HINTS & TIPS

1. Steer clear of fluorescents and logos

Fluorescent colours tend to colour cast on faces, necks and hair. They’re harsh sometimes. I always recommend versions of primary colours. Yellow (mustard), red (maroon, brick), and blue (navy, royal). No logos. We want to see you not great big words across your chest.

2. Too much Green

Stay away from wearing a lot of green when having photos taken in grassy/wooded areas. It’s just too much green. Green as an accent colour is great, though! You want to stand out amongst all the greenery you’re surrounded by.

3. Wardrobe

To get the flow going with wardrobe for your family, start with one outfit that you really like. From there, build from it for everyone else.

4. Wear what you feel good in!

Mums and dads, this tip is for you specifically. If you aren’t comfortable in what you’ve chosen for pictures, it will show. If you can’t find a dress you feel good in, but you rock a good pair of skinny jeans, do that. If you can barely walk in heels, there’s no harm in doing cute and comfy flat boots or pretty sandals. If you can’t do a heel (like me), a wedge is a great alternative, too.

5. Layer, layer, layer!

Layers add dimension and depth. In the summer? Layer your dress with a cute belt and pendant necklace. In the autumn and winter? cardigans, belts, statement necklaces, scarves, hats, blazers, etc.

6. Purchase clothes that fit well.

I know we all have a hard time buying clothes for our kids that don’t leave a lot of room for growth, seeing as they do grow so fast. However, keep in mind that for pictures, too large a polo shirt, saggy ill-fitting jeans or a jacket that’s falling off the shoulders look sloppy. You’ll be purchasing outfits specifically for pictures, most likely, so choose something that fits perfectly or even just a little bit snug. Make it look almost tailored. Go a size smaller in jackets, cardigans or blazers. A too-big jean jacket will not compliment shape. It hides hips and waist for mums. If you typically wear a size medium jacket, try on the small. Even if it’s just a little snug in the shoulders, it should lay nicely around your hips and waist, creating a tailored look.

7. Matching is out

Coordinating is in. And anything goes nowadays! We know your family is together. We’re photographing you together! So, wearing the same coloured shirt, trousers, shoes, etc. looks a bit awkward. Coordinating colours are what really brings wardrobe together. I usually choose two to three main colours of wardrobe, and maybe one accent pop of colour. Also, mixing stripes with plaids and tweeds is okay! The expression is important. We want to see your personality through your wardrobe.

8. Dress for the weather, and be flexible

If you have plans for a cute sundress for your daughter, and the weather ends up being 20 degrees colder than you were anticipating, switch it up a bit by adding layers. Tights, boots, scarf, slouchy hat, cardigan. Dress appropriately for the weather that day, even if it doesn’t go with your original plan. If your child is sweating profusely in a sweater during his shoot, he won’t be happy. And on the same token, if your child is wearing a sleeveless dress and the weather dips too much in the evening, she’ll be a grump, and it’ll reflect in the final images. I speak these words from experience.

9. Dress for the situation

Just as dressing for the weather is important, dressing for the situation is just as important. A fancy black dress and a dress shirt and tie wouldn’t be the most appropriate wardrobe for a forest or grassy setting. More formal wear would be more appropriate for an urban or “big city” feel. Also, if I am shooting a lifestyle session in my client’s home, I make sure they know that the wardrobe will take second fiddle to the actual lifestyle images I will be capturing. I tell my lifestyle clients to wear whatever it is that they’d wear at home. No coordinating or matching necessary. Those sessions are meant to be as normal, true to life and every day as possible.

10. In the Studio 

A lot of my studio photography is now using natural daylight and I find keeping your clothing a lot simpler and neutral colours work best.   I strongly advise to wear natural shades of creams, whites, beiges and mix with a subtle pop of colours like denim, soft greens and pinks

I am always here to help with outfit choices so just pop me a Whatsapp with some ideas.

If you are looking to purchase new items to wear then have a look at Zara, H&M, Matalan & Next, particularly for some adorable kids outfits.