What to wear?
This is an important question because your clothing will reflect “you” and set the mood of the photo. My first suggestion is to always wear clothing that you are comfortable posing in and flatters you!
Maternity sessions- You must wear something form fitting to show off that bump… that IS the point after all. Also, I highly recommend dressing feminine. A low skirt with a snug top is a great choice, or a slim fitting dress. Fun accessories, scarves, and cute shoes add a nice touch. For showing your belly, pre-pregnancy jeans look great unbuttoned and folded down below the belly. (but forgive yourself if they don’t fit!!) Try to avoid the maternity pants with panels if you plan to show some belly skin. A dress can look beautiful if you don’t lose the bump in all of the fabric. I also have beautiful maternity gowns with sheer fabric that you are welcome to use… you might want some nude colored panties to go with them plus a tube top/bandeau. Make sure whatever you choose doesn’t make you one giant blob from boob to butt… you want your shirt to be tight below your chest so that you can tell where breasts stop and belly begins. I also highly recommend something fitted over the whole belly, otherwise we spend a lot of time trying to show the curves of your bump through all the fabric. Trust me on this!
For all sessions in general..
My Top 10 Suggestions
1. Don’t be afraid to try bold colors! I love color. But NO NEON… it reflects on your skin. This includes hot pink. Gold/mustard and navy photograph really well and look great together. Please try to avoid solid white or solid black items.
2. Accessories are your friend! Chunky necklaces, colored or textured scarves, statement shoes (or no shoes!) are all great ideas. Shoes matter! Big white sneakers are eye sores. Hats can be wonderful props as long as they don’t hide your face.
3. Choose between trendy or timeless. Trendy reflects who you are NOW, classic will always look lovely without looking dated. Neither one is wrong, but stick with one or the other.
4. Thin layers and assorted textures look spectacular in photographs. Think cardigans with a flower on it, a coat with unique details, a cool scarf, funky leggings, a tank with a sheer blouse on top, etc.
5. Coordinate a family, don’t match. This is important! You want to flow together, not look like you are trying to wear a family uniform. Pick a few colors and have different people use them in different places. Don’t mix too many patterns. (see my suggestion photos below)
6. Kiddos- Little girls are only little for a little while… let them be girly! tutus, ruffle rompers, funky leggings, bright headbands, chunky pearls, etc! I think little boys are adorable in a long-sleeve button-up, blazers, vests, or sweaters. I also have a soft spot for little cowboys. Let them be unique and show some personality! (plus if they like what they are wearing they are likely to be much happier)
7. Ladies, be feminine! Looking girly is ALWAYS more flattering in photos… especially for seniors and moms-to-be. Skirts, dresses, and feminine blouses give you a soft appearance and affect the way you carry yourself. False eyelashes make your eyes pop but too much makeup just looks heavy, so be wary of that. But whatever my advice, you should still be yourself… if you never wear heels, don’t wear 6 inch pumps!
8. Coordinate baby with your family… but make sure their outfit can stand alone for individual shots too!
9. Don’t wear logos, characters, or brand names across your shirt. I don’t recommend all wearing jeans/khakis and the same color shirt…I know it is popular, but a bit boring. I prefer you avoid white shirts in outdoor settings.
10. Consider your setting. If we are outdoors in a wooded area, dark green might blend in. You don’t want your kids to be cold/hot, so be prepared for the weather. Also, I often shoot in parks and off the usual path so keep that in mind when selecting shoes. Feel free to ask me about anything you have in mind.
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