What to Wear for Family Photographs
It is important to make sure all clothing fits properly . Take the time to try on each piece. Note whether you should wash, dry clean or iron prior to the session. For outdoor photos, watch the weather. Everyone should be appropriately dressed for the temp. Pull back hair into ponytails or braids if the forecast calls for wind. All items of clothing, including coats, shoes and socks will appear in the photos.
Wearing a dress? Stick with medium to long dresses. They are the most flattering. Short dresses can be a challenge when sitting. Longer dresses capture movement which looks awesome in family photos.
For the little ones, don’t fight the clothing battle. You won’t win. Bring along your outfit and the kiddo’s choice and we will be able to make something work. Sometimes Junior’s batman shirt ends up being Mom’s favorite part of the holiday photo.
Newborns look and feel best in comfy onesies. Don’t overthink it. I especially love the collection at Peach Fuzz in Humboldt Park (onesie collection search)
For those in your family who drool or have a tendency to spill on their clothes (it’s not always the kids!) don’t wear picture clothes until you arrive at the photo location.
Empty pockets and leave apple watches at home.
Wear or bring comfortable shoes. This is just a good idea in general.
Everything you wear will show up in the photos. Including Dad’s white socks. Photoshop is not always an option.
Color: Work with the same color scheme. If you love a light colored sweater, have the family coordinate with pastels and light colors. Maybe your kiddo has a bold red sweater that he loves to wear, pick other primary colors to coordinate your outfit. Want to dive deeper into color combos? This is an excellent article on choosing colors and working with patterns.
Pattern: I love it when my clients incorporate patterns into their look. The best way to achieve this is to keep together the color scheme. For example, you are wearing a dark blue shirt, someone in your family can wear a gingham blue shirt underneath a sweater. Another great way to incorporate patterns into your outfits is to use a scarf or incorporate a bow or headband.
Texture: I think conflicting textures can add depth to your portraits. Maybe Mom wears a silk shirt and the little one wears a cotton or wool sweater.
Accessories are great and can add a textural element to the photos. Jewelry, scarves, bowties, etc. are all good.
Are you a visual learner? Check out real life clients looking great a various photo locations through this link. Logan Square Pinned What to Wear
Photos at the studio
The studio is very neutral. That means all genres of clothing from formal to pj’s can look great in the space. The backgrounds work with all color combinations.
Newborn Sessions
Newborn sessions are unique because newborn skin is sensitive to textures and color. Sessions at the studio are bright and airy and I wrap the baby in soft cotton wraps. It is best for parents and siblings as well as the baby to wear light colors, something as simple as a white t-shirt and jeans can look perfect against newborn baby skin. I provide all of the blankets and wraps for the newborn but please do bring along any important family heirloom or a cute stuffy, anything that is special to your family that you would like to incorporate into the portraits.
Outdoor Photos
It is imperative that everyone being photographed outdoors dress for the weather. Chicago can be brutal with heat and cold. Check the weather report to make sure the outfits you will be wearing fits with the weather. Cooler weather gives you the opportunity to layer up! If the temps are below 50. Plan on the kids wearing coats or colorful vests and make it a fun part of the outfit. If it is warm, flowy cotton dresses and linen pants can keep you cool and look great in an outdoor setting.
Leave the diaper bag and stroller in the car. We won’t be too far and the less you bring, the more candid photos we can capture.
Maternity
There is no rule about what you should wear for a maternity session. I think a long, flow-y or form fitting dress looks lovely and accentuates the baby bump. Alternatively, all Moms have that ‘go-to’ dress or maternity jeans that becomes the staple outfit as the baby grows.