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Family Portrait Photography

What To Wear To A Photoshoot

Sometimes, the biggest battle you face when taking portraits is simple what to wear or bring. So, this is a page for you. 

 

 Portrait Photography Session

The selection of proper clothing for your portrait is a critical factor in the preparation for a successful portrait. If the clothing is noticeable or overbearing in a portrait, it could easily become a distraction. Clothing that does not attract attention to itself is the ultimate goal. It could be the difference between a very successful portrait and just another picture. You may be asked to change your clothing selection before I take your portraits if you do not follow these basic guidelines.

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  • Dark clothing tends to slenderize. Darker clothing helps to blend the bodies with the background, so that the faces are the most important part of the photograph. Dark colors definitely tend to slenderise the subject.

  • Tone down bright colours. Bright colors attract attention away from the face and may be reflective. Avoid wearing red, bright pink, bright green etc. When choosing lighter colors, stick to pastels, but avoid pink tones. Pale yellow and pale blue work well, especially with jeans or kaki pants. These colours work great in nature for example, if you have a sunset photography session booked in.

  • Light clothing can look beautifully fresh. If you are worried about not appearing slender then it is safer to avoid white. White can look beautifully simple and fresh. White shirts and/or blouses under a dark jacket are perfect.

  • Prints and patterns are a definite NO. This includes logos. Avoid prints of any kind and patterns. No matter how small the print or the pattern, it will become a distraction. In the case of digital portraits, in particular, small patterns in clothing (even a small herring-bone or checkered pattern) can cause terrible distortions to appear in the portrait that are not originally there.

  • Avoid short sleeve clothing and short pants. Long sleeved clothing is a MUST! For casual portraits it is equally important to wear long pants instead of shorts. When arms and legs are exposed to the camera there will be more flesh in the photograph in those areas than on the face, itself. This is a major distraction.

  • Don’t over accessorise! Overbearing or heavily noticeable accessories can be a major distraction. Simple and minimal works best.

  • Glasses. Eye glasses may or may not be worn. Non-reflective lenses, of course, are a big help. Better yet, sometimes it’s possible to obtain a matching set of frames without any lenses. This is particularly helpful, if your lenses sometimes distort the outline of your face.

  • Tip. Lay out all the clothing onto a bed. Shoes, socks, stockings – everything should be included…shoes, too! Then, take a careful look at the collection. If your eye goes to any one item in particular, you can be certain that the same thing will happen in a photograph. That item should be changed. Clothing should not be too tight or too loose.

  • Here are some Prop Ideas for Couples / Pre Wedding-Sessions:  I feel it can be very simple like anything associated with both of you like musical instruments, sport items, champagne, hats, pets, rings etc.

Newborns or Kids

Maternity

  • When to plan for  Shoot : For expecting mamas with singletons, a good time to do your maternity photos when you are 28 – 32 weeks along in your third trimester (around 7 – 8 months pregnant). Your belly is showing beautifully round but you are still comfortable to pose. For expecting mamas with twins (or more), come in earlier around 26 – 30 weeks as twins tend to arrive much earlier than singletons.

  • Professional Makeup & Hair: I highly recommend professional makeup and hair. Not only will this make your photographer’s work easier, but you will also feel beautiful and confident at your session. Speak with your makeup artist how you would like your make up done. Generally, professional makeup is a bit heavier and colorful than your day-to-day makeup and that’s OK! Whether your photo session takes place in natural light or studio lights, your make-up will look very flattering. However if it’s not in the budget, your going-out-on-a-hot-date makeup and hair is fine too! Natural looking fake lashes can really flatter your eyes.

  • Posing: What makes maternity photos different from other portraits is that the images focus on you, your personality, feelings and the bond you have with your much-awaited baby. Many maternity poses such as hands on the belly and eyes looking down express emotions and connection to your belly. Other maternity poses empathize the beautiful curves of your body.

  • What to Wear: The goal is to show off that adorable baby bump, I prefer to do maternity on a solid black or white backdrop. Black, from head to toe is usually good (a flowing white outfit can also look great). A simple black or white (or both!) button down top in which the bottom area can be unbuttoned easily to expose your belly works best. But importantly wear whatever you feel comfortable and pretty in. Here’s a list I provide to my clients: the first one is mandatory, the rest of the list are suggestions.

    • Neutral strapless bra 

    • Avoid prints & patterns

    • Long, flowy or form-fitting dress (e.g. tube dress or a summer maxi dress)

    • Coordinating outfits (for significant other/husband and/or children. Choose a color palette that you like and coordinate your outfits accordingly. Visit my Pinterest Board to get some ideas!)

    • Any favorite scarves, accessories, jewelries, etc.

    • Please encourage the father (and your children if you have others) to come along if you wish (they should also dress in solid black or white). Several poses with your hands showing will be taken, so be sure to remove any jewelry that you do not want in the pictures (some women want to have their wedding ring in the picture, others do not.

    • ​Most prefer to remove their wrist watch. If you know you are having a boy or a girl and/or know what your baby will be named please let me know that info as well. Finally, be assured that I will not ask you to leave your comfort zone. I don’t want to ask you to do anything that you are uncomfortable with. Please be up-front in regards to what you would like, and are willing to do. I promise that we will do very graceful and tasteful posing for your pictures

  • Here are some Prop Ideas - 20 Maternity Photo Props: Accessories for Pregnancy Photoshoot (fixthephoto.com)

  • Newborns and Babies. 95% of the time, photographs of newborns and babies look best in their natural element i.e…their birthday suits! If you want them to be photographed with clothes, solid colors usually work best. Of course if you have that amazing outfit that you would love a photograph of, include it. Bare feet are a must. Feel free to bring any kind of prop that you want included. I prefer parents to dress in solid black from head to toe so that I can get the creative shots you are looking for.  Prop Ideas - Here 

  • Toddlers and Kids. I am a very casual person and I prefer to photograph children that way as well. Typically, my style of photography does not work well for traditional clothing or traditional portraits. Try to leave the “Sunday Best” at home. Solid colors work best. Bright and fun and funky bring out a whimsical side while Khaki’s, blue jeans, and white shirts are for more serious captures. A pretty dress is always beautiful for little girls. Don’t forget hats, sunglasses, boots, blankets, jackets, etc. can be great to show personality and bring out their silly side. Feel free to bring any other prop or comfort item that you want to include

  • Teens. Teens have their OWN sense of style – I love to let them express it however they wish.

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