A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR Virginia Family session

Welcome to the sometimes exciting, but mostly challenging world of figuring out what to wear! Don’t worry I’ve got you covered. Let’s do this together!

As a Virginia natural light family & newborn photographer, I’m here to help you with real tips and inspiration to ensure you and your family look and feel your best during our session. I understand the importance of creating timeless and beautiful family portraits that reflect your unique style and personality. One key element in achieving this is selecting the right attire for your session.

In this guide, we’ll explore some essential tips to ensure you and your family look and feel your best during our time together!

MAMA’S, DRESS YOURSELF FIRST!

Mama, you are the anchor of the family, and dressing yourself first sets the tone.

I recommend prioritizing your comfort by opting for flattering, free-flowing, textured, and feminine sleeved options. Align your clothing with your personal style, whether it's flowy dresses or a cute top and pants.

Comfort breeds confidence, so be true to yourself for a relaxed and natural look in your photos.

Avoid neon or bright reds, hot pinks, neon green, and clothing with writing or logos.

Need a little inspiration? You are welcome to explore and wear anything from my Client Wardrobe!

Coordinate, Don't Match

Opt for a coordinated color palette with soft neutrals, adding pops of colors like blues, soft pinks, and earthy tones. Once you have a base palette, you can layer prints and textures for a romantic and elegant feel.

Incorporating textures like linens, knits, corduroy, and chunky sweaters creates a visually appealing and timeless touch.

*Dressing your youngest in overalls or rompers usually works great! Those types of outfits rarely have malfunctions, meaning they stay on nicely and are super cute too!

Consider the season

Consider the season and the location you’re having your photo session.

For Spring, focus on pastels (light pink, light blue, light green), creamy colors (off-whites, light tans, and soft colors), and earthy colors (browns, deep greens, tans, whites, off-whites) to compliment the emerging color & blooms beautifully. Incorporate light and airy fabrics.

For Summer, neutrals (whites, creams, tans, mustard) and blues tend to work beautifully against the vibrant landscape (green grass, golden sun, bright florals). Don’t be afraid to wear all shades of neutrals, it can add visual interest to your photos in comparison to the bright backgrounds. Wear breathable clothing, light & airy fabrics, and ensure the fabric will not show sweat as much. Avoid neon and black for Summer.

For Fall, wear golden earthy tones. Deeper colors like burgundy, golds, browns, mustards, hunter greens, and more allow for beautiful contrast with the warm backgrounds. Textures and layers add interest and depth. Consider chunky sweaters, knits, jackets, etc.

For Winter, soft neutrals or pops of color can be refreshing to the image. If it’s cold ensure you are dressed in layers, and your kiddos in particular are warm!

Style tips for Dad

Keep it simple with light-colored pants and a button-down or henley.

If Dad opts for a button-down, rolled sleeves can give a relaxed yet put-together feel.

Be sure to avoid overly distracting patterns, tees with writing, athletic or polo styled shirts; opt instead for henley, oxfords, or logo-less tees.

Consider the Details

When selecting outfits, consider bloomers or bike shorts for little girls in dresses to keep their diaper or underwear covered.

Select nicer shoes than your “everyday shoes”, particularly for your kiddos! Shoes will show in your outdoor pictures.

Treat yourself to a manicure or ensure your nails are well-kept. This makes a subtle but significant difference in close-up shots.

And before your session begins, remove hair ties, watches, and phones from pockets.

moments cherished for generations

Your family photos are a timeless investment, and choosing the right attire is a crucial step in ensuring that they stand the test of time. By following these tips, you'll not only look great but also feel comfortable and confident during our session. For more inspiration, feel free to explore my blog of family photography sessions.