Clothing plays a huge part in creating a successful portrait. It may be tempting to throw on your favorite Hawaiian shirt or your most flattering leopard print dress but keep in mind, the portrait is about the whole group.

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What is my opinion on everyone wearing the same color top and same color bottoms? I do not want to offend anyone here, but my personal style is that this is a definite photo shoot fashion DON’T. Matching wardrobes make photos look very posed and that is not my personal preference for a wardrobe choice. I want your photos to look as natural and candid as possible. One element to achieving this is for everyone to be in their own style of clothing.

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What I suggest is to coordinate color tones instead of being ‘matchy matchy’. You can all wear a warm or cool color palate. A warm color palate might be grays, reds, browns, or purples. While a cool color palate may be light blues, whites, or pinks. Make sense?

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Solid colors are an absolute perfect choice! WE LOVE Prints and patterns but some can distract the eye and draw attention away from everything else in the image- So keep the patterns limited please. Dark colors are not only flattering, they also keep the viewers eye moving toward the lightest part of the image (which should be your face).

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Something else that I have noticed is that layering clothing is a good idea. It adds interest and makes the photo more visually interesting. So think about adding a sweater to a plain top, an interesting piece of jewelry, a scarf, a hat, a funky belt, or some interesting shoes! All great ideas!

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LITTLES: If you have kiddo’s… THEY ARE YOUR FAMILY and you are super duper welcome to include them or you can make it a fun date night and celebrate your engagement by making just a you two kinda thing. There is NO right or wrong here! One thing to keep in mind with the kids: is to make sure they are comfortable!!! If they are uncomfortable, they don’t hide it as well as we do when our feet are killing us from the heels we have on! Kids show their emotions on their face and the last thing we want is frowny faces! We also strongly suggest of it is possible to have another responsible adult come also, this way we can do images as a family for the first 15 – 20 min. of the session, and then get you two cozy and snuggly without having to parent, and let someone else watch your little(s), or take them home while we finish. 

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COLOR: *If possible avoid access amounts of yellow clothing (mustard color is always amazing in any form but if it a normal yellow, a scarf or necklace is great!) over yellow can really make skin and eyes look jaundice, as well as yellowing teeth that are not yellow!

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BETTER TOGETHER: laying all of the clothes out together and see if anything doesn’t go with the overall scheme. Think of it as one big outfit. If there is a piece that stands out you might want to swap it for something else. (Totally text us photos of them all and we can help if you need!)

Here is our Pinterest Board to help you see all different color schemes and pattern ideas! 

I love natural light and prefer being outdoors unless it is a documentary session…this being said, my first choice no matter what is to be outside, I mean we living in an amazing place for that (so be prepared to reschedule your session if the weather does not cooperate). But even when I do photos in someone’s home, I am utilizing natural light from windows and doors. So when we are choose a location for your session, keep that in mind.

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Also, the time of day is important as well. Be aware of the sunset time when booking your session. If you want those beautiful back-lit type of images, then we should start the session at sunrise or about an hour to sunset (this is of course if the sun is actually shining that day).

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You may want to choose a location that is close to your home, or one that has special meaning to your family, or even your own home! The beauty of hiring an on location photographer is that you don’t have to go to a studio for portraits, the photographer can come to you!

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ALSO it is super important to pick a location that works well with the wardrobe choice! Nothing worse than being in a park with a bikini on!

IF YOUR SESSION IS AT THE BEACH: We love to play in the water as a family, I strongly suggest not only towels but a complete change of clothes (undies and all) for after the session. Nothing worse than driving home soaked.

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Bring an extra outfit for kids.. because we all know accidents happen, snacks, and a favorite toy in case the little one needs some comfort. We also discuss what we hope to capture when we photograph kids (their personality, not just a cheesy smile), and ways you as parents can encourage their kids to be themselves, we really love when y’all do that.

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LETS TALK PROPS:

I like to keep it simple and sweet, and make sure the attention is on you and your family! We are not a prop heavy kinda brand. We love blankets to sit on, and play games with, Bring books and toys to keep the kids happy, Most of all, bring your patience!!!!! With kids and family portraits it is a hurry up and wait game. Hurry up and get the shot but a lot of waiting for that perfect shot. So patience is key. If you seem stressed, the kids are going to pick up on that.

If you are going to wear foundation make sure it matches your skin – all of it, AND NO SPF, it makes your face look shiny in photos.. You want to make sure your face and neck are the same color. Keep makeup simple and elegant!

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If you are interested in having your hair and or makeup done professionally, we have a list of vendors at the end of this guide!