Almost every client I’ve had, if not all, have one thing in common (well, aside from being amazing and choosing me as their photog! hehe) they all ask the same question…”what should we wear?” Which is a completely normal and perfect question to ask, heck, I ask myself that every morning! LOL
The big thing used to be white button down shirts, with jeans and no shoes. Or everyone wearing the same navy polo shirt and khakis. But as photography has evolved, so has the style! Custom portraiture is so much more than that family photo on the beach, with everyone wearing the same thing (I’m not even going to lie, we have that photo and if someone begs me I just may share…maybe!), it’s bringing out styles, textures, locations… it’s bringing out the families personality!
One of the first things I tell my clients is to think about your style, what is your favorite color? Do you love to accessorize, or do you have a favorite pair of pink heals you must show off? Then I tell them to start with the most difficult person to dress, which are usually the girls because we’re the most picky! Look in your closet first. You’re already investing in your session, no need to invest in a new wardrobe. Find an outfit you love, or an outfit you bought because you thought it was soo cute on the manikin, but just haven’t found the right time to wear it, then move on to the kids, and the husband is usually last because he’s the easiest and he’s going to pretty much wear what you tell him anyway. If you’re going for trendy, go for it! If you’re going for classic preppy, perfect! If you’re going for sassy, love it! This is about you and your styles, and you want that to shine…
Ok, there is a line though, LOL. While I’ve just got you pumped up, and you’re thinking of your leopard dress, with red heals…well, let’s take step back. Yes, we want your style to come out, but we don’t want it to overpower. Stay away from big bold prints, unless it’s on the littlest one, and it’s a cute poppy floral and not camo. If the print is small, or can be considered a nuetral, I would say the max is two prints. Stay away from neon colors, well…does that really need an explanation? I know your 5 year old loves sponge bob, but his shirt doesn’t need to say so! Stay away from graphic tees or ones with logos. I also encourage my clients to stay away from all white tops, or all black. I know black is slimming, but if you’re going to do a white or black top, maybe pair it with a cute jacket, or cardigan, or go navy instead! Or if you just love this black top, and the way it hides what it needs to, and shows off the right stuff, wear a fun bold necklace with a pop of color, or texture.
If one outfit wasn’t enough to figure out, some sessions do allow for an outfit change, so consider doing one more casual, and the other a bit more dressy. Again, the guys are easy, it may just require a shirt change, girls may go from jeans to a cute dress or skirt? Also, browse websites like Gap, Old Navy, Target, Forever 21, Ann Taylor Loft, ect to see what styles and outfits they’ve paired together! You’re looking for more color pallets than anything, so chances are you’re going to have just the right outfit in your closets, and you didn’t even know it! Plus window shopping is so much fun! Ok, who am I fooling, actually shopping is WAY more fun, but whatever…the point is, this isn’t supposed to be stressful, so make it fun, and if you’re still stuck I will help, promise!
Speaking of helping…I thought that I would start a “Fashion Guide” series. From time to time, I’ll post new outfits for families, couples, seniors, ect. Now, I don’t want you to think I’m some fashion guru by any means, but I feel like I have a little style, and I also know what will look good in the camera. Also, a fun tip is to look at your favorite photogs websites to see what other families are wearing (I know I’m not your only favorite, so it’s OK, go browse the other fab photogs out there!) Don’t just focus on local either, but stay in our climate, try Miami photogs, or Cali photogs for example. Photographers in upstate New York, while fabulous (shout out to Allison Rumble photography) are blessed/cursed (however you want to view it) with very cold weather with lots of snow, so those bundled up in adorable pea coats and fabulous giant scarfs, may not work for the style of sunny Florida weather (Ok, maybe a few days out of the year, maybe).
Ok, so, here is my first “Spring Fling” Family Style Guide. Hope it helps!
