Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to come up with outfit ideas for your upcoming photo session:

(Pinterest is my best friend when it comes to any form of inspiration!)

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• Outfit Coordination:  Coordinating is key!  When it comes to having lasting professional photos, 100% matching may not be the best, unless this is the look you are trying to achieve! Coordinating outfits helps you compliment everyone in your session by choosing colors and patterns that work well together, such as a solid color shirt for him, while you wear a beautiful floral print gown.  I find that when everyone in the photos are wearing the exact same thing (variation of the same colored shirt and shorts/pants/dress) people tend to just blend together and the images are not able to pop to their full potential.  You want to complement each other’s outfits by choosing colors that work well together.

• Use colors & patterns:  Don't be afraid to mix it up a little.  Colors help to add life and pop to images, however, don't use too many different colors or variations, otherwise, you may end up looking like a rainbow of a family which can distract from the beauty of the image.  When it comes to patterns/prints, please feel free to use them, sparingly.  If one person has a print of color, try to coordinate the other people in the photos with a like color.    Also, textures!  Don't be afraid to mix textures like  lace, corduroy, denim, etc.  This makes the photos more interesting.  Avoid large logos, emblems and graphics  because again, these will typically distract attention away from the subject.  We want your faces and emotion to show, not promote the clothing company you purchased from!

• Be timeless:  Pick outfits that are not considered too trendy, but will be able to be enjoyed and displayed for many years to come.  One example of something that is timeless are jeans or a simple cotton dress… classic look and style yet you can still incorporate your own flair into the outfit with your tops and accessories.  Let's not be that family in the windbreakers or the matching turtlenecks! Always be YOU and dress how you would, never forget that!

• Don't forget your personalities:  As your photographer, I have been hired to capture the individuals that you truly are! I hope to capture the family, the love and relationships, and the people as they are.  The full you!  With this being said, when picking outfits, try to pick something that you love and are comfortable in.  Same goes for those little ones.  We can't expect to put them in a full tux or tie and sweater vest and be completely comfortable and cooperative if they are not used to wearing such things on a regular basis.  Same goes for adults!  Where something that you feel good in and that feels like you.  Otherwise it can lead to anxiety and stress due to discomfort.  Even if it means your child is wearing those awful boots they wear everywhere!  Don't worry, the images will still look great and we will be able to capture them for who they truly are! 

• Dress for the season & location:  Obviously you want your images to make sense.  One typically wouldn’t be wearing jeans, boots, and a jacket to the beach in the Summer so why would you for pictures?  Dress the part and be aware of your location.  For example, if you are shooting at the river, ladies wear a pretty dress and sandals, put dad in a short sleeve shirt and shorts OR pants (which you can also roll up), put your little girl in a sweet Spring or Summer dress, etc.  if Mom and Dad are wearing long sleeves baby should be too. You will want to make sure that everyone is on the same page and coordinates in both colors AND styles. 

• Layering:  This tip is a classic for any scenario!  Love those outfits that go from daytime outings, to romantic date night by simply adding / excluding something?  This is the same concept!  In the Summer months, this may be more difficult to pull off but during all of the other seasons, definitely layer your outfits.  We will take loads of pictures!  And think about how great it would look to have your images change to an entirely different look just by adding or removing a layer!  Instant wardrobe change without the hustle and bustle of changing! Light weight sweaters and hats are your best friend!

• Remember when I said to be YOU:  These sessions are about capturing the personalities of the subjects.  Of course you would want your images to speak to you and perfectly depict what it means to be a part of your world.   If you want to include props or items that show who you or your family are, don't be afraid to bring those along! Keep things in mind like family interests and activities.  If you enjoy camping or fishing together, we can plan for a wooded area/lake session.  If you enjoy a night out on the town, a great evening session walking your favorite streets downtown would look beautiful!  If y'all love the beach, then bring those shovels and pails and lets hit the sand for some castles and waves!  

• Outfit changes:  If time and session allows it, bring another set of outfits.  Again, you will get a lot more variety in your shots so why not capitalize on the opportunity and get the most bang for your buck!

• Ladies & their shoes:  I’m all for a sassy pair of shoes, however they may make for a very long and painful session.  If you plan on wearing heels, be sure to bring a pair of flats or flip flops that can help you get from point A to point B without any pain.  You can just swap them out as you need to.  Bare feet in pictures in the Summer months is a look that I love, just make sure those toes have either color or no color, not chipped fading color.

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When I build coordinating outfits for my family and I:

1. I like to keep the session location and weather in mind.  I start with one person, usually myself or my daughter as we are more likely to wear a print or pattern.  So, maybe a pretty small floral print dress for her and a nice denim colored linen dress for me.  versatile and lightweight and adds texture to the session.    

2. Now for the next person.   Colors will be pulled from the patterned outfit, so begin thinking of who will look best in what color.  If Dad looks awful in yellow but great in blue, then you would want to go with the blue tones from the dress instead.  You then proceed through the others with the same mindset.  

3. Now for that personalization.  My son loves to bring his favorite stuffy everywhere, so we will be bringing that for sure!  My eldest is a huge watch collector, so he will want to make sure he wears his favorite watch.  I absolutely love fresh flowers, so perfect time to stop at the market to get a fresh bouquet.  My daughter loves bows, so she will be wearing a beautiful bow to match her dress and personality!  These little things help bring so much to your images!  Trust me, it will look great!