When a client books a session the question that immediately follows is "What should we wear?"
While this can be one of the hardest parts of a session it's honestly one of my favorites! I have spent lots of time picking up tips and tricks to helping my clients look their absolute best! You can see pictures of families on Pinterest and feel intimidated by how put together they seem. It's my hope that after reading this blog post you will feel confident in styling your family and excited about the beautiful memories you're going to create!.
This guide is specifically for the mamas!
As mamas we are usually the last ones to get in front of the camera. We take the time to get our kiddos all ready and even our hubbies-but we neglect ourselves. We tend to be too busy, too insecure or a host of other things that trigger our camera shy-ness. But I want to encourage you. You are the most beautiful mama your babies have. And they won't notice or remember our imperfections. They will remember these beautiful moments captured though the lens that tell a story of love-your story of love. So now that we've got that out of the way, and you know that you're beautiful in every way you need to be, let's get started!
Step 1: The Queen
Yes, that's right. The queen of this operation-mom!
So we are going to do something that goes against the natural flow of life-and we are going to take care of mama first! Why, you ask? I like for mom to be the centerpiece of family photos-the glue that holds every one together! There are so many options for mom and so many ways for you to really stand out in these pictures. Since we all know that this may be the only time this year (or for the next three years) that you step in front of the camera, we are going to make sure that you look your very best!
1. First things first (and early)
Start early. You wear 50 different hats and keep so many plates spinning. So if you've booked a session it's time to work on your outfit. We don't want a mama stressed out the day before a shoot trying to find the perfect outfit. Resist the urge to find something cute for your kiddos. There are an innumerable amount of cute clothes for our kids-no worries there. You don't want to look frazzled and feel frustrated on your special day!.
This is my biggest piece of advice that will ensure you love the way you look and aren't stressing out the night before your session. I know it is SO tempting to find a cute outfit for your kids, or so easy to pick something out for your husband, and to then try to work around those pieces. But trust me...you will end up feeling frazzled, defeated, and frustrated. Because I guarantee you'll end up finding something you love, or fits amazing, but it won't match. And you'll force yourself into something you don't feel great in just to complete the outfits in time for your session.
Fit is super important-you want to feel comfortable and be able to move. You also want to find a great color/print that you love! If you go with a print, build solids with the rest of your family. Once you've found THE outfit, it's smooth sailing. Men are easy and kids are cute in everything! Try on several things and send to your photographer and a friend or two for extra input. Also, if you order online you have the option of free return shipping.
2. Say YES to the DRESS
Maxi, maxi, maxi. I can't say this enough! I love the look of a flowy maxi for pictures. They photograph beautifully and the movement adds such richness to photos!! Also, they are comfortable and let you bend and move to pick up your kiddos, sit with them, etc. I photograph very playfully and maxis allow for that. Maxis are also flattering on just about every body type! Look for empire waists, loose fitting fabric-something that doesn't cling.
Maxis can be for any season! Look for richer colors in the Fall and winter months: mustards, olives, burgundy. You can pair them with cardigans, jackets and booties to give the feel of Fall and Winter.
Some of my favorite places to find these are: ASOS, Lulus, Forever 21 (yep, you heard that right), Amazon and you local Ross or TJ Maxx.
3. You Do You
Of course dresses aren't for everyone! Lots of people prefer jeans and layers for their Fall or winter pictures. That's fine! Just make sure that comfort and movability are top concerns. You will be playing with you kiddos and picking them up so just be mindful of that.
Step 2: The Fam Bam
COLORS
First order of business: Coordinate but don't match. I'll say it again for the people in the back. Coordinate, but don't match. Matching outfits for an entire family is very distracting in pictures. For fall you want light neutrals (cream, blue and greys, etc.) and you rich tones (mustard, hunter greens and burgundy). These are also great for Christmas pictures that will look good on your walls all year round. Select different shades of the same color. You can also get a plaid shirt or item- all the colors in a plaid are complimentary. Choose colors that look good with your skin tone and don't wash you out. Also, think about the colors in the room you plan to hang your images.
TEXTURES
You can add some complexity to your style with little things such as scarves, jewelry and cardigans. Fall is a great season for layering during pictures. While you don't want the accessories to take over and overpower a little goes a long way. Once you have the basic outfit laid out, play around with adding little things here and there.
PATTERNS
This is one of my favorite things to play around with. It's a chance to have a little fun with your wardrobe! It's usually a good rule of thumb for one or two people in the family to have a pattern and the rest to wear solids. Find patterns that are different, yet don't take away from each other. A plaid and a polka dot can work well for two members of the family.
SHOES:
Often the forgotten about element, but still so important. Remember to go for comfort! Many Fall pictures are outdoors in nature-possibly a field or forest. You want footwear that fits the setting. Avoid themed/logo bearing shoes, athletic footwear or shoes that are too bulky.
Step 3: The Pro
Sometimes even with lots of tips and suggestions, it helps to have a real live person give a second opinion! Reach out to your photographer and send pictures of what you've put together. He or she can let you know how those things will photograph in specific locations and with certain lighting. Looking your best will go a long way in achieving gorgeous images for your family-images not just to store on social media, but to display in your home for years to come!
1 Comments
Oct 7, 2019, 4:55:01 PM
Amy - Beautiful photos and the best advice. Thank you for sharing. I try to explain this to my kids when they have their photos taken.