Looking Your Best
Everyone wants to look their best in their photos. Please take a look at these suggestions and hopefully it will help you along with that aged old question of "What do I wear?"
Newborn and Baby Portraits
“What are we going to wear to our newborn baby session!?”
As I’ve said before, you’re investing in a set of beautiful newborn portraits to remember your little baby by so it’s really important to get the choice of clothes right (mom and dad should be in some of the photos too remember!). This post has some important guidelines to help make the decision easier, and to make sure we get you and your new family looking wonderful together.
Build the wardrobe to compliment baby
My newborn sessions usually have the baby naked for at least some of the portraits…it is after all the one time in his/her life that it’s totally ok and it makes for very cute pictures. You can also then use colored wraps, scarfs, blankets etc. to add a splash of color or contrast to the portraits. Before we look in detail at what baby, mum or dad should wear, you need to consider what colors you want in the pictures.
Where will your portraits be displayed?
This is a really important question to consider – look at where you plan to display your portraits and look at the colors and shades that are in those rooms. If for example, you have strong blues in your living room, and that is where the main wall art gallery from your session is going to hang, start by considering using blue shades for wraps and items of clothing for baby.
Choose a color group for mom and dad
So your baby should be naked or have simple wraps or blankets etc. which link them to the main color explained in the paragraph above. Now mom and dad need to dress to compliment that color while not drawing attention away from the baby. Mom and Dad, you are often more of a backdrop in these sort of portraits. With that in mind, I normally advise lighter tone colors for parents, especially mom; it gives a soft and new look to the photos which is what the baby is all about at this stage.
To help pic your color group, check out the Kuler color group site for some inspiration. You can also use this color wheel to get an idea of colors that complement each other – pick your main color – then make a 3 spoked wheel in the center and you’ll have a rough idea of which other colors compliment your first by looking at the other 2 spokes of the wheel (purple, light blue and orange in this case).
Skin tones and color groups
If I was having a newborn baby session, I’d look for a light tone group that has colors that I know work for both my husband and my skin tones, and that complement the main color we selected.
Consider skin-to-skin shots for a classic and natural portrait with your baby
Ideas for moms
Now I’ve explained about color and tone, here are some ideas of types of clothes to wear. For Mom, first and foremost is for you to feel great in what you are wearing (which we all know can sometimes be hard after the little bundle of joy has just arrived and you are short on sleep!). I’d suggest short or long sleeve tops to flatter, or perhaps you’d prefer to cover up a little with something like a cardigan or wrap. Keep it light colored, solid rather than heavily patterned; that will contribute to the soft and flattering look. It’s great when moms choose to wear a long dress…again preferable in a solid color or if patterned, only lightly so. All of that will help create a soft and gentle look to the newborn portraits that make you look great but not a distraction from baby.
Keep makeup natural and not too heavy – an everyday look is perfect as overdoing becomes very obvious to the camera. Bring along your hair brush too so you can adjust if you need too.
Ideas for dad
For dads, a solid colored shirt that compliments mom’s colors is perfect. Smart jeans or trousers that fit the color group are usually the norm. It’s also well worth bringing an alternative top just in case baby decides to ‘decorate’ the first one (it’s usually the dads this happens to for some reason!).
Ideas for baby
Other than being naked, have a think about what you can wrap baby in. I discourage people using newborn outfits as usually they are too big and just swallow up the baby inside. It works much better if you use solid color blankets, wraps, scarfs, muslins etc. that can add a burst of color to the subtle tones you are wearing. If you do want to use an outfit, please select something that is going to be solid in color and nice and snug so we can still see baby. I do have several of these wraps and different props that we can definitely use for your little one
Other general advice
I’ll finish with my standard advice I cover on all my “what to wear guides”:
Avoid family uniforms
I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of family photos where the whole family is wearing blue jeans and white tops – please avoid that ‘matchy’ look. Instead, go for a selection of outfits of similar style (smart or casual) with a range of colors from the same color group that complement each other well.
