What to Wear Wednesday | Phoenix Portrait Photographer

What to Wear for your family photo shoot (or any photo shoot)!

My clients always ask me what they should wear for their portrait or family photography session. While there are no hard and fast rules, some clothes generally photograph better, so I’ve put together some guidelines that will help you decide on your best outfit for the day.

Combine colors

Solid colors tend to work best: all attention is on you, and not your clothing. If there’s more than one person in the picture, try to coordinate colors so that they work well together. You don’t need to wear the same color (in fact, it will look better if you don’t!) – just make sure they don’t clash.

Choose colors from the opposite sides of the color wheel (complementary colors), or the colours adjacent to each other (harmonious colors). Most people just know what color combinations work for them, so just trust your instincts. For those of you who don’t know, here’s an easy-to-use online tool: Color Scheme Designer If you are completely and utterly stuck, get in touch with me and I will point you in the right direction.

 

Avoid patterns and logos

Logos aren’t great as they date really quickly, and busy patterns create too much visual noise and distract from the main subject on the photo – you. If you must wear a pattern, try to limit it to just one piece (for example, combine jeans with a patterned top).

 

Wear denim

If you’re not much of a fashionista, and prefer jeans– then please wear them! Combine them with a great top and some accessories and you’ll look fab! However, do avoid wearing more than one piece of denim clothing, unless you’re going for an 80’s flash back.

 

Dress for the same season

For family portraits (or any group photograph) make sure you’re dressed for the same season.

 

Think layers

Layered clothing works really well. It’s the easiest way to get varied looks from your session without having to worry about finding a place to change.

 

Accessorize. Bring your kids’ favorite toys

Wear or bring scarves, necklaces, earrings – whatever you love, anything that’s unique to you, your family, your kids. For children’s portraits, please bring a couple of their favorite toys (or have them at the ready if the photography session is taking place at your home). Not only they are a great prop for your kids portraits, but it will also make it easier for me to gain your kid’s trust before the session (show me a kid that wouldn’t want to talk about his or her favorite toys!)

It’s all about YOU

Wear something you feel comfortable in, something that makes you feel gorgeous and confident. If you are not normally wearing little dresses and high heels – it’s probably not a good idea to wear them on the day of your portrait session. And remember: if you just must wear something that I said you shouldn’t – then by all means wear it!

Still not sure what to wear?

If you’re still stuck, and can’t choose between several outfits or not sure whether your colors will work – send me a photo and I’ll offer some tips and advice!

And finally… Think about your walls.

Are you planning to order a large framed print to put it on your wall? What is that room’s color scheme? Can you find clothing you can wear on the day of your photography session that would complement your interior? Or are you redecorating soon?

 

Thanks to Antonina Photography in London for the wonderful write up on What to Wear.