What to Wear for Family Photographs
Picture Perfect Prep: What to Wear for Your Family Photos!
Your family photo session is just around the corner, and we're so excited to capture some beautiful memories! To help you look and feel your absolute best, let's talk about what to wear. Thoughtful clothing choices can truly elevate your photos, so here are some tried-and-true tips to guide you:
The Foundation: Fit and Function
Do: Make sure all clothing fits properly. Take the time now to try on each piece. Ill-fitting clothes can look and feel awkward in photos.
Do: Note whether each item needs to be washed, dry cleaned, or ironed before your session. Wrinkled clothing is definitely a "don't"!
Do: For outdoor photos, always watch the weather forecast. Everyone should be comfortably and appropriately dressed for the temperature.
Do: If a windy day is predicted for an outdoor session, plan to pull back longer hair into stylish ponytails or braids. Flyaways can be distracting in photos.
Remember: All items of clothing, including coats, shoes, and socks, will appear in your photos. Choose them intentionally!
Dress Smart (Especially for Moms!):
Do: If you're planning to wear a dress, stick with medium to long lengths. These tend to be the most flattering and offer more versatility in posing.
Don't: Short dresses can sometimes be challenging when sitting or interacting with little ones.
Do: Embrace the movement of longer dresses! They can add a beautiful, dynamic element to your family photos.
Navigating Little Personalities:
The Kiddo Clause: We get it! Sometimes, the clothing battle with little ones is one you can't win beforehand. Do: Bring along the outfit you envisioned and your child's preferred choice. We are experts at making things work and capturing genuine smiles, even if it involves a beloved superhero tee peeking out! You might be surprised at what ends up being a cherished part of the memory.
Newborn Nests:
Do: Newborns look and feel their best in simple, comfy onesies. Don't overthink it! We will bring along clean, soft neutral colored wraps. Do include special items, monogrammed blankets and special clothing unique to the baby and your family.
Smart Timing & Practicalities:
Do: If someone in your family is prone to drooling or spills (no judgment!), don't put on your picture-perfect clothes until you arrive at the photo location. Accidents happen!
Do: Empty all pockets! Bulky wallets, phones, and keys can create unflattering lines in your clothing.
Don't: Leave apple watches or other digital devices visible. They can be distracting and date your photos.
Do: Wear or bring comfortable shoes. Happy feet make for happier smiles! This is especially important for walking between locations or standing for longer periods.
The Sock Situation: Remember, everything you wear will show up, right down to Dad's bright white athletic socks peeking out from dress pants. Don't let mismatched or distracting socks be an afterthought. Photoshop correction isn't always seamless or possible.
The Art of Coordination: Color, Pattern, and Texture
Color Harmony: Do: Work within the same color scheme. If you adore a light-colored sweater, have the family coordinate with pastels and other light tones. Or, if your child insists on their bold red sweater, build your family's outfits around other primary colors for a cohesive look.
Want to dive deeper into color combinations? This is an excellent article on choosing colors and working with patterns: Color Article.
Pattern Play: Do: Incorporate patterns thoughtfully! The key is to maintain a consistent color scheme. For example, if you're wearing a dark blue shirt, a family member could wear a subtle gingham blue shirt under a sweater. Scarves, bows, and headbands are also fantastic ways to introduce patterns. Don't: Overdo it with too many competing bold patterns, which can look busy.
Textural Interest: Do: Consider mixing and matching subtlely conflicting textures to add depth and visual interest to your portraits. A silk blouse paired with a cotton or wool sweater can look beautiful.
Accessorize Wisely: Do: Use accessories like jewelry, scarves, and bowties to enhance your outfits and add a touch of texture. Don't: Wear overly large or distracting accessories that take away from faces.
See it in Action!
Visual Inspiration: Are you a visual learner? Check out real-life clients looking fantastic at various photo locations through this link for inspiration: Link to Logan Square Pinned What to Wear.