Avoid brands and logos
I prefer it if my families do not select clothing that distracts the viewer from their faces when looking at the portraits. You are after all investing in portraits for people to look at you, not just your clothes. Large logos should be avoided – they will make the photo dated in time as well as create a significant distraction. I’m not against patterns when used in the right way – just make sure they aren’t too bold or heavy – lightly patterned jumpers or delicate flower prints on girls dresses can really add to an image.
Add accessories
Careful use of accessories can add a splash of color to your outfit but be careful not to overdo it – you want it to add to the overall effect of the outfit, not draw attention to itself.
Dress for you
Please make sure you dress in something that is really you – you need to feel comfortable in what you are wearing. Don’t choose something that is going to be uncomfortable, or that will need constant adjustment to keep it looking great either.
Let me help
I’m happy to answer any questions you have about what to wear for your photo shoot. Why not have a think about your outfit, then lay something out that you think works and snap a pic of it on your phone? – message it over or email it to me and I’ll let you know if I think it will work.
Family Portraits
So you have booked a family photo session and now you’re thinking “what are we going to wear!?” – You’re investing in a set of beautiful family portraits for your home so it’s really important to get the choice of clothes right. I have some important guidelines to help make the decision easier, and to make sure we get you and your family looking great together.
Whether you want black-and-white or color photos from your session, read on for a guide to your family photo shoot wardrobe…
Start with the location
When thinking about what you should wear, start with the location we will be photographing your family in – as a general rule, smarter clothes for indoor and more casual outdoors. Your choice of colors will need to complement those natural colors. A spring photo shoot in your garden that is full of blue bells will require a different color group. You will need clothes that fit the backgrounds and are also suitable for the environment we will be in – a suit and high heels won’t work too well when in a wooded area or a football field.
If we are indoors, and you have a decor that is smart and contemporary, then your wardrobe you choose will need to reflect that – you will probably choose smart shirts and dresses for example. If you have a rustic, outback or country look to your home, then you’ll naturally want to dress to compliment that instead.
Where will your portraits be displayed?
This is a really important question to consider – look at where you plan to display your portraits and look at the colors and shades that are in the room. If for example, you have strong blues in your living room, and that is where the main wall art gallery from your session is going to hang, you’ll want to pick out blue as your main color in the outfits.
Choose a color group
Once you’ve decided your main color, it’s time to select a color group. Most families like a bit of help with this so check out the Kuler color group site, (https://kuler.adobe.com/#themes/rating?time=30) for some inspiration. You can also use a color wheel to get an idea of colors that complement each other – pick your background color – then make a 3 spoked wheel in the center and you’ll have an rough idea of which colors compliment your first color on the other 2 spokes of the wheel (purple and light blue in this case).
Please avoid wearing items of clothing that are almost all white – if you end up choosing your photos in black and white, large areas of white really can make the image more difficult to convert and print well.
Skin tones and color groups
If I was having my family photographed this autumn, outdoors in a park, I know that my family skin tones don’t lend themselves to dressing up in orange (your’s may do though – freckles and ginger hair looks great in autumn shots!) So, looking at the color wheel example above, I’d be happy with plums and blues for my family. I’d use Kuler to search for autumn color groups, like this one for example:
I always suggest starting with the girls in your family, so in my case that would be my daughter, I know her skin tone makes her look great in plummy colors so either of the two plums in this group will work well for her. I know my husband looks great in dark blue tones and my boys look great in the reds or blues.
Avoid family uniforms
I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of family photos where the whole family is wearing blue jeans and white tops – please avoid that ‘matchy’ look. Instead, go for a selection of outfits of similar style (smart or casual) with a range of colors from the same color group that complement each other well – like the picture at the top of this post (click it to enlarge).
