I sat down to think the other day about the most common questions I get asked when people book in for a photoshoot and by far the most common question I get, and understandably so, is what do I wear for my photoshoot.
Clothes play a huge part in what the finished photo's will look like and what style, colour and materials you dress in can often make the shoot - or break the shoot!
Take 2 mins to read my top dressing tips for a great outcome for your next photo shoot.
The gorgeous Rory dressed to impress in soft block colours so we don't distract from his deliciousness :)
To answer this burning question that many clients over the years have asked, I have my top 5 tips below to help you pick the best outfits to wear when getting beautiful lasting memories of you, your family or your little kiddlets.
Tip #1 - Stay away from busy prints and patterns!
I cannot emphasise enough the importance of solid colours when choosing outfits for a photoshoot. And although patterns and prints can look beautiful in real life often they often tend to distract people eyes when they view the photo's & the photos become dated very quickly.
I recommend picking the plainest clothes (but still nice right?!) for your photoshoots. It doesn't really matter what colours your choose as long as people will be looking at your family in the photos, not your hawaiian patterned dress you bought on holiday back in the late 90's!
Tip #2 - Texture is your friend
People often overlook texture when picking props and outfits for photo's. I believe texture is such an important element in photography.
Are you planning to get photo's of your beautiful new baby? Think knitted textures and fluffy blankets - this will create a beautiful warm feeling to the finished images (not to mention keep Bub warm in our chilly climate here in the Southern Highlands!)
Are you planning some updated family photo's? Instead of contrasting patterns and prints (see above tip for clarification) try and find clothing items with subtle textures like lace, denim, wool and linen to really make your images pop.
Some good examples of texture used instead of patterns and prints to add warmth and interest
"Texture adds an element of interest to otherwise bland images, because it draws the eye.
Plus, texture can contrast with smoother areas, creating a nice harmony."
Tip #3 - Pick Colours that Complement you!
Colours can play a huge role in how your finished images turn out.
Looking for bright and airy photos then stick to whites and pastel colours like mint green and light pinks. If you want dark moody photos then collect all your dark coloured clothing like dark greys, olive green and navy blue.
It's also useful to know what colours match your skin tone and personality. I personally am not a fan of wearing red. I think it looks too much on my pale pinky skin tone and I feel uncomfortable wearing that particular colour. I wouldn't go to a photoshoot wearing a colour that I am uncomfortable in. I would make a bet that people would be able to tell I am uncomfortable in the images afterwards!
So give your colour theme a thought for your next photoshoot. You will thank yourself when you get those images back :)
Tip #4 - Complementary colours in groups
The way you use colours can also make a difference in the final product after a portrait session. You want everyone in your photo to be wearing harmonious colours that work well together.
Grabbing the whole family to get a photography session? Match and complement your colours!
Now I am definitely not saying you all have to wear the same colour but it is best to avoid clashing colours and stick to nice complementary colours for your shoot. I highly recommend choosing an accent colour to start your theme and then adding in complementary colours around that theme.
All colours resonate differently with different people so go with your gut and have fun picking yours and your families outfits and if in doubt - white and jeans will forever be a timeless photo look.
Tip #5 - Stick to your comfort zone
Although I fully believe in testing boundaries and trying new things. Your next family or couples photoshoot may not be the time to give in to temptation to mix your wardrobe up.
You want to hold onto these photo's for many years to come and by going out of your comfort zone with your clothing choices, it most likely will result in disappointment. Stick to your favourite items that you feel comfortable in, at the end of the day it will come through in your photo's.
Just keep in mind you can save all those creative urges to change your style for a time that won't be immortalised on the walls for many years to come!
So there you have it......
I could probably waffle on about my tips for picking the nicest outfits for photo's for pages and pages but at the end of the day they are your images to love and have for years to come so just do what feels right for you and your family.
But let's all make a promise to stay away from the Hawaiian pattern forever... okay guys!?!
Peace out x
Suz