Clothing Suggestions:
Start With Mom's Outfit
My best advice is for mom to wear a dress in her favorite color. Not only are dresses flattering, but you will feel pretty in it. If you hate dresses, think about a skirt/top combo, but choose something that is slightly dressier than our everyday look. Opt for high quality fabrics (not t-shirt material) because they wrinkle less.
Choose a Color Palate
After youhave chosen mom's outfit, think about 2-3 complimentary colors, some neutral and one of which pops and brings life to the outfits. Avoid overly saturated and bold colors, as they distract in the photos. Look for muted versions of the same color. For example, if you have a bright hot pink shirt, try a muted dusty rose instead. Choose colors that complement each other but are not overly matchy. For example, avoid wearing the same color top as our spouse or putting our girls in the same dresses.
Dress for the Weather
You might have the perfect outfit on, but if you're freezing or sweating, a family photo session can quickly unravel! Layering is the perfect solution for those chilly evenings or sweltering Summer days! Remember, little ones get cold more quickly than adults when temperatures are low, so pack a cardigan or sweater for them. Cold kiddos = sad photos, so keep those kids warm! Layering also adds dimension and interest, so bring those scarves and hats if you like!
Shoes
Think about our session location. If you are in a field, for instance, you wont be able to walk in those heels. Avoid bright white shoes, all athletic sneakers, and kids shoes that light up. If you just cant find shoes you love, consider having the family go barefoot for the session (just bring shoes to walk around at the location!)
Other odds and ends
- Baby? Put a bib on them until you arrive at the session, or change them into their outfit right when you arrive to keep them clean. Outfits are one piece work better than seeing diapers. If the outfit scrunches up, be aware of that, and maybe have them in a onesy and a wrapped in a blanket.
- Snacks? Don't bring messy snacks or juice in the car, or any snacks at all out of the car (water is fine). We don't want kids to get messy before or during the session, and snacks are very distracting. You can however promise snack (and ice cream!) after!
- Hair? Bring a brush or comb to run through the kids/our hair right before the shoot.
- Patterns? Please no stripes (thin ones look zig-zaggy and fat ones are distracting). Small prints are fine.
- No Black or very dark colors (they wash you out and aren't flattering).