaper, athletic shoes or character shoes [Disney, etc.].
BABIES
SAY YES TO:
EVERYTHING! [Because babies are babies…are babies…are babies!]
Have a question about something that wasn't answered here? Don't hesitate to drop me a line at alana.adetola@gmail.com.