10 tips on “what not to wear” when preparing for your photo shoot.
I know a lot of effort goes into getting ready for a family photo session. “What should we wear?” is one of the most common questions that I get asked.
Of course there are some great tips out there-
But, I thought it might be fun to speak about what NOT to wear instead. To Basically let you in on a few things that I have learned over the years that you might find helpful.
Below are some images of families that “got it right”.
Of course this is my personal opinion, and you are free to wear what you want. :)
DON’T WEAR clothes that fit poorly! This may seem obvious, but it does happen.
Moms- Don’t wear a shirt or dress with a low neckline. Remember the kids will be cuddling, playing and sitting on you. Choose something that lends itself to this so that you won’t have to constantly adjust your clothes. Don’t choose something that shows the bra strap. Chances are that with play and movement it will show. If that will bother you, choose something else.
Dads- don’t wear shirts that are too short for your torso. Dads should expect to be playing and swinging the kids . If your shirt lifts way above your belly when you raise your arms, it’s probably not the look you want.
DON’T WEAR UNCOMFORTABLE SHOES! Our session will be busy, we’ll be walking and on the move.
Many locations are in fields or the beach where the ground is not level. I want you to have the freedom to run and play with your children.
See AlsoWhat Colors Go Together? The Best Clothing CombinationsBest Colors for Outdoor Family Pictures | Kristen Fotta PhotographyTrue Autumn: A Comprehensive Guide | the concept wardrobe11 One-Second Tricks to Look Instantly Thinner in PhotosPass on the wedges and go for something cute and comfortable.
When choosing shoes for the family, don’t forget about the socks, they will show too.
3. AVOID LARGE PATTERNS! Large patterns can overwhelm an image and I promise you, you want the focus to be on the faces.
Smaller patterns are great and can really pull a family outfit together. Layers, texture and neutrals are a much more pleasing to the eye and they create a warmer image.
4. DON’T WEAR SHORT SKIRTS OR DRESSES.
When choosing a dress keep in mind how it will feel when we transition to sitting shots. How will it feel with a child or two on your lap? If you wear a short dress or skirt choose something flowy so that you can adjust it around your legs when you sit.
5. AVOID HEADBANDS AND LARGE BOWS FOR SMALL CHILDREN! I know that they are cute, but whatever the age of the child they tend to slide down.
Remember we will be playing, tickling and cuddling. I’m sure you’ll grow tired of adjusting the sliding down headband. If you child’s hair needs to be pulled back choose an elastic band instead.
6. DON’T WEAR COATS WITH THE INTENT TO TAKE THEM OFF! If it is cold outside, dress accordingly.
Cold kids aren’t happy kids. Putting a coat on and off will ultimately result in a cold child. Instead, dress in layers and keep those little ones happy.
7. DON’T WEAR NEON OR BRIGHT COLORS! Those colors can cast onto the skin.
I’m not saying that I don’t love a little pop of color, because I certainly do. However, muted colors and warm earth tones look better on camera and are more flattering for skin tones. Of course we don’t want the attention drawn to some bright piece of clothing.
8. DON’T WEAR BASEBALL HATS OR FLOPPY HATS THAT COVER YOUR EYES!
I understand if that is your style, but choose an alternate (like a beanie) that allows the light to fall on your face. And bring the baseball hat for a few shots at the end. :)
9. DON’T HAVE YOUR CELL PHONE AND KEYS IN YOUR POCKETS! I get it, we all carry our phones with us.
But consider leaving the phone in the car. It will show through your pants and you’ll have to remove it each time you sit down. Leave your key filled keychain in the car for the same reason. Instead just carry the fob, or I’ll be happy to throw them in my bag during our shoot.
10. Don’t forget the bike shorts or diaper cover!
If your daughter is wearing a skirt or dress make sure to cover up the diaper or underwear. Remember we’ll be playing, swinging and tickling. Little girls probably don’t care, but you most likely will.
AND LASTLY, DON’T BE SOMEONE YOU’RE NOT!
You will look and feel uncomfortable if you aren’t dressing for yourselves. Wear what speaks to you, what you feel good in and what makes you comfortable. After all this is YOUR photoshoot, have fun with it!
AND if you want advice on what TO wear, just ask. :)
And if you are doing an extended family session, all of these tips apply to you too.
A little recap-
DON’T WEAR CLOTHES THAT FIT POORLY
AVOID LARGE PATTERNS
DON’T WEAR NEON OR BRIGHT COLORS THOSE COLORS CAN CAST ONTO THE SKIN.
DON’T WEAR SHORT SKIRTS OR DRESSES
AVOID HEADBANDS AND LARGE BOWS FOR SMALL CHILDREN
Dress for the weather
DON’T WEAR BASEBALL HATS OR FLOPPY HATS THAT COVER YOUR EYES
DON’T HAVE YOUR CELL PHONE AND KEYS IN YOUR POCKETS
DON’T FORGET THE BIKE SHORTS OR DIAPER COVER
Wear comfortable shoes
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kathleen williams
