There are so many different variables that influence the quality of a good photo. The location, the photographer, the lighting... you get the idea! One of the most essential details to remember when planning a session? YOUR CLOTHES.
There are so many ways that outfit choices change and impact your results. If you don't like how you look in that top? It doesn't matter what location the photo was taken in! One of the biggest pieces of advice that I offer to my clients? Never underestimate the power of a good outfit choice.
While this all can seem overwhelming because of all the details (especially for group photos), don't worry! I have organized and developed a checklist to help you find the best outfits for the occasion in an easy way.
1. Consider Your Location
While a good location helps with any image, so do the colors of that location. Are you outside? Is it really green? Or is it really brown?
Considering this will help you choose the right outfit colors that really POP against the background!
That playful contrast will allow your images to be dynamic.
Example: One common mistake that clients make is to wear all white or beach photos. While this is fine.. imagine the increase in dimension if you wore bolder colors that contrasted against the sand and the water and the sky!
These details help your photos really improve; leaving you happier than ever.
2. Dress mom first!
It's a natural inclination for parents to find the cutest outfits for their kids early on, but wait last second to find their own.
Don't do it! That will not allow a mama to walk confidently into her session.
Let's be honest... your kid is super cute. They will look cute no matter what. Finding their outfit is a much easier task.
You are your own worst critic.. finding mom's outfit- an outfit that she loves and feels confident in should take priority!
Once you find an outfit that is perfect for mama, then you can match the rest of the family accordingly.
This is one of the most common mistakes clients make.. and the biggest game changer!
3. Pick a Color Palette
Once mom is lookin good, the next step is to pick a color palette that matches! This is one of my favorite tips because it allows easy creativity in the outfits you choose. Finding outfits for everyone that don't clash and carry the same vibes.. hard!
Finding a palette allows more mixing and matching, creating a more dimensional group of outfits for your family. They can each be uniquely dressed, yet still look good and cohesive together!
Finding a palette is SO easy. I use Pinterest! Just search color palettes that include mom's color and there are endless options to build off of. (I also have a few Pinterest boards to help get you started! Click here.
4. Don't Shy Away From Patterns/Textures
If you are anything like me, you grew up being told to only wearing solid colors in your family photos. Well, let me be the first one to tell you - that's totally wrong(and boring. ;) ). Break that rule! Adding patterns, textures, mismatched outfits will only add more dimensions to your bunch.
Stick to the color pallet, and everything will be fine. My favorite group sessions where the colors worked well together were the ones where the family was totally mismatched with stripes and floral patterns and knit texts... you get the idea. I encourage you to BE BOLD with your outfit choices. You won't regret it.
5. Don't Over-Match the Group
Another common mistake that clients make is to overmatch the group. Whether it's by having everyone wear blue jeans, or limiting the group to one primary color..
I would encourage you to lean into the variety of various colors! You don't need to match to have a connected look. That is what the poses are for. Connection in photos is created through physical contact or natural family chemistry that shines through your faces - not your outfits.
Take advantage of the amazing color options to take your photos from sweet to stellar with a simple color choice!
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I hope these tips help give you the confidence to choose outfits and walk into your next session with boldness. At the end of the day, your confidence in what you are wearing is the MOST important! A confident, happy, stress-free you is going to shine and show in every pose and in every photo so if nothing else, choose the outfits that help facilitate the best version of YOU.
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