What to Wear Guide
First and foremost, BE YOU!
Your clothing choices should allow you to be yourself and reflect your family.
START WITH THE HARDEST PERSON TO DRESS
The most challenging family member to dress is often the one planning the session — whether that’s mom, dad, or whoever is in charge of the photo shoot preparation! It’s easy to focus on everyone else first, but remember: you matter in these photos, too.
Begin by choosing your own outfit — something that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful. When you feel amazing, it shows in every photo. Your energy sets the tone for the entire session, and that confidence naturally radiates.
— because when you feel good, everyone feels good!
Once you’ve chosen your outfit, build the rest of the family’s looks around it. Decide on the style or theme of your photos! Is it more casual? Formal? Retro? Keep the same style as your outfit for the rest of the family! It’s all about creating harmony and letting your personalities shine.
CHOOSE A COLOR PALETTE
Once you've picked your outfit, choose a color palette! Choose up to 4 colors that will complement your outfit! Coordinate, but don't match! If everyone uses complementary colors from the color palette, it will be much more visually interesting! Remember, your entire family does not have to wear every color in the color palette!
REMEMBER TO KEEP IT CLASSIC FOR A TIMELESS LOOK
While your preferences may differ, it is best to dress in timeless, classic looks that will last through the years. Wearing clothes that are too trendy might mean your pictures will look outdated in a matter of months or years. If you choose clothes that have looked good for years, the photos will likely remain up to date for years to come. Sticking to timeless looks will let your subjects' personalities shine through. This does not apply if there is a vintage, retro or specific theme in mind that calls for a non timeless look.
PATTERNED CLOTHES
Patterns are like bright colors and accessories in photos—they look great when used sparingly. One person wearing a patterned top or dress can create visually interesting segments within the picture. To prevent overloading a photo, choose just one subject to wear a bold pattern and include small amounts of pattern elsewhere to guide the viewer's eye through the image. For example, a little girl in a bold, patterned dress can look wonderful next to her mother, who is wearing a subtly patterned scarf. In the image below, the daughter is wearing a bold floral-print shirt, while the mother wears a subtle striped dress.
LAYER YOUR OUTFITS AND USE DIFFERENT TEXTURES
Nothing captures attention in a photo like differences. Two easy ways to add interesting contrasts are using layers and different textures. Layers provide various perspectives in a photo; subjects can wear or remove layers for different looks in each shot, and layers also add appealing color variation.
Different fabrics and accessories can add much-needed texture to a photo. Look for clothing items with embroidered details, lace collars or accents, ribbons, ruffles, and other interesting textures. These various textures appear well in color photos, adding a lively touch of personality and layering to match your vision. Plan your outfit for the photo to highlight your subjects' personalities and styles.
ACCESSORIZE
Accessories can be just what a photo needs to go from dull to captivating. Don't limit yourself to jewelry when considering accessories for photo shoots. There are plenty of options for all genders and ages—outerwear, jewelry, hats, headbands, flowers in hair, scarves, and more.
Use accessories sparingly. Too many, especially large or bright ones, can distract from the main focus—your subjects! This is especially true for children. Their personalities and beauty should shine through, not be overshadowed by a huge headband or excessive accessories. Remember, accessories are meant to enhance your natural qualities, personality, and beauty.
EVERYTHING MATTERS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM ...
YES THAT INCLUDES SHOES!
Everything worn or used in a photo shoot influences the look and feel of each photo. This includes shoes. Don't overlook shoes and footwear when planning your outfit. Shoes that don't match the rest of the outfit can distract from the overall picture.
Unless you have tennis shoes that are unique and fun enough to match the vibe of a photo shoot, you might want to explore other footwear options for your photos. Ballet flats and Converse are available in nearly every color!
Choosing a pair of flats that match the color scheme is a great way to make a photo look good and add a splash of color. Shoes, when coordinated with accessories that other subjects in the photo are wearing, can bring the whole look together. Bright yellow ballet flats can match a tie or a headband. This creates a unified feel in a photo without making it too cutesy. Consider going barefoot if the shoot allows. Bare feet can create a rustic, casual vibe that better highlights the natural personalities and interactions of the subjects in a photo.
NOTE!! Remember to bring a comfortable pair of shoes, as many of the locations require a lot of walking! You don't want to get too tired or damage your shoes before capturing that perfect shot!
THINGS TO CONSIDER
As you plan a photo shoot, remember to consider where and how the pictures will be displayed. If you're planning on your living room wall, coordinate the colors and layout to display your photos with the room's color scheme. Photos for a child's room should reflect their fun, playful spirit and capture their age. For invitations, Christmas cards, or announcements, keep the display's smaller size in mind. Small details can get lost in a 4 x 6 photo, so choose bold accessories that will stand out in that size. Displaying photos on your living room wall: tie the colors and setup of your photos to the room's color scheme. Photos that will go up in a child's room should reflect the fun, playful spirit of children and capture their age. For pictures used in invitations, Christmas cards, or announcements, keep the photo's smaller display size in mind. Small details may get lost in a smaller photo, so use bold accessories that will show up in a 4 x 6 photo.
SOME THINGS TO AVOID
* Avoid fluorescent and neon colors and anything with logos, graphics, characters, labels, etc. These tend to diminish the “finished” appearance of a professional portrait and can be distracting.
* Do NOT dye or cut your hair just days before a session! To avoid mishaps, leave enough time to fix it or let the haircut grow out for about a week to look the most natural, so you don't end up with a bad haircut in your photos.
* Refrain from having everyone wear the same color. Coordinate your color choices and styles, allowing everyone to add their own touch for a more fun and visually engaging photo.
* Buyer beware! Keep in mind that the colors of your outfits seen on your screen might not be accurate. The "blues" (or other colors) may appear to match online, but once you receive them, they might be completely different shades.
* While staying current and fashionable, avoid obvious trends that will quickly become outdated. You can be fashion-forward yet timeless.
* No bright white socks and no sneakers unless they are simple, fashion-forward options like Converse or Vans. Also, remove watches or jewelry that don't enhance the session’s look.
Tips On How To Dress For Your Body Type:
*Please note: The views and opinions expressed in the links below are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not reflect or represent the personal opinion of DMX Photography.
Pinterest
What's My Shape?
Body Shape Style Tips
SUPER AWESOME PLACES TO SHOP
*Stitch Fix - First fashion retailer to have a personal stylist help choose the perfect wardrobe. Super fun!
*ModCloth - My absolute favorite place to shop for me (also great for home decor items)!
*KoKo Blush - My favorite place to shop for my daughter, sons, and for props!
*My Little Jules - Another favorite to find name brands at great prices!
*Zulily - Great place to get name brands for the whole family at an affordable price.
*Etsy - Etsy is a great place to find custom and unique outfits for the kiddos!
Always remember, if you have any questions, would like my opinion,
or if you need assistance with choosing outfits, don't hesitate to contact me!
I am more than happy to help!
BOOK TODAY
