I have done a good amount of both in home and studio sessions and I know what looks best in a studio and I want you to come to your sessions feeling confident in what you are in. The perks of doing your pictures in a studio means that there are really no distractions. When doing pictures outside or in your home even, the location or backdrop can take the focus off of you and your family. When all you have is a solid backdrop or something simple, then you and your family will be the focus point. Also being in a studio gives you some more flexibility with what you can wear. You are not tied to a certain type of wardrobe to the season it is. A studio or home will always be warm inside so you don’t need to be in sweaters and long sleeves if you don’t want to be. Here’s a few tips to help you!

Stick to earth tones and neutral colors.

Bright, neon colors or logos clash easily and can leave weird colors on your skin when photographed. Neutral colors can go with any type of scenery and wont leave anyone sticking out like a sore thumb. So red should be more burgundy, orange should be more of a rust color, white should be more cream than starch, etc. Specific tones of colors change depending on the season. With it being in a studio you can literally dress in darker tones if that’s your preference or in more pastels if you want to.

Stay away from “matchy matchy” type outfits. ( i.e boys all in blue pants and white shirts, girls all in the same pink dress). I have see the most success for outfits from families with 3 colors incorporated into the group. 2 colors doesn’t always feel like enough and 4 feels like too many. You can vary shades of colors within your outfits but stay away from putting everyone in the same exact color. I always want the focus of our session to be on your family and your family connection . If you do want someone’s outfit to have a pattern or print , pick one to two individuals for smaller groups and 4-5 in the bigger groups and keep everyone else in neutrals or solids that coordinate to that.

Through out this blog post you’ll see examples of clients outfits for studio sessions. Attached at the bottom will be some examples from stores to give you more ideas if you want them.

Mom’s pick your outfits first!

Mom’s should look for fabrics that flow and move well. Pick a dress with a simple pattern, or pant and shirt combo that will look flattering, make you feel comfortable but make you feel good about yourself. Try and not go too casual here. Dresses that go from the knee, mid calf, or ankle are flattering on many body types. But dresses are not mandatory. You can also do a cute jumpsuit or top and bottom combo. Stay away from pants with major distressing or rips, or shirts showing too much cleavage.

Men

Stick to a solid or simple patterned button up collared shirt. Short or long sleeved depending on the season. Pair it with kakis, chinos or slacks if you’re wanting to look a little more dressed up for your pictures. Dark denim works as well.

Kids

Please be sure that your kids will be comfortable in what you want them to wear. I do think that their behavior during our session will be affected if something is too tight, itchy, scratchy, etc. If you’re worried about this, perhaps introduce the outfit a few days before and give them a chance to try it on with the accessories (if you have something planned for them). Simple dresses or rompers for girls. Onesies and body suits for babies. Boys can be dressed similarly to dad with a button up shirt with nice pants or shorts.

Accessories

A little can go a long way here. Watches are fine, especially if you have an obvious tan mark from them. Bows for little girls. A bonnet for a baby. Minimalist jewelry or a hat can be subtle but add to your outfit. I suggest you stay away from bulky or flashy jewelry, sunglasses, or snap back men’s hats.

Shoes

Women stay away from heels. A wedge or small platform can work, stick to something comfortable that looks a little dressier. Men wear something nicer than tennis shoes, something that doesn’t have more than normal wear and tear. Kids suggestions are similar to men. Cute sandals, ankle boots, etc. Also please note that if you are doing these and there is snow outside, the studio may ask you to take your shoes off once you get inside. So if you have shoes in mind, wear different shoes and then change into what you want when you get there.

Here’s some online examples:

Ideas for Women

Ideas for Men

Kid Ideas

Shoe Ideas

Some other’s great examples from Pinterest

Please know that I am here to help with this process prior to our session. If you are struggling to figure this out or piece pieces together please reach out and I will help you with this!