Avoid brands and logos
I prefer it if my families do not select clothing that distracts the viewer from their faces when looking at the portraits. You are after all investing in portraits for people to look at you, not just your clothes. Large logos should be avoided – they will make the photo dated in time as well as create a significant distraction. I’m not against patterns when used in the right way – just make sure they aren’t too bold or heavy – lightly patterned jumpers or delicate flower prints on girls dresses can really add to an image.
Add accessories
Careful use of accessories can add a splash of color to your outfit but be careful not to overdo it – you want it to add to the overall effect of the outfit, not draw attention to itself.
Dress for you
Please make sure you dress in something that is really you – you need to feel comfortable in what you are wearing. Don’t choose something that is going to be uncomfortable, or that will need constant adjustment to keep it looking great either.
Let me help
I’m happy to answer any questions you have about what to wear for your photo shoot. Why not have a think about your outfit, then lay something out that you think works and snap a pic of it on your phone? – message it over or email it to me and I’ll let you know if I think it will work.
Teen and Seniors Portraits
Arrive Early
If you show up late or not ready, you will have less time in the camera room. If you need to get ready here (hair, makeup, etc.) please arrive early enough to be ready by your start time.
Clothing
•Avoid stripes, plaid, and patterns. Solids photograph much better.
•Bring a variety of colors, don't bring 5 red outfits even if it is your favorite color.
•Avoid clothing that has wording on it except for you own school logo.
•Vary the style, all one look (like tanks) gets boring.
•Vary the dress level, bring some dressy, some medium and some casual.
•If getting black and white "glamour" shots, wear black clothing.
•For outdoor sessions, remember there won't be a fancy place to change.
•Try all your outfits on at home before your session - put on a fashion show for your best friend or your parents and ask for their opinions.
Dress comfortably.
Some shots are close up, others are full length. Plan outfits completely. It is hard to do a full length formal in your suit if all you brought was big old tennis shoes. Also remember, as a general rule, light clothes look better on lighter backgrounds and darker clothes look better on darker backgrounds. So if you prefer dark, bring dark, if you prefer some of both, bring some of both. Black is a good color and white is a good color. Basic primary colors like red and blue, along with maroon also work great.
Group your outfits together ON HANGERS. It is amazing how many people come in with clothes stuffed in a plastic bag and wonder why they are wrinkled! Make sure they are ironed. Although we have an iron for touch ups, we don't want to waste your session time on ironing.
Hair
Avoid changing your hairstyle or cutting your hair right before your session. Let it be natural. Quick easy hairstyle changes during your session are OK, but make it quick or you loose camera time. Artificially bleached hair is often not best, in 10 years you might say "What was I thinking??" Bring your hair care tools and products with you if need be. It IS ok to show up early in curlers if you need to. Although our photographer tries to help with hair, it is hard to know what your hair "is supposed to look like". So make sure you like the look or let the photographer know your preferences. Hair style is ultimately YOUR responsibility.
Jewelry
Best tip here, keep it simple. We want the attention on you. Big, shiny jewelry can distract from the real subject, YOU. If you have different jewelry for different outfits, you might put each set of jewelry in a plastic baggie and hang it on the hangar with that outfit.
Props
BRING THEM!! Bring props that help define who you are. Some popular choices are: Sports equipment (soccer ball, football, basketball, baseball, or whatever), sports uniforms, music instruments (from school tuba to rock guitar), activities (dance leotard and shoes, swimming, hobbies, you name it!), vehicles and motorcycles can come to the outdoor session.
Glasses
Most glasses glare! Some prescriptions more than others. Your best bet is to check with your optometrist. Most will "loan" you an empty set of frames similar to yours for your photo session.
Sunburn/Tanning
AVOID SUNBURN! Sunburn and peeling skin DO NOT photograph well!! Tan, yes, burn, no. If you are a winter or spring session and your tan has faded, you might consider tanning. But don't overdo it so you look too fake-and-bake. Also, tan lines are not attractive in portraits. We suggest you vary your swimsuit top or use a tanning bed to minimize any tan marks.
