Oh, What Should I Wear?

This is probably the number one question I get asked before a photo shoot. It can be pretty confusing and 
stressful trying to decide what outfits would be best for your photography session ... but worry not! Here's a little information to help you with styling tips and tricks to select clothing options for a perfect outcome on photo day.

Complementing Family Outfits

Gone are the days of 1990's family portraits where everyone in the picture would wear the same outfit.

Here are a few tips to start planning a photo session:

• Choose a color scheme -
Try to choose a palette that has a mix of neutral shades and a bright color. Another option is a color scheme with one main color and different variations of that color.

• Choose one person to stand out -
Instead of having everyone in the photo compete for center stage, pick a focal point for the picture - usually the woman or girl's outfit. For example, they can wear one impactful piece that inspires the accessories and colors in everyone else's outfits.

• Once you've pick the focal point -
Use a bright color to draw viewers' eyes in. Everyone else in the photo can have accessories that match the bright color, making the photo look unified and complete.

Make a Photo Interesting & Unified With Accessories

Accessories are often just what a photo needs to take it from drab to engaging.

Here are a few tips:

• Don't limit yourself to just jewlery -
There's plenty to choose from for both sexes and all ages - outerwear, jewlerey, hats, headbands, flowers in girl's hair, scarves and more.

• But use a light hand -
When it comes to accessorizing. Too many accessories, especially if they are big or bright, can overwhelm a photo and take the focus off what is really important—your subjects! This is particularly true for little ones. Their unique personalities and beauty need to be allowed to shine through, not be over shadowed by a gigantic headband or overdone accessories. 

Everything Matters from Top to Bottom... YES THAT INCLUDES SHOES!

Everything that is worn or used in a photo shoot affects the look and feel of each photo. Don't let shoes and footwear be an overlooked part of your outfit planning. A pair of shoes that don't fit in with the rest of a photo can distract from the picture. Unless you have tennis shoes that are unique and fun enough to fit in with the vibe of a photo shoot, you may want to consider other footwear options for your pictures.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Ballet flats come in almost every color -
Choosing a pair of flats that fit in with the color scheme is a great way to make a photo look great and add a burst of color. Shoes, when matched with accessories that other subjects in the photo are wearing, can tie a photo together.

• Bright yellow ballet flats can match a man's yellow tie or a little girl's headband -
This creates a unified feel in a photo without making it too cutesy.

• Consider going barefoot, if the shoot allows for it -
Bare feet can create a rustic, casual feel that better shows off the natural personality and interaction of the subjects in a photo.

But Remember...

BE YOU!  
Your clothing choices should 
allow you to be yourself and 
reflect your family.