What To Wear

A thoughtfully curated wardrobe can take a good photograph to a great photograph by creating a cohesive, timeless look. You will want to look back on these photos for years to come, so choosing what to wear is important. This guide will help you choose clothes that flatter and show off your personality and style without taking anything away from the photos.

Choose clothing that allows for natural movement and feels comfortable. We will be moving/sitting/standing a lot! Lifestyle photography often involves candid moments, so stiff or restrictive clothing can look unnatural. You will want to spend your session interacting with your loved ones, not pulling at your clothes, wondering if anything unseemly is showing.

Comfort Comes First

Loud prints, busy patterns and clothing with logos are distracting and draw attention away from the people and what’s happening in the photo.

Solid colors and subtle patterns work best for photography, especially when it comes to babies. Try to avoid onesies with words and prints. Solid, neutral onesies and swaddles make for timeless photos.

Avoid Distracting Patterns

I recommend my clients to go for neutral colors because they are timeless, easy to work with and you can find something for everyone in the family in a neutral. Think blue/navy, gray, whites (cream/ivory) browns, etc. Most of my clients pair these with denim or khaki.

I try to encourage my clients to limit the amount of black, it can be distracting, harsh and overwhelming. One person in black is often enough and it needs to vibe with the surroundings in the photo. (see below)

Use Color Wisely

For families and couples, I recommend having mom or the woman pick what she wants to wear first and then dress the rest of your family accordingly. Usually, the women are so worried about whatever everyone else will wear that they don’t decide on what they want to wear until the last minute and it’s often something they don’t like or don’t feel good in!

Try to void everyone wearing the same color or texture. Instead, choose a cohesive palette with complementary shades and tones.

Keep your home furnishings and general surroundings in mind when settling on a color palette, or what season we will be shooting in, if you have chosen and outdoor mini.

You want what you are wearing to jive with the colors around you otherwise you will stick out like a sore thumb.

For Lifestyle Sessions: Having a few options for each family member within your color palette is ideal. We will want to try a few different combination of outfits/accessories to change up the look of the photos!

Stick to a Color Palette

Textures & Layers

Try to avoid putting everyone in the same type of fabric. Incorporating textures like knits, linen, or corduroy adds depth and contrast to your photos. These details make images feel more dynamic and less flat.

Layers are important too! Cardigans, light jackets, or vests and even hats add visual interest and allow for outfit variety during the session.