The ONE question that I hear from nearly every client – “WHAT DO WE WEAR FOR OUR SESSION???” Choosing what to wear for your session is often the most stressful part of the entire photography process! Your clothing choices for your session help to convey the mood of your session – casual and relaxed or more formal. In my experience with my clients, most prefer a casual feel, but there’s a way to do casual that still is coordinated and “put together”. 

Part of what I do as your photographer in your pre-session consultation is to help you with all the planning – including clothing! Often my clients will text me pictures of outfits they are considering. Communication with your photographer and NOT STRESSING about what you will wear are the keys to feeling perfectly styled and ready for your moment in front of the camera. Here are some simple tips will help you chose the perfect outfits for your session with ease!

Don’t forget to check your closet first! 

SESSION STYLING TIPS

DO – Consider your location. A session in a downtown or urban location may mean different choices clothing choices and/or colors than a country or park-like setting. Also consider the primary colors of your location. A setting that is primarily bright white rocks or buildings may be the wrong place to wear primarily white clothing.

DO – Start with mom (for family sessions). If mom’s happy, everyone is happy! I have found that if mom gets her outfit together, the rest of the family comes together pretty quickly. 

DO – Choose a color scheme based on where you’d like to display your artwork. For Example –  If you’re planning on a living room wall display and your living room is decorated in earth tones choose colors that will coordinate.

DO – Choose flattering colors. What colors work well on you and your family? Start there. Do you look better in warmer or cooler colors? Flattering colors ultimately make your pictures better! Once you know what colors are best for you, you can then use a color wheel to find what colors you can use to get everyone coordinated.

DON’T – Match. Leave the jeans and white t-shirts at home and instead choose a color scheme and coordinate.

DO – Layer. The more layers the better. Sweaters, scarves, jewelry, blazers layers create visual interest and add texture throughout your pictures. They’re a great addition.

DON’T- Be afraid of patterns. Plaids, polka-dot, florals, and stripes can be overwhelming when all used together but mixing in a few patterns here and there are another great way to add some interest to you photo session.

DO – Pay attention to your shoes. Shoes matter! A pair of Nike sneakers mixed in with cute boots and dress shoes can be an eye sore in your photos. Try to stick with neutral shoes for the whole family.

DON’T – Wear logos. As much as shoes can be an eye sore so can a big logo across a t-shirt. Try to steer clear of sports or brand logos or sayings across the front of your shirt. Again, this takes the attention away from the family and brings the eye right to the t-shirt.

DO – Stay comfortable! Wear something you’re comfortable sitting, standing, running and playing in! You’ll thank me later!

DON’T – Over think it! You want your family to look like your family, so don’t stress too much about the outfits. Be sure to have fun with it!

DO – Consider Pinterest for collecting ideas!

Want to Learn More?

If you’d like my entire client guide which has all this clothing information, plus everything you need to know about a PCP Family Session, click the image below to sign up for the PCP Family Guide or HERE. I would love to visit with you about planning your next session. When you book with PCP, I will be with you from the scheduling and planning of your session (including wardrobe!) all the way to the delivery of your heirloom quality prints and products!