outfits
Dressing yourself on any given day can be hard enough, but choosing outfits for the whole fam for your photos that'll be displayed for generations... that can send even the most fashionable fashionista trembling in the corner. But I'm here to make sure that doesn't happen to you!!
I'm going to take you through the most important considerations when choosing outfits, what to avoid, what to gravitate towards and we're going to have some fun along the way. Okay, ready? Let's do it!
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COMFY PLEASE
Being comfortable is everything!
When you're comfortable, you're confident. So make sure, whatever outfit you pick, you are comfy.
Don't forget - this goes for your partner and kids too!
Make sure it's not itchy, too small or not hugging the right places. Make sure when it's on it's an "Ahhh yes!" moment, not a "Hmmm?"
BE YOURSELF
If authenticity is what you’re after, you’re going to have to show up as yourself. And if you want to capture this time of your life in all its glory, then it’s about the feeling of being in your own skin.
If a flowy white dress is not your thing, don't choose it!
If your partner would never be caught dead in a shirt, forget it!
Find what's YOU!
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION
Plan your outfits around what you know about the conditions at the location we’ll be shooting at. You’ll want to be warm enough (or cool enough!), have pain-free feet, and look relatively native to your environment. For at home sessions, slip into your comfiest comfies and rock that (pants optional). The idea is to authentically capture you wherever you are. Think through your clothing choices logically based on location, vibe, and comfort level.
colour schemes
For families it’s best to keep your colour scheme limited to no more than four colours. You can choose one person to wear a feature colour and have everyone else’s outfits complement that. Or opt for two or three, weaving those colours through.
Aim for neutrals and earthy tones. These colours compliment the outdoor environment almost anywhere you go, as well as the studio, and look damn fine as a printed, framed photograph.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating for a beige world of quiet and inoffensive colours. By neutrals, I just mean softer tones. Primary colours are incredibly striking, but can sometimes have the effect of detracting from the main subject (which is you!).
So for example, instead of electric blue, go for something closer to sky blue. Instead of bright orange, opt for ochre or apricot.
Pick fabrics that move and flow with you. Ones that add a cosy texture, or get picked up by the wind, filter the late afternoon sun, and glow in the morning light. Natural fibres like linen, cotton, or wool are amazing. Avoid stiff-seeming garments with collars as they look a bit too formal and often get tucked in weird spots and need adjusting.
COMPLIMENTARY = GOOD
MATCHING = NOT GOOD
You don’t want to create the illusion of being your partner’s siamese twin. When multiple people wear the same colour, sometimes their matching outfits blend together so much that you can’t really see any of them properly. In photographs, you can’t tell where one person begins and another one ends. They turn into one uniform blob. In order for the aesthetics of your photograph to really sing, you want to find complementary outfits that showcase a variety of colours, textures, accessories, patterns, and tones. Complement the other people in the photograph as well as your surroundings. The idea is to have everything look good together without everything looking the same.
Avoid large bold patterns as they often dominate the photograph and detract attention from your beautiful face.
Usually, subtle smaller patterns work best.
Flannels or a light floral print are great when they complement the location.
But less is definitely more with this one, try to limit yourself to one pattern at a time.
Matching patterns is a tricky task, and it’s super difficult to do well.
Much like crazy patterns, clothing with writing or logos on it tends to be a bit distracting and ages very quickly. We’re not getting paid for Adidas’ not-so-subtle product placement.
ACCESSORIES + SHOES
Accessorising, it's a fine art! But goodness it can look amazing! The perfect hat or an old school denim jacket can really jazz up your accessory game. Make sure it's all about your personality and less is more - if you can't tell by now, we're interested in capturing YOU not your bling ;)
Watches can be very distracting in photographs. Unless it's sentimental, I recommend leaving the watch at home this time!
Depending on your location, shoes can be a key part of your outfit! Choose comfy - let's not twist an ankle wearing heels in the bush. Boots would be great for the mountains; barefeet makes sense for the beach. Sandals always wins over thongs. And if we can avoid logos, it will be less distracting in your photos.
Shoes are not worn in the studio.
MAKEUP + HAIR
So this is totally your call! But, if I may… I would suggest balancing natural and elegance so well. I want you to look like you! So do whatever you need to do to feel confident and beautiful.
Hands tell such a story about who you are and where you’ve been and play a crucial role in photography. Sometimes photographs magnify bright nail polish, chipped manicures, and dirty fingernails. And once you see it, you can’t un-see it - your eye just keeps on zooming in on that one bit of the photo. It’s really distracting. Treat yourself to a little subtle manicure or make sure your nails are neat and tidy before the session (this goes for the fellas and kids too!).
As for hair… Oh boy. I’m a sucker for the way a wild mane blows in the breeze. So if it is a little breezy at your session, please don't focus on it - you will and do look beautiful with that breeze blowing through your hair!
So you are armed with all the tips and tricks for curating the perfect outfit combination for your tribe!
But now you're thinking there's nothing you're drawn to in your wardrobe and you're not so sure about the price tag on new outfits? I got ya!
Introducing the studio wardrobe! I have an array of gorgeous outfits available to borrow for every member of the family. Want to know more? Let me know!
Need a hand picking outfits? I am your girl!
Send through your ideas, what outfits you have been drawn to, and I can give you my opinion and guide you to what will look incredible for your photographs!