This is a question that almost every client asks before coming in for a session... what should we wear?
Of course, I can only offer my opinion, but I do have an opinion on the matter. The first thing I will ask people is "What kind of images do you want to end up with? Formal, casual, posed, natural? It makes a big difference. If your family all comes in their Sunday best and wants to rough house and play around on the floor, it won't be wrong, but it won't be a traditional "Sunday best" kind of photo session either. If everyone wears football jersey's in a flowery senic garden setting, it may not be conveying what you're looking for either.
So what do I suggest? The hardest part about choosing clothes for a photo shoot is that there are NO concrete rules, but I do suggest finding clothes that you have (or at least something you would normally buy anyway) and making them fit the type of session you want. I also suggest keeping it simple! Large graphic prints or logos tend to distract from the main subject of the image (you and your family), as do heavy plaids or large florals. Solid colors and tight small patters are less distracting, but can be mixed with other patterns or styles when they compliment each other (or "go together").
Many people have seen the style of image where everyone is dressed alike in the same color or style of outfit. This is something that I recommend for families. If everyone is dressed in similar toned clothing, the focus will be on expressions rather than outfits. It helps create a timeless image that won't "clash" with decor. If you are concerned that you'll look like a bunch of idiot twins, rest assured, that won't be the case! LOL! We have many images that show this look both in a classic type portrait, as well as an "out of the box" type portrait!
The key here is to COORDINATE! Dress Mom first! Moms, we all know how hard it is to find just the right outfit. You want to look stylish, AND be relatively comfortable. Now, imagine picking out every one else’s outfit first and then having to find something for you to wear that coordinates. Eeek! Do yourself a favor and pick your outfit first. Then, it will be much easier to get the family look pulled together around your perfect outfit.
There are some things that you should keep in mind. For example, bare arms look bigger, don't ask me why they just do. Also, most people know that horizontal stripes make people look wider, but I wouldn't feel right if I didn't at least mention it. It is pretty obvious that you should come in clean and well fitting clothes, but if during a session (specifically outdoors) you or your child should get a little messy it's really nothing to stress about. There are many little things that can be "fixed" after the session is over.
The main thing to remember when thinking about what to wear at your photo session is that while important, it isn't anything to get worked up about. The more relaxed you and your family come to a session, the more fun we'll all have and you will end up with beautiful pictures to remember a special time in your life.
Until next time...
