No matter your style, it's my job as a photographer to deliver gorgeous artwork. The goal of this guide is to help you choose something that makes you feel great, and what will make you smile when you look at your artwork!
Timeless: Think timeless and stay away from trendy. You will have your portraits forever and want to always enjoy and treasure them. Consider your living room decor (or other rooms you plan to hang your portraits). If you are unsure, neutral and/or earthy tones will coordinate with just about any decor.
Solids: Solid colors often look the best. Prints and stripes tend to be distracting, and you really want the focus of the image to be on your family, not your clothes. But there are exceptions to every rule! A small print or detail on the bottom of dress looks nice. Just keep in mind that mixing too many prints/patterns can draw the focus away from the subjects.
Coordinate: I recommend coordinating, but not matching. Gone are the days of "matchy-matchy" outfits. If you are stumped on what colors work together, give me a call and I will be happy to help.
Central outfit: A good strategy is to start with one outfit that you love and then build your other colors/clothing pieces around it.
Avoid Bright Colors: Bright colors tend to cause color casts on skin, which you don't want in your images. For example, if you wear a bright pink, orange, or lime green shirt, you'll see that color reflecting on your skin.
Accessorize: Consider adding a scarf for Mom or maybe a vest for Dad to incorporate some texture. Statement earrings or a beautiful necklace can be quite appealing too. Lots of texture is great, but shy away from busy patterns in those accessories.
Dress for the Weather: Choose outfits that will be comfortable for the season. At the same time, remember you will have your artwork displayed year round, so dress in attire that will reflect your style and personality all year long.
Location: Keep location in mind! I don't want you blending in with your background. If the location has lots of trees and greenery, find a color that compliments or contrasts with the setting to help stand out.
Comfort: Don't forget about comfort. Remember that you'll often do a lot of walking around during sessions. High heels may look great, but may not be the best choice in a field. Choose something that is both comfortable and visually appealing. Be sure to think about your kids too. If your son HATES wearing a bowtie, consider skipping that style so he isn't pulling at his clothes or frustrated during the session. A happy kid will enjoy the experience, and their photos, that much more!