One of the most frequently asked questions I get after booking a photo shoot is, “What should I wear?” When picking outfits for a sessions, people usually tend to go safe rather than fun. Think for a minute of all of the family portraits you’ve seen (or been in!) where everyone is wearing white shirts and jeans on the beach. Don’t you want YOUR shoot to show your personality? Here are a few tips on how you can pick your perfect ensemble and bring a little personality into your images.
The most important thing to do to get more out of your session is to have fun with it! Be yourself! A photo shoot isn’t something to break out in hives about. My advice is always to dress your best and – if possible – get your hair and makeup professionally done, even if you’re going for a more natural look.
Try to wear things that have lots of movement. Movement allows for more candid shots & real interactions. Comfortable pants, a flirty dress, material with a structure that slims, but the flexibility to move. Feel free to wear fun colors and patterns. Some people automatically think that you have to wear neutral or plain colored clothing for a photo shoot. This is a very limiting idea. Dressing up is always fun and accessories can really make a difference – whether it be your favorite scarf, a stylin’ hat, chunky jewelry, big watches, a bright pair of shoes – whatever you absolutely love!
Also, feel free to bring props! This helps in creating a more “lifestyle” feel to the images. If you and your sweetheart are huge board game fans we can incorporate them in a few shots. If you love to bake, bring some of your baked goods along. Or if you consider yourselves a bit quirky or romantic or fun, you could bring a bunch of balloons, an acoustic guitar, a vintage bicycle – the sky’s the limit!
For children, definitely bring several outfits and their favorite toys! Scarves, hats, and other accessories look especially cute and unique in images. I’ve also found that bringing some sort of treat or candy to give the little ones really helps keep them motivated after they’ve gotten tired of being in front of the camera.