Clothing is Key!

Your clothing is as unique as you are so while you’ll probably be browsing the internet for ideas don’t forget that what works for one family may not work for yours. The key is to be true to yourself and what reflects your personality. Don’t go on a big shopping spree. Find your favorites from your current wardrobe to look and feel like the real you. After all, this is a lifestyle portrait session aimed to capture the everyday you.

To Match or Not to Match

While matching colors can be pleasing on the eye it is not ideal to photograph especially with large groups. You end up with a lot of different people wearing the same shirt and what looks good on Mom will probably not look good on Grandma and most definitely will not work on Dad. Do find a complimentary color palette that works for everyone in front of the camera. Dressing in colors that compliment each other will allow everyone in the photograph to individually shine but still look cohesive. Definitely stray away from heavy patterns or anything with distracting logos.

Start with the Difficult

Having trouble deciding? Often times it’s easier to start with the family member that is going to be the most difficult to dress. Find an outfit that looks good and feels comfortable for them and then base your other wardrobe selections from a complimentary color palette. Read on for a our rocking color palette link.

Kids Have it Easy

Finding clothing for kids is a lot easier than adults. They can virtually wear anything and steal the show. It’s a little harder to dress newborns since not a lot of clothing fits right away but that’s just fine. We prefer to strip them down to nothing but their chunky delightfulness anyway! Do keep in mind that these are lifestyle sessions and kids like to play. Fancy clothing is fine but parents need to be ok with the fact that the outfit may get dirty at some point during the session.

Click for a complete guide of how to prepare for your Newborn Lifestyle session.

Moms

We urge our mothers (especially the new ones) to dress comfortably and flattering to your body type. For example, a long free flowing dress not only feels good to wear but it photographs beautifully.

Dads

Dads are kind of like the kids…pretty easy. Like everyone else, keep them comfortable. We do like to suggest light layers such as a solid t- shirt under a button down shirt for a casual and relaxed feel. Have them leave big or flashy watches at home.

Large Groups

As we mentioned before, sometimes the best place to start is with the person that is going to be the most difficult to dress. Our families come in all sorts of sizes so picking one wardrobe style is not very conducive for all members. Choose a flattering option and from there you can build on your family's style and color palette.

Footwear

Depending upon what type of portrait session you are having footwear can be important. Most often with our newborn family sessions everyone is barefoot unless you are wanting something more formal. Same goes with our outdoor sessions, be ready to kick those suckers off!  When footwear is appropriate keep in mind the height. If you are already one of the tallest members in your family its best to wear flats and vise versa.

Couples

For couples portrait sessions the same rules apply. Be comfortable and choose outfits that compliment each other but don't match.

Accessories

You are the focus of the portrait, not the location, not your wardrobe and definitely not your accessories. If you are wearing something distracting we may ask you to remove it. We don’t want any one thing in your portrait to stand out.

Skincare and Body

Hydrate and moisturize! Make sure you are drinking lots of water and moisturize well the night before and day of your session. If you can exfoliate even better! Lips are the hardest to retouch so don’t forget chap stick.

Make sure all of the members in your family have clean and trimmed nails. If you want polish choose a neutral color that wont stick out.

Hair

Most sessions take place outdoors so make sure you bring a hair tie or clip especially for kids. If you tend to have flyways try using a serum to hold them down.

Color Palette Guide

We are always happy to help guide you through the wardrobe selection process, in fact we insist on it! To make it even easier we have put some of our favorite color palettes together on Pintrest to inspire. You can find them here. Don’t forget the key is to be comfortable so that you can look and feel like you! Check out these color palettes.

Visit our latest Wardrobe DOs and Don'ts blog for more helpful info.
 
We cant wait for your session! Please contact us at 562.706-0032 with any additional questions you may have.

-Miranda & The Blossom Blue Team