Planning Outfits
I know this part can feel so overwhelming especially if you are doing a large family picture with lots of kids. I suggest picking a color scheme to begin with. Think of what will stand out against the background at the location and what will flatter all the skin/hair tones. Then the recipe I like to use it 1 pattern (like a floral or other print), 1 subtle print (subtle plaid, subtle print, or a textured material), and then variations of solids. Make sure the items you pick are comfortable for everyone (not scratchy, too tight, unbuttons easily, etc.). If you want a combination of sitting and standing images, make sure everyone feels comfortable moving in their items.
For women I suggest picking something you want your outfit to highlight. Do you have amazing arms? Awesome, wear a gorgeous sleeveless maxi dress that shows as your gorgeous tone in your arms. Do you love your legs? Great, wear a boho dress that is modest up to but shows off your gorgeous legs. Do you love your eyes? Great pick a color scheme that really helps your eye color stand out!
I also love when my clients have something special or meaningful that they wear or bring with them. Example a necklace that was passed down from a loved one, a prop that has special meaning to your family, or a blanket that a loved one hand made. It adds a special emotional element to the final image.
Make sure your outfits are ready to go for the shoot. I will share a personal story about a wrinkled shirt explosion I had when heading to my own engagement photos. As we approached the day of the shoot, I made sure he knew which shirt and pants he wanted to wear and that they were clean. On the morning of I have spent time on my hair and makeup and am almost ready to go. I remind him to just wear an undershirt for now since it was going to an hour drive to Athens for the session and I didn’t want his shirt to wrinkle. So, he brings it down to the car. As we are about to leave, I look, and it was covered in wrinkles. After washing it he had left it balled up in the dryer for who knows how long, and it looked totally disheveled. Here is where I lose it. To top it off on the drive it starts raining and I start crying because emotions were high. The only upside to the rain was we rescheduled and let me tell you the next time that was the crispest ironed button up I have ever seen. As much as I wish photo shoot days didn’t generate stress for moms and women they just do. We put so much excitement and expectation into it and it makes it so easy for things to go wrong day of.
I suggest picking things that are easy to wear and low maintenance (don’t wrinkle easily or ride up or down when you wear them). If you feel comfortable you will be able to relax and enjoy your session more.
