Summer Photography Sessions - What to Wear

Finally we have some terrific weather here in Connecticut! That means it's time to fire up the grill, head to the beach and put your smiles on for some great outdoor photo sessions.

Whether it's just you and the kids or with a hired pro, it's nice to think about what everyone is going to be wearing when documenting your family. Let's be honest, do you really want Dad in his faded college t-shirt and Red Sox hat with your kids in wrinkled and stained shirts immortalized on your living room walls?  

The most common question I receive from my clients in advance of their session is a panicked, "What should we wear?".  I personally love to photograph families and kids in casual wear.  However, just because the look is relaxed doesn't mean it wasn't thought out.  

While I'm not a huge fan of everyone needing to match each other for a shoot, sometimes it does work. In general, I prefer to have my clients match their palettes and clothing style instead. Check out the examples photos and sample wardrobe collections in the gallery to help get you thinking like a stylist.

Let’s Start Basic
I’m a big fan of working with over-the-top fashion and accesories in a shoot. However, it’s always nice to have a great simple wardrobe look for a few shots. Building off a color palette is a great way to start.  

When deciding on a color scheme think about the colors in your home. For example, if your wall colors are neutral shades but your sofa and accents are bright and bold, aim for a bolder wardrobe palette. Think about your photos as additional accesories and design elements in your home. Whether they are on the walls or on the table tops, the colors or styles of the clothing in the picture can be a wonderful pop to your home decor.

Once your palette is decided on, you can build in personality and style with by adding fun accesories like hats, purses,  a quirky raincoat or umbrella. 

Fresh and Funky

Depending on you and your families personalities you can take your look as far as you want. Sometimes the best looks are the most over the top. While the colors in your palaette should somewhat relate to each other, your style can as well.  For example, if you love that 50s inspired dress of yours, why not go for a retro look for the whole fam? My one suggestion is to pick one theme and stick with it for everyone. You don't want everyone pulling a little rockabilly and your oldest daughter wearing her 80s-inspired outfit. Pick a theme everyone is comfortable with and stick to it.

Fun Extras!!!
I love working in accessories. For every session I always bring my own bag of tricks filled with hair clips, hats and other fun items I'm always picking up for shoots. For the boys, hats, cool shoes, rain boots, sunglasses and ties are all great items to add on to your look. For the girls, think hats, glasses, purses and parasols to complete a look. Etsy.com is a great resource for unique and fun finds for children of all ages. Just remember to have fun and think big.

What Not To Wear

Stay away from thin tight stripes. Even the light color stripes in a men's button down shirt can create an effect when photographed called "noise." It's usually the first thing any photographer will tell you to avoid.

I ask my clients to avoid any items that contain company/brand logos. Most people don't want a great picture of their kids with a big "NIKE" logo across their chest.  

Other than that, I say wear what you like and what makes everyone feel good. Check out the photo gallery to see sample wardrobe collections and example photos.