Goshen County Photographer: 10 Wardrobe Tips to Rock Your Family Photo Session

Help!  What do I wear for my photo session with Dirt Road Wife Photography?

Don’t worry, I panic anytime I have to pick outfits for a photography session too.  Before you run out and buy the whole family matching plaids, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

1. Start with One.
   
   When picking outfits for the whole family, start with one outfit you really love, then build everyone else’s wardrobe around it.  I find it’s a lot easier to plan for everyone if you have a starting place.

   

2. Be comfortable.
   
   If you, your spouse or your child is not comfortable, it will show in the images. The goal is to get an accurate representation of your family that shows off your personality. So be you!  Just maybe a cleaner, spiffier version of you.  But remember, the outfits are secondary to any great session.  You guys love each other, that’s what we will showcase!

   

3. Coordinate, don’t match.
   
   Start with a base of two or three neutral colors that are easy to coordinate like navy, khaki, white or black.   Add in a pop of coordinating colors that complement one another.  Color brightens skin tones, brings out eye color, and creates vibrant focal points.Jewel tones are my personal favorite and bring warmth and just a hit of boldness to an image.  Pastels and create a fresh, cooler vibe.  Neutrals like navy, forest green, maroon and gray never go out of style and add to an earthy, cozy image.  I think kids especially look magnificent in primary colors.

   Royal blue, red, purple, turquoise, green, orange, yellow, bright pinks – these colors pop in our photos.

   Avoid fluorescent colors, lots of conflicting patterns or prints or overwhelming graphics on shirts. If we’re shooting outdoors in lots of greenery, avoid large blocks of green.

4. Happy feet.
   
   Footwear should be comfortable but not distracting.  We will be walking and standing for a long time, so make sure everyone is comfortable, especially the kiddos!

   Adding a heel to a woman’s outfit can help lengthen and slim the legs.  Men look best in a closed toe shoe or boots.

   Footwear can also be a great place to add a pop of color or whimsy, either through the shoe themselves or by using colorful socks or boot socks!

5. Layer! Layer! Layer!
   
   Layers add dimension and depth to an outfit.  In summer layer with a flattering belt and jewelry.  In the fall and winter, consider vests, cardigans, belts, scarves hats, fitted jackets and blazers.

   

6. Play With Textures
   
   Textures are another way to add some dimension and depth to your image.  Adding textures works especially well in fall, because it helps to create that warm, cozy feeling of togetherness.  Now, that’s not to say the entire family needs to run out and buy some matching burlap vests.  Lawd, NO!  But a few items like a cable-knit sweater, distressed leather boots, fringed moccasins or a ruffled blouse can help add dimension.  Accents of lace, tweed, embroidery, ribbons or ruffles can help pull it all together for that wow factor.

7. Using Props.
   
   Props can also add some fun to your photo session.  I love using props in my senior photo sessions, but they are also a lot of fun with kids and families, too.

   The best props are the ones that have meaning and value to you.  A vintage tractor that’s been in your family for generations, grandpa’s old cowboy hat, a rocking chair passed down through the generations, these all help tell a story.  For young kids, too, it can be fun to incorporate their current favorite things into the shoot.  That silly hoodie she won’t take off, the teddy bear he never lets go of, a favorite blanket or toy…these can make photos fun and bring comfort to them.

   The most important thing to remember is that the prop should add to the image, not be the star of the show.  Keep them simple and easy to wrangle.

   

8. Get Inspired.

   If you’re the kind of person that needs to SEE some of these tips in action, check out my Photo Session Inspiration board on Pinterest.  Here you will find some visuals to help make sense of these tips, like color pallets you love or how to use accessories to make your outfit pop.Remember these are for inspiration, not a blueprint for you to follow exactly.  Get some ideas and then use your own style to pull it all together.

9. Be Prepared.
   
   Eliminate session day stress by laying out outfits and accessories the a few days before.  Make sure you have everything you need and it’s ironed and looking spiffy.  That way you aren’t scrambling the morning of your session.Wyoming weather can be unpredictable.  Don’t forget jackets, gloves, scarves, etc. to keep you warm between images.  Bug spray and sunscreen in the summer is also a good idea.  And it never hurts to travel with a pack of wipes and a lint roller…just in case.

   And finally…

10. Remember why we’re taking photos.
    
    We take photos so that in ten or twenty years down the road, you can remember these moments and cherish the time you spent together as a family.  We are taking these photos for YOU!  Yes, I want you to look and feel fabulous.  But I also want you to have fun and just enjoy the crazy, beautiful, hot mess that is your life NOW.  IN THIS MOMENT.  I want the LOVE to pop off the photo, not the outfits.