DON’T WEAR CLOTHING THAT DOESN’T FIT WELL
Okay, this may seem obvious, but it’s important, and sometimes this can be overlooked. Avoid clothing that is either too big or too tight. Fitted, but not tight clothing looks will look more flattering than loose, baggy clothes, which can make you appear heavier. Likewise, make sure clothing isn’t too tight or short and will stay in place when you sit or raise your arms or walk. My sessions are full of play and movement and you don’t want to have to worry about adjusting clothing during your session. We will have fun during the shoot play your favourite music, dance around.
Have everyone in the family try on their outfits and do the Sit Test. Sit on the ground or your bed and make sure that clothing stays in place, isn’t too tight, and doesn’t ride up.
Next, everyone raise your hands overhead. Did your son or husband’s shirt stay in place?
Mums, watch the length of your dress. You don’t want to wear a dress that will ride up too high when you sit or lift your child up in the air. Avoid tight-fitting fabrics that restrict your movement. Also, choose your undergarments carefully. Make sure bra straps don’t show or slip out of place as you don’t want to worry about making adjustments during your session.
DON’T WEAR CLOTHING OR DRESS KIDS IN CLOTHING THAT IS UNCOMFORTABLE
So, you’ve picked out the perfect outfit for your child only to realize they hate how the material feels. I’ve been there. But trust me; it’s not worth it if your child hates what they’re wearing. Not only will he be miserable during your session, but so will you. but your child will not cooperate and smile for the photos, It’s a recipe for disaster and disappointment.
In my experience, kids are happiest at sessions when they like what they’re wearing; they also feel more comfortable and confident. This translates into relaxed and happy expressions, and photos you will love.
SAY NO TO NEON, BRIGHT COLOURS AND BUSY PATTERNS COLOURS
When it comes to choosing clothing colors for your session, this is a bit of a personal preference. However, if you’ve hired me to photograph your family, you already know that I aim to capture images that focus on emotion and family connection. Bright colored clothing, such as royal blue, hot pink and bright orange or red, take the focus off your family. If you want your photos to have a classic and timeless feel, I recommend avoiding extremely bright colours. Avoid dressing one person in a completely different colour, especially when that colour is much darker or in stark contrast to the rest of the family. This draws attention to that color and will look out of place in your family photos. For example, if everyone is wearing light colored neutrals and soft pastels, don’t dress dad in a bright pink polo.
PATTERS
Avoid stripes and small and busy patterns. They don’t photograph well.
NO LOGOS, GRAPHIC T-SHIRTS OR CLOTHING WITH WORDS
You probably already know this, but it's super important not to wear any words, logos, or characters of any kind on your clothing. Even that tiny Nike or Carhartt logo in the top corner of your t-shirt is going to draw the eye there rather than the subject of the photo... your family! That's the entire point of your photo session so let's keep the attention on you.
Keep the focus on your family, not the words on their shirts. And please, no cartoon characters.
DON’T DRESS EVERYONE IN MATCHING OUTFITS
Aim for complementary and coordinating colors and textures instead of overly matched outfits, which look forced and dated. I know it can be popular to dress siblings in matching outfits, but personally I prefer when each child wears his or her own outfit. Not only does this allow for individuality, but it looks better in photos because it provides some visual separation between people. This is important because when I photograph families, everyone is very close together. If you’ve had a session with me, you know I often say, “closer, closer, no gaps between anyone!” If both mum and dad are dressed in the same shade of green or blue for example, they will blend together in the photos. Instead, choose a different shade of that colour.
DON’T OVERLOOK THE DETAILS
Often, we’re so focused on the big picture when it comes to getting everyone dressed for family photos, that we may overlook the details. But details really do make a difference.
Avoid ALL of the following:
- Sunglasses on top of your head
- Hair ties on wrist
- Transition eye-wear (you want to be able to see eyes in your photos)
- Hair ties, string bracelets or fitness trackers on wrists
- Bulky watches (that will date your photos)
- Phones, wallets or keys in pockets
- Food in teeth and food on your baby or toddler’s face
- Chipped or bright colored nail polish that clashes with your clothing
- Any clothing that shows lint or pet hair
- Wrinkled clothing
A FINAL NOTE: DON’T OVERDO HAIR AND OTHER ACCESSORIES OR MAKE-UP
When it comes to hair accessories, I’m all for subtlety. That cute bow that came with your daughter’s dress? Make sure it’s small enough that it doesn’t detract from her beautiful face. When you look at your photos, you want the focal point on your daughter’s eyes and expression, not the boat-sized bow balancing on her cute curls. Similarly, scarves and jewelry should accent an outfit, not overpower it.
Hairstyles – Avoid up-dos or pulling hair back too tightly. This will look stiff and too formal. It’s also best not try a new haircut or style or color right before your session.
Make-up – Keep make-up natural and avoid bright lipstick. I do recommend an extra layer of mascara for moms to really help eyes stand out. Opt for lipstick that stays in place and won’t leave marks on faces when I ask you to kiss your kids. Avoid eye make-up and lipstick on little girls who look most beautiful au natural.