What to wear

Choosing something to wear for everyday outings and errands is hard enough. Choosing something to wear for photos that will be displayed and shared with future generations can be downright terrifying for some. Where do you start? Should you dress up or be casual? What colors should you choose? Should everyone in the photos match or not?

Any time a client books with me I send them a handy “What to Wear” guide with some basic tips on being portrait ready. I've compiled those tips and more in this post for you. Share with friends, regardless where they are going for their portraits, so they can present themselves in the best way possible.

• Coordinate colors! We've all seen those family portraits where every member is in khaki pants and a white shirt, or jeans and a black shirt. These can be fun and look great on your wall, but even better is to simply coordinate colors and let each member choose an outfit that shows a little of their personality. Color combinations that work well together are jewel tones (emerald green and burgundy), pastels, neutral colors like gray and navy blue (mix in a few pops of yellow for a really great looking combo!), or bright and cheery colors like turquoise and salmon pink. Red, white, and blue are also always winners together, just stay away from starts and stripes to avoid looking like a living flag :) 
• Solid colors are king. Patterns that are too busy can be distracting in a portrait. Steer clear of bold patterns, although small and simple patterns can add a cute element (think small polka dots or a floral skirt.)
• Avoid baggy clothing. It will make you look larger or awkward in your portraits. Form-fitted clothing, such as cocktail/summer dresses (but not too short!) or well-fitted jeans and tailored shirts or vests look best in photos. 
• Accessorize! Wear that statement necklace, bring the chunky bracelets, throw the bright purse on your arm, and grab your new heels. These add personality to your portraits. If you're doing an on-location shoot, be sure to pack a pair of flip flops or flats for walking around. Blisters aren't flattering on anyone!
• Layer, layer, layer! This should be second-nature for my Colorado clients, but it's helpful for everyone to layer their clothing for photo shoots. Layering looks great, but also allows for quick wardrobe changes. The mom-to-be in the image at the top of this page was able to quickly put a dress on over her tank and leggings for a completely different look during her session. 
• Match styles! This is really important. If you are having a couples, sibling, family, or group portrait taken, be sure that everyone sticks to a similar style of clothing. If not all members are in agreement on the look they want, bring more than one set of outfits so everyone gets at least a photo or two wearing their preferred style. This does not mean to NOT be yourself! Make sure your personality shines through, but if everyone is dressing nicely you should refrain from wearing jeans to the shoot and vice versa. 
• Don't wear shirts with logos/writing on them. This is distracting in the final images. 
• Don't wear extremely short and/or snug dresses or skirts. This makes posing harder and, therefore, less natural. 
• Do be yourself and have fun! A portrait session should be a fun experience for everyone, so dress nicely but in something you're comfortable in and would wear on any other day. 

Some other examples of clients that chose outfits that coordinated and avoided being "matchy." Notice the patterns some clients wore. They were adorable and SMALL. They added personality to the photo without taking attention away from the subjects!