Complexion
Make-up does wonders. Yes even for guys. A little touch up on blemishes makes your previews even better. But don’t worry, your package orders can be retouched to perfection.
Pets
Pets are OK as long as they are house broken. It is a good idea to have someone bring a pet, then leave with them after. Or bring a pet carrier to contain them while you are being photographed without them. Treats can be helpful to hold a dog’s attention. You can even bring your horse to your outdoor session.
Friends and Parents
Friends or parents are welcome. They can be a help. You can have a couple of shots with a boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend or sibling at no extra charge. We also offer a mini family session with some of our Teen/Senior portraits.
Weather for Outdoor Portraits
Let's face it, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. If it rains, we'll have to reschedule. Don't worry about clouds, they actually help. But rain falling IS a problem. We will give you a number to call if the weather is threatening.
Tattoos, Scars, Braces, Piercings
Just let the photographer know if you want tattoos to show or not. It is that easy. Scars are not automatically retouched, but can be removed or softened at your request. Extensive work may have a slight extra charge. Braces? Don't worry. You could have the tops taken off for your photo session, or we can retouch them out by computer. But don't fight smiling, a braces smile is better than a "holding back a smile" look.
TIPS FOR GIRLS
Clothing styles
Be careful of baggy clothes that might make you look larger than you are. Make sure your clothing flatters you. If you think you have large arms, be careful of sleeveless styles, they can make your arms look fuller.
Wild to mild. We don't really tell you what you can and cannot wear. A little sexy is OK, but don't make ALL of your outfits that way. We photograph everything from prom dresses to swimsuits. What one person likes may not be appropriate for the next person. Our philosophy is “as long as your parent’s approve, we don't care”. But remember your yearbook may have a dress code for submitted photos.
Undergarments
It is amazing how many times someone will come in wearing flowered underwear and not realize it is a problem until they go to put on their WHITE PANTS! Or come in wearing a white bra and put on a black sleeveless shirt. Please bring appropriate foundation wear for each outfit. Flesh colored is the best. Also, if you need a strapless bra, bring one. Tucking the straps down usually shows and looks bad with regular clothes. It is not a problem you’re your drape photos. With today's thin fabrics, carefully select these pieces so you can't see unsightly lines.
Finger and toe nails
NAILS SHOW! If they have the paint all chipped off, it will show. Many casual shots are done barefoot, so don't forget about those toes! Avoid real bright colors. Natural or basic work best. We don't want to draw attention to your neon orange toe nails. And they may look really bad with your next outfit!
Makeup
Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal. About like you might wear in the evening. Mascara should be clean and contain no clumps. So if your mascara is old and clumpy, replace it first.
TIPS FOR GUYS
Clothing
Remember, if mom gets her nice shot, she is much cooler on letting you get what you want! So make her happy and keep her off both of our cases. Bring the right shoes for the outfits. Docs, boots, or sandals photograph much better than big, bright tennis shoes. Bring a dark t-shirt to wear under dark shirts. A white t-shirt triangle under a dark shirt sticks out like a sore thumb, so bring a black or gray. The white t-shirt is for wearing under light shirts and your tux shirt. Avoid large, bold brand names or words on clothing. Already, a few big names from just a few years ago, you would not be caught dead wearing now. No need to make your portraits advertising billboards for a clothing brand.
Shaving
Please make sure you are clean shaven. Retouching stubble costs extra and is still does not look as good as a clean shave. Got a goatee that mom hates, but you love? Do your casual shots first with it on, then bring a razor and go to the restroom and shave it off for mom's formals. Everyone is happy that way!
Hair
Be careful of changes right before your session. Bleached hair does not look as good in photographs. It is a short trend and you may find it looking real silly once the trend is gone. Natural or maybe frosted tips are better than the white, totally bleached look. You may not even have that by the end of the year.