How to choose Outfits for your Photoshoot
One of the questions I get asked the most on booking is 'What should we wear for our photoshoot?' and although I don't really feel comfortable telling people what they should and shouldn't wear I can offer some guidance as to what I find photographs best and what outfits go well with my colour schemes, shooting and editing style and props.
And that advice would be to go simple and neutral where possible. There's two main reasons for this ; these outfits help create the most timeless images so that your photos won't look dated hanging on your walls in 20 years time. So avoid the latest fashions or anything which creates too much of a 'statement'. The second reason is that wording, pictures and patterns as well as quickly dating also distract from the main subject of your family's beautiful faces.
I would also recommend that you have a bit of a theme/colour scheme amongst those participating in your shoot. All in jeans and white tshirts or all in baby blue and baby pink or all in creams and browns works great. Also think about the colours in your home and specifically where you are thinking of printing and hanging your images. If your lounge is the place and it's all whites and greys then maybe go for a darker grey and white or if your living room is mainly beige, try everyone in browns and creams. You are always welcome to send me over photos of outfits you are considering for that bit of extra advice and help.
I also like to do shoes and socks off in the studio. This helps keep the floors clean and also stops bottoms of socks and shoes being accidentally in the foreground of photos where you are sitting on the floor. I will never force anyone to remove their shoes and socks though so don't worry. If you know your family will want to wear socks, try and make sure they are just plain and neutral.
I also have a small selection of outfits for the little ones, up to around 1 year; nappy covers, rompers and tutus. Under 6 months old I prefer to use wraps over nappies and find tiny ones just get lost in proper clothes where collars and shirts crease up and can hide their cute features. Baby skin in my opinion is much more adorable than any outfit!
Outdoors, think about the colours in your choice of location and the season. Pastels look great in spring and if it's summer in the sunflower field, bright colours will look fab, or if it's Autumn in the woods, chunky knits with browns and oranges will look great.
Above all else though it's important that you all feel comfortable and yourselves in the outfits you choose. So if none of the above sounds like you and your family, no problem at all, just come in what you all feel comfortable in and then your smiles and relaxed faces will shine through!