What to wear for your photo session

A common question I get whenever I book any type of photography shoot is, "What should I wear?" Often times, this questions is posed by moms who also want to know what their children should wear or mommies-to-be who want to look their best with their beautiful pregnant bellies. One hundred percent of the time, I will address this question with 3 standard answers.

Number 1: Do not wear any clothing with big logos (or patterns) that will distract from the beauty of your family or you. Even if you do wear logos, more than likely I will be Photoshopping them out or getting rid of the images that I feel your clothing caused more of a distraction than can be fixed with editing. While there are a few logos that may support the vision you are trying to attain with your photo shoot, for instance, a team logo, 90% pf the time this is not the case. Just stay away from logos please. Similarly, patterns can be a huge distraction, however can be pulled off more than logos. Patterns, when coupled with a solid, can be classy and gorgeous. The biggest reason I tend to steer clear of too much pattern is because they can clash in the worst of ways. See my Pinterest board for "Photo Shoot Outfit Disasters" for reasons why patterns sometimes do not work and then go and visit my board for "What To Wear For A Photo Shoot" to find some beautiful inspiration for outfits that work.

Number 2: Stay away from lots of black. When a bunch of people wear black they tend to blend together, which makes for terrible photos. I especially make sure that my maternity clients don't wear black because it hides your baby belly and we do not want that! Another very important part of not wearing black, is not matching. It's unnatural and no fun.

Finally, Number 3: This one is the most important! BE YOURSELF! I want you to be the most comfortable when we are at our photo shoot and that would mean you would have to wear something that you are comfortable in. If you are uncomfortable, your photos will show it. Relax and have fun.

Now for some great tips.
1. I love when my clients accessorize. This is also a great way to get a variety of images because you can take accessories off or put them on and create a whole new look. Hats, scarves, jewelry, ties, and even jackets are an accessory. Jackets are wonderful to create different looks as well.

Effie looks beautiful with her jean jacket and leopard print scarf! I complimented it with a beautiful yellow wall.

2. Think contrast. Contrast is, "The use of opposing elements, such as colors, forms, or lines, in proximity to produce an intensified effect in a work of art." Make sure to throw in some light colors and some dark colors. It will create a great balance within your photos. If everyone wears the same thing, everyone will blend.

Blues & Yellows are great complimentary colors.

3. Compliment your styles. Everyone has a different style. Coordinate your family outfits by choosing clothing in the same tonal range. Again, do not match. Everyone hates it and it doesn't make for good photos. Also, allow your daughter to wear her favorite dress and compliment it with something in your closet. Don't fight your children's choices if you know it will cause them to be upset for photo shoot day.

Taylar got to wear her favorite dress and mommy simply complimented it with a beautiful solid shirt!

4. Embrace color (and pattern), but make sure you balance it with some neutrals and solids. A great way to balance a bold color is to throw a muted, or pastel, color along with it. Or, as stated earlier, a pattern can be beautifully complimented with a solid accessory (or vice versa).

Mom put a great butterfly pattern with a beautiful cardigan to balance it out. Also, a wonderful bold pink to create contrast with the colorful background.

5. Choose timeless clothing. You don't want to look back at your photos and think, "Oh my goodness, what was I thinking with that outfit! Yuck." Trends are great follow on a daily basis, but you never know when fashion is going to transform and you may hate the old trends.

6. No haircuts the day before. We have all had that haircut that is totally awkward the day you get it, but you absolutely LOVE it after a week or two. If you hate your haircut and the next day is your photo shoot. You will hate your photos. Just don't do it.
7. Try on the outfits you choose before your photography session. All of them! You don't want to find out that something doesn't fit on the day of your session because you will be frantic and stressed and, once again, it will show up in your pictures.

I hope that all this information was helpful! For some wonderful inspiration for your outfit selection, please visit my Pinterest board, and follow me while you're at it. :)

I am going to stress this point one more time. Be yourself. Your photos will represent who you are and if you are yourself you will make gorgeous photos.

To book your session please email me atkatie@kmsphotos.com or call 650.255.1750.

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