What should I wear for my portrait session?
ERIN MCBRINE PHOTOGRAPHY
MASSACHUSETTS FAMILY & WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR MY PORTRAIT SESSION?
Hey there folks! I hope you are all enjoying your February and had a love filled Valentine’s Day. Whether it be love from your partner, your kids, family members, your pets or just by loving yourself. February has always been the month when I start to get a little bit busier after a quiet post holiday January break. This is the time that all sessions start to book up for the coming year. It's a great idea to book your session earlier rather than later since it gives you ample time to plan and to ask any questions you may have. One of the most common questions I get is “What should I wear?”. Which is a really great question since your wardrobe plays such a huge part in the look and feel of your photos. Here I would like to share some DO’S AND DONT’S as well as some tips as to what you should wear for your portrait session.
DO wear solid colors. Muted colors are best. Think muted gem tones, earthy tones, white, beige, soft blues and soft pinks. I would stay away from anything fluorescent or bright. Also keep in mind that darker colors tend to slim while lighter colors tend to add a sense of lightness. It's also a great idea to make sure that you and anyone else in your photos are coordinating colors. You don't need to all wear the same outfit but it's a great idea to wear colors that compliment each other.
DO stay away from busy prints and patterns as they can be distracting. Simple patterns or plaid are certainly ok but the aim is to keep the focus on your face. We don’t want a complicated and loud pattern taking away from the true beauty of your expressions and character of your face. Also solid colors make the editing process much easier!
DO wear something comfortable and easy to move in. You want to wear something that is great for sitting or standing. When wearing dresses, it's better to wear a dress that is below your knee or full length so that when you sit there is no problem keeping you covered. For younger children short dresses are certainly easier for them to move around in. So, in that case I will always recommend some bloomers or diaper cover. Other pieces of clothing shouldn’t be too large or too tight. Wearing something that compliments your shape no matter your size is always going to make your images look their best. If you look good you will feel good!
DON’T dress too casual. It is important to dress comfortably but not TOO comfortably. I know we are all so used to wearing our quarantine sweatpants and hoodies these days but it’s a good idea to leave those for lounging on the couch. Some other items I would suggest leaving out of your photoshoot wardrobe would be: Anything with a logo or large lettering, baseball hats, sunglasses, or anything with a character or cartoon on it.
DON’T over accessorize. The more accessories you have on, the more they will need to be adjusted with every movement. If it is your strong will to wear a lot of accessories I will certainly not stop you. Just keep in mind their position may need to be adjusted when your pose changes. It’s best to stick with one or two accessories or no-fuss elements to your wardrobe. Below is a great example of how to accessorize in an effective way.
DO spend time on your hair (and make up if you wear any). You don’t need to go out to a salon and get prom hair and make-up done but I wouldn't show up with a messy bun either. The more thought and effort you put into your hair and make-up, the more it will show in your images. If you like the way your hair looks with a soft beachy wave. Do that. If a straight look frames your face just right. Go with straight hair. Shorter hair cuts should be well coiffed. A comb and a little hair product can go a long way. For Make-up, a more natural look is best.
DO be mindful of what is in your pockets. The most frustrating thing to see in a beautiful portrait is the dreaded cell phone popping out of your pocket or making a cell phone shape on your pant covered leg stand out.
worry about your shoes. If you don't like the look of your shoes or they don't match your general look- just take them off!
One thing to never forget is that I also have a select wardrobe for you to choose from. In the studio wardrobe I have a selection of gowns/dresses for Maternity clients. These dresses are very forgiving size wise, solid color, simple and very easy to put on and take off. I have a wide variety of newborn outfits, stretch wraps, hats and headbands for newborns and babies. I do have a small selection of outfits for younger children as well. The studio wardrobe keeps growing every year. I hope to have a larger variety of pieces for adults and older children in the future.
I hope that this list has helped you in your wardrobe choices! It can be a daunting task to figure out a wardrobe for yourself and your family but the best rule of thumb is to keep it simple, comfortable and something you feel great in! What is your favorite thing to wear for our portrait sessions?