By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to having stunning family photos that you'll treasure for years to come! If you have any specific questions about your outfits, please don't hesitate to reach out – we're here to help!
Studio Style: Your Blank Canvas for Beautiful Portraits
Preparing for your photo session at our studio? Wonderful! You're in for a treat. One of the things our clients love most is the beautifully soft, natural light that floods our neutral space. It truly makes everyone look radiant and allows you to be the star of the show.
Speaking of the space, think of our studio as the perfect blank canvas. Its neutral tones and versatile backdrops mean that any style of clothing, from elegant formal wear to the coziest pajamas, can look absolutely fantastic. Whether you envision a sophisticated portrait in your Sunday best or a fun, relaxed vibe in your favorite casual outfits, our studio will provide the ideal backdrop.
And when it comes to color? The possibilities are endless! Our neutral environment harmonizes beautifully with all color combinations. So, whether you're drawn to soft pastels, bold jewel tones, classic neutrals, or vibrant pops of color, feel confident in your choices. Let your personal style shine!
Soft Hues and Gentle Touches: What to Wear for Your Newborn Session
Preparing for your newborn's first professional photoshoot is such a special time! One thing to keep in mind is how beautifully soft and sensitive newborn skin is to both textures and colors. In our bright and airy studio, we embrace this delicate nature by often wrapping your little one in the gentlest of cotton wraps, ensuring their comfort throughout the session.
To create a harmonious and timeless look in your newborn portraits, we suggest that parents and siblings consider wearing light-colored clothing. You'd be surprised at how effortlessly chic and connected a simple ensemble like white t-shirts and jeans can appear against your baby's soft skin. These light tones enhance the overall feeling of purity and tenderness in the images.
I have a lovely selection of soft blankets and wraps specifically chosen for newborn sessions, but I also love incorporating items that are meaningful to your family. Please feel free to bring along any special family heirloom, perhaps a knitted blanket passed down through generations, or a beloved stuffed animal that will be a comforting presence for your little one. These personal touches add such a unique and heartfelt element to your baby's first portraits.
Exploring the Outdoors in Style: Your Guide to Outdoor Session Attire
We're so excited to head outdoors with your family for your upcoming photo session! Chicago's beautiful parks and landscapes offer a stunning backdrop, but it's crucial to remember that our city's weather can be quite the character! Dressing appropriately for the elements is key to a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Please make checking the weather forecast a priority as you plan your outfits. Whether we're facing a warm summer breeze or a brisk autumn day, your clothing choices should align with the temperature to ensure everyone is feeling their best and looking natural.
Chilly weather? Embrace the layers! When the mercury dips below 50, think of cozy coats and vibrant vests as opportunities to add personality and pops of color to your family's look. Don't forget stylish scarves and hats for extra warmth and visual appeal!
For warmer days, consider the breezy elegance of flowy cotton dresses and the relaxed comfort of linen pants. These fabrics not only keep you cool under the Chicago sun but also drape beautifully and enhance the natural, airy feel of outdoor photography.
Less is More (to Capture More!): To help us capture those authentic, in-between moments, we recommend leaving the diaper bag and stroller in the car. We'll be staying within a manageable area, and having fewer items to manage will allow for more spontaneous and candid shots of your family interacting naturally with the beautiful surroundings.
Dress the Bump: Inspiring Ideas for Your Maternity Session Attire
When it comes to your maternity session, the most important rule is to wear what makes you feel beautiful and comfortable! This is a celebration of your journey, and your outfit should reflect that joy and anticipation.
For a look that often photographs beautifully and highlights your precious baby bump, consider a long, flowing dress. The movement of the fabric can add a touch of magic to your images. Alternatively, a form-fitting dress can elegantly showcase the beautiful shape of your pregnancy.
Of course, comfort is paramount! Many moms-to-be have that favorite maternity dress or those trusty maternity jeans that have become wardrobe heroes throughout their pregnancy. If you have an outfit that you adore and feel fantastic in, it's absolutely perfect for your session. Your genuine comfort will shine through in your photos!