Are you one of those stumbling thru your closet or shopping for hours for the perfect outfit for your portrait session? Well your not alone! A question I often get from clients is, “What should I wear to my photoshoot!?” This is a very important question! Other than location, choosing your outfit for your lifestyle photoshoot is one of the most difficult decisions to make. And as it should be! One thing to remember is: this is a LIFESTYLE photo shoot, so be comfortable and be yourself!!
When there is more than one person in your photoshoot — like, if you’re having an engagement session or a family session — you will want to put some thought into your group’s attire. Your outfit can make your photos look drab or fab!
Important Note: I am not trying to say anyone has bad taste or that a particular style is unattractive. I am actually trying to do just the opposite! I want your photos to be about you! Of course these are just my tips, other photographers may have their own advice to share (and if any of you out there are reading, please feel free to share them in the comments!). Style is completely subjective! This is just my opinion! These tips are to help those who would like tips in choosing portrait attire. Please remember, in the end, wear what you (and the rest of the group) feel most comfortable! Being comfortable and “yourselves” is what will make you the most relaxed at your shoot.
You want to look coordinated, but NOT matchy-matchy!
The modern way of coordinating groups is to let everyone be unique, as we all are. What you want to avoid is having everyone in identical outfits, like the same colored/patterened shirts and the same kind of bottoms. This was a photography trend in the ’80s and ’90s.
Solids vs. prints.
Solids will get my vote every time. The right print can look great, but more often I will suggest that a client wear a solid color. Bold prints can look very busy and distract the viewer from the focus of the photo, you! Although, including an inspiration piece with some print may be a beautiful way to incorporate prints.
Color can be your friend!
I love a nice bright, rich color that really pops in a photo. Lighter brights stand out but aren’t too distracting (i.e. avoid neon greens and yellows). Even white looks great and can feel fresh. I usually suggest staying away from dark colors because they can blend into the background, but if you know you’ll be shooting in a location that offers a light background, dark colors can also be slimming. A nice bright color however, just adds a little something to the photo. And if you have a favorite color that you just love, wear it!
Comfort over trends!
Lifestyle photography is all about YOU! So let your outfit let your personalities shine!! You don’t want to be messing with your outfit keeping it in place or chasing after your kids to keep their shirt buttoned. For instance, if a woman decides to wear a skirt with high heels, but she hasn’t worn heels in years, her discomfort will show in the photos. If little Tommy prefers soft cotton shirts, but his parents put him in a crisp linen button-down….oh boy! And I say this from experience….my own son hated the outfits picked out for a grandchild family portrait…and he was not happy! Avoid Trends when ever possible, you may look back at these pictures in 10 years and say ”why on earth did I wear that!” Unless of course, your going to a theme with a time period then trends work well if done tastefully.
Be an Individual, Not Identical
One way to start is coming up with a color scheme, style, pattern or theme. It could also be a piece that inspires you, like a scarf, a shirt, or a hat. Then tie everyone else’s outfit around that inspiration piece.
Think of your images as Home Decor
Think of your home decor. Is it bright, colorful, more neuatral, etc…? Think of your images as art you hang in your home and plan your outfits around the decor in your home. What colors would match or compliment what you already have in your home?
Example A: A flower theme. Mom can wear an outfit with a floral pattern. Dad can wear jeans and a green shirt. Baby can wear a pastel outfit with a flower clip in her hair.
Example B: An inspiration piece. Drive your inspiration from one piece of clothing or accessory, ie: a patterned shirt. Then pull different colors from shirt to create everyone else’s outfits.
Example C: Style similarity. Everyone is wearing casual Summer attire. Or dressy evening attire. Pick one and stick to it.
Whether you follow my tips or the tips of others, always remember who you’re dressing and what everyone will enjoy wearing. Being comfortable and happy, to me is the only tip! Lifestyle photography will have you moving, laying down, sitting, possibly even getting wet….so if your uncomfortable in what your wearing this will show in your images.
Feel free to email me or call me with your questions. If you have pictures of your outfits you can email them to me and I can help you choose outfits on location as well. Don’t worry about bringing more then one outfit…MOST PEOPLE DO 
