Fashion Do and Don't for Photography Sessions

A common conversation that I have with my photography client is what to wear for their session. Now I know there are many lists out there that are wonderful and extremely helpful for giving some guidelines in deciding what to wear during your photo shoots. But I wanted to personally create my own guideline to help my clients have a beautiful outcome to their portraits. So without further- ado, here is a list of do's and dont's when finding what to wear for your portrait session.

1) Do - Find a color scheme:

The best place to start when finding outfits for your family to wear, is to find a color scheme. When everyone is wearing the same color of clothes in picture, it creates a look that they were meant to be in the photo together. Kind of like when you go to an amusement park and you see the extremely large family in bright orange shirts that say "Smith Family Reunion". There's no denying that you're all together, the difference is that you'll make it look good.

2) Don't - Wear T's with large logos or other wording on it:

Although they can be really nice shirts (possibly even your favorite), the writing across your chest usually distracts from your face.

3) Do - Wear outfits that are unique to you:

One reason why you take family portrait is to remember that time of your lives, you know; how few grey hairs you had, how young your children were, how big your family has grown, and what "stage" everyone was in at that time in your lives. Granted, it may be no stage at all, the point is, that when you look at these images years from the portrait date, you'll reminisce on the 'good 'ol days'. So choose outfits that you would typically wear, just be sure everyone keeps with the color scheme when they're choosing their outfits.

4) Don't - Wear clothes that reveal part of your body that you feel insecure about:

I mean, it's pretty self explanatory, but lets talk about it anyways. Everyone has some sort of insecurity about themselves (unless I'm the only one). whether you don't like the way your arms look, or you feel that your knee cap are funky. Now, I will do everything in my power to pose you in flattering ways, but there are some things I can't control. If you have a tattoo that you don't want to be shown, wear something that will cover it. If you feel that your arm are too large or small, wear something with longer sleeves. And if you don't like your knees, but you want to wear shorts, skirt, or a dress; be sure it goes past your knee caps.

5) Do - Accessorize & Layer:

Accessories can be a fun addition to your session maybe it's a hat, a scarf, or a jacket; adding something to your outfit makes it more unique and personable. Just keep in mind that their are a couple of rules when accessorizing for photos.

1: Don't over do it. (Try to keep the accessorize to a minimum, say about one.)

2: Just like the second tip from this list, don't wear accessories with logos on them.

One more thing about this topic. This one is for the ladies; a fun, flowy dress can be the best accessory EVER! So if the dress will compliment your partner or your families outfits, I strongly recommend it!

I hope this list is helpful, I just want to leave you with one last thing, and I'm about to get cheesy so get the crackers ready. The best thing you can possibly wear is a smile, happiness is beautiful! So stay happy, and I'll see you soon.