Can’t figure out what to wear to your family session? Scroll down for a helpful article by photographer Janette leBlanc (http://jeanetteleblanc.blogsome.com) followed by handy little photo guides of outfits photographers have assembled to help you with the look of your wardrobe:
You Are What You Wear
adapted from an article by Janette leBlanc
Is that title a little clichéd? Perhaps. But when it comes to portrait photography, clothing plays a huge role in the success of the finished product.
Before we get going – let’s be clear what your clothing does NOT need to be:
1. Brand New
I’m down with your favorite ripped jeans, retro band T’s, and worn converse shoes – as long as you know how to rock them in your own fabulous style.
2. Fancy-Schmancy and Uber-Expensive
…unless this is really your thing, then by all means, baby, bring on the bling. If you’re not normally a dress-up kind of person, don’t feel like you have to be one for your session.
3. Matching
No need to focus on matching everything from the color of your fuchsia headbands to the stripes in your socks. In fact, please, please don’t. If your heart is set on everyone in white button downs and khaki pants, I’m probably not the photographer for you. I like variety and fun clothing styles.
4. Stressful
No need to worry about each and every item, or fret about the suitability of each accessory. This is supposed to be fun.
What your clothing SHOULD be. I want you to be happy, thrilled, over the moon about your images, and I know that this is much more likely if you choose clothing that fits these few simple rules:
1. Feels Good
During your shoot you could be on the grass having a tickle battle, rolling down a hill with your fiancé, throwing your kiddos in the air or climbing a tree. Wear clothing that lets you do all that (and more) comfortably.
As for the kids? Well…uncomfortable kids have a tendency to look…uncomfortable, and are often cranky to boot. Happy kids make for happy pictures.
Bottom Line: Don’t choose outfits that make any of you feel constrained, stiff, itchy, scratchy, like you’re dressed up for Halloween, or that leave you with a nagging worry that a button might pop if you bend the wrong way..
2. Looks Good
This can be tricky, since looking good is totally subjective – right? If you’re not a Carrie Bradshaw fashionista in real life, you might want to pull in some extra help from a straight-talking friend.
Sometimes last year’s of-the-moment dress has already become hopelessly untrendy. Sometimes the current fashions just don’t look or feel like you. Sometimes outfits that look good in the mirror might not be ideally suited for photography.
Bottom Line: If you don’t feel fabulous-fierce,-take-on-the-world gorgeous in your outfit, you’re not going to love, love, love the end result – and I’m all about you loving the end result.
3. Makes Sense
Here’s where we pull it all together. It’s not just enough that everyone look good and feel good – you’ve gotta look and feel good together AND the outfits should fit with your location and the desired mood for your portraits.
Gulp. That seems like a lot, doesn’t it? (quick – revisit #4 in the top list, and remember not to stress). If you’re unsure, lay it all out on a bed together and go away for a few hours, then have another look to see it fresh.
Before you even begin figuring out your wardrobe, we’ll have a planning session to narrow down what you really want for your pictures, choose the perfect location and make sure you have an understanding about how that all comes together in the finished photograph. I’m with you every step of the way!
by admin
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