If you have booked a photography session, it is only natural to wonder what you should wear on the photoshoot day. Often, we get confused about what will look on us and what will make the portrait look good. If you have the same thoughts in your mind, this post is curated to help you. Here you will find some helpful tips that I always tell my clients. I hope these tips will help you prepare for your photography session.
Your outfit can make or break the mood of the final photograph, and fortunately, it is something you can control quite easily. I have compiled a list of dos and don’ts that you can refer to while putting together outfits for you and your family. Arranging your outfits according to this guide will ensure a flattering look for you and also provide you with photographs that you can treasure forever.
Nothing Can Go Wrong with White
If you are confused about which color to choose for your outfit, simply go with white. Wearing a white dress or a shirt can create a flattering look against the backdrop and make you look vivid in the photographs. It reflects light to your face and automatically enlivens the image. White outfits can create a wonderful equilibrium in the photographs and can prevent distractions.
If you are looking for family photo ideas for 5 family members, you can wear combinations of white, different shades of blue, coral, and beige to create soothing yet vibrant visual imagery. Choose the beach or woods for a family portrait backdrop, and you will get a set of wall-worthy photographs. And, if you are confused about the location, just browse “Outdoor family photoshoot near me”, and the internet will provide you will hundreds of beautiful locations in your vicinity.
The Fabric is Important Too
The fabric quality of your outfit can be very evident in the photographs. Thus, paying attention to the fabric you choose for your photography session is crucial. High-quality natural fabrics look better than cheaper synthetic materials in photographs.
Though nowadays there are various affordable cloth brands to choose from, I recommend you pick your outfit for the photoshoot from an ethical company that uses natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or silk.
If you are taking family portraits, mixing fabrics of different textures between family members can also make your photographs visually interesting.
Choose Light Pastel Shades
Color theory is a very interesting subject, something that has fascinated me ever since I learned about it in college. Through the multiple photography sessions I have done with my clients, I have grown to understand that choosing the right color for your outfit can transform your image to the ultimate level. And I am sure every bay area family photographer would back me on that.
Playing around with different colors and figuring out which goes well with what has always enthralled me. I have noticed that wearing something from the calm, muted pastel shade always looks well in photographs, especially if you want your portraits to be dreamy. These muted shades can make you look relaxed yet cheerful, and these feelings, when captured, make the portraits look charming. Creating outfits around lighter color palettes also pairs really well if you are aiming to have a couple of soft and romantic portraits with your partner.
Limit the patterns
Patterns are indeed fun, but they can be very overwhelming at times too. Loud colors and bold patterns are big “no-no” for family portraits. They can create distractions and bury the emotions you want to capture in the photographs. However, a few people wearing light patterns might look good in a large group. The pop of patterns in between a large family can create interesting visual imagery.
I am not asking you to avoid patterns altogether. If you want, you can pick outfits with smaller patterns in sober colors that won’t scream for attention. For me, “Less is the new more”. The same goes for accessories and jewelry. I recommend wearing light bracelets, a simple pendant with a chain, or small earrings. The simpler you dress, the more sophisticated your portraits are.
Coordinate Instead of Matching Your Outfits
Matching your outfits with your kids might be fun, but not when you go for a photography session. The whole family wearing the same shirt looks as cheesy as it sounds and makes your family photographs look too confusing. Rather, you can choose outfits in the same color family that do not exactly match but goes well together. For instance, blue goes well with white and beige. Or you can pick rust and corals.
Walking through the woods wearing a flowing gown sounds absurd in real life, isn’t it? But, doing just that can create a mystic impression in your portraits. I recommend my female clients wear a dress. Long and flowy ones always looks good on photos.Choose to Dress Up, ok flattering in portraits. For the men, I recommend wearing a button-down shirt, or a proper suit.
These photographs that you are investing your money and time on will go into your family albums or hang on your living room wall, and I want you to look the best in them. Thus, sometimes it is desirable that you go all out while dressing yourselves, yet pick something that looks sober and sophisticated.
And Finally, Make Sure Your Hair and Makeup are Spot On
A camera can capture even the minute details that you do not usually think of, like your hair and nails. While you get for your photo shoot, ensure your nails are well-trimmed. If you want them painted, choose a light, neutral color. In addition, your makeup in photographs usually appears duller than in real life. If you are not accustomed to doing your own makeup, taking help from a professional would be a wide discussion. If you like to do your own makeup, make sure you apply your makeup a little bolder than usual.
Your photos are meant to be enjoyed for years to come, and I want to help you look and feel your best so you can feel confident in how your photos can turn out. Always be sure to keep your location in mind when choosing your outfit, whether at a studio or in nature. If you would like your photo session to be dreamy, timeless, and meticulously curated, please click the link to learn more about family photography package Click here to Inquire