Whether you have booked an engagement session, a family portrait session or a maternity shoot, you may find yourself agonizing over what to wear or how you might look in photographs. You aren't a model and have never been perfectly comfortable in front of the camera so the stress of a photo shoot can be like no other. I'm here to help keep it fun and simple with these five easy tips.
If you wear neutrals, you will look like you belong anywhere
I'm not saying only wear beige, but I am saying that the number one rule is to wear something less vibrant and more complementary to your surroundings.
For example, olive and forest greens are great, lime green is less great. Bright colors are less likely to appear elsewhere in the background of your photos so wearing them will make you stick out.
Pure neutrals like black, white and gray are classic options because they also appear in the form of light and shadows in every single photo location. Mixing in earth tones will bring a more cohesive look, especially for an outdoor session. The result when you show up in neutrals is that you look more in sync and less like you are competing with your surroundings for attention.
Coordinate outfits if you can, but there is no need to match
When you coordinate your clothes, even just a little, you elevate the feeling of the photos. You instantly appear more aligned with each other and more in place with your surroundings. If you choose to coordinate then you and your partner are setting the tone intentionally. You will immediately become the subject of the photo instead of just an object. Coordinating is the easiest way to ensure the colors you wear will appear elsewhere in the photo, making the takeaway cohesive and clean.
Try to avoid big patterns, but don't be afraid of small ones
In a photograph, a large pattern can overwhelm the image and distract from everything else. That being said, a smaller pattern or texture can make the photo feel more real and less stiff. Smaller patterns, especially patterns in neutral colors, add depth, visual intrigue, and can even add personality to the final image. Never wear clothes with words on them and even try to steer clear of large logos if possible to ensure the final look is timeless.
Think of your location, and try to find a theme
If you're having an engagement shoot in the bar where you met, dress fun! In this example, Pat kept his shirt untucked and Sharim brought the nighttime energy with a brightly colored dress. If you're having a maternity session at home, dress casually! Loose jeans and a t-shirt are always the move for you and for the baby. If you're on the beach, put on something flowy that will catch the wind and don't be afraid to get wet. If you're having a picnic, be ready to kick your shoes off. The goal here is to fit in with the location so the photos seem more natural and less staged.
Bring something with you to make it more fun
Like I said earlier, none of us are models so the feeling of being in front of the camera is new to everyone. Break the awkwardness by bringing a prop - your pet is my favorite suggestion, but a bottle of wine always works as well. Something to distract you a bit, something to keep your hands busy, something to help set the vibe. If your shoot lands on an overcast day, bring an umbrella even if it isn't raining. If your shoot is near a lake, bring some bread to feed the fishes or the birds. All of these options will serve to help settle your nerves fast.
