What to wear for a photography session? Fall 2011

As we are launching into holiday photo session time, I will repost my advice on What To Wear!  New color palettes shown: neutrals with a pop of dark orange, navy and teal, and grey with a pop of muted tangerine. 

I suggest that you start with your children's outfits.  Dress them in comfortable clothes that fit their personality.  For girls ~ I love dresses or a skirt/shirt combo; you could add tights & boots, or a hat.  Baby girls look adorable in headbands, tutu's or the "baby" version of the older sister's outfit (think Gymboree or Janie and Jack).  For boys ~ I love layering tee shirts, or a tee shirt layered underneath a casual button down, cool jeans, and a hat as well.  Women ~ pick something that works with the color palette of your kids' outfits.  If your daughter has 4 colors in her clothing, pick one of the colors that you like, and wear that with your favorite pair of jeans, a long skirt, or whatever you feel great in!  Layer on a shaped jacket, or lightweight scarf.  Men ~ pick one of the more neutral colors that your kids are wearing, and wear with jeans or cool khakis.  Don't be afraid to wear vivid colors!

Here is a list of my favorite stores for great items to wear for your photo shoot:

Kids:

Gap Kids

Crew Cuts

Nordstrom
Old Navy

Women:

J. Crew

Nordstrom

Gap

Anthropologie

Men:

Nordstrom

J. Crew

Lucky

Gap

Props are another element of a successful photo shoot.  By props, I mean items that mean something to you or your kids.  The little ones may love Thomas the Train, baby dolls, or a favorite book.  The older ones may love their Polly Pocket collection, legos, or a special keepsake.  I love to highlight and capture what they love.  Skateboards, hula hoops, bikes...use your imagination, maybe it is a favorite chair, an antique quilt, or a treasured art project.  Photographing their personality is part of the fun and success of a great photo shoot!