What do I wear to my shoot? 

This is a very common question and is an important part of the photo shoot to consider, as it will have a big impact on the overall images. Here is what I recommend:

Be comfy!  

It's normal for people to want to shop for new fabulous clothes to wear for a photoshoot. And that's totally fine if that's your jam and you're comfortable with that. But usually, the best route is to go with something tried and true. If you can express yourself in a variety of ways, we've got a better chance of capturing your true self. Make sure you (and everyone) feel comfortable.  Show off your personality!  Don't feel the need to dress plain if your personality and style is eclectic, you want the photos to represent the real YOU.  

Be seasonally appropriate and bring options!

 Plan your outfits around what you know the conditions will be. Having a backup outfit/a matching sweater in the car is never a bad plan!

Wardrobe & styling basic principles:

 No two people should wear the same color. Instead, choose colors that compliment each other rather than match exactly. Including lots of neutrals will help prevent color overload. 

Primary colors, or versions of them, tend to work well (e.g. yellow/mustard, red/maroon, blue/navy/royal).

When adding color, choose 2-3 main colors, and 1 accent pop of color. 

Avoid fluorescent or really bright colors. Strong colors can look great, but not fluorescent. If you wear strong colors, then make sure it's more of a feature color rather than the whole outfit, and avoid everyone wearing a strong color.  

Avoid too much black when possible- especially if someone is in a lot of black and someone is in a lot of white.  

Think about the location of your shoot - if you are at the park, consider contrasting with the greenery with warm colors such as red, oranges, or yellows, in addition to some neutral colors. 

Contrast is the styling principle that will keep you from looking like one monochromatic blob.

Layers!

 Besides adding even more depth and visual interests, adding layers to your wardrobe gives your images an immediate sense of coziness and warmth.

Cardigans and even blankets look great worn off the shoulder. Open work shirts, jackets, overalls, and vests are an especially great way to layer the men in the family. 

Textures & Patterns

 Textures and patterns help add movement, dimension, and visual interests to our images.  

Examples of different textures include chunky sweaters/cardigans, long flowy dresses (if they're translucent, even better!), linens, fringe, corduroy, statement jewelry (especially earrings, bracelets, or rings), ect.  Mix and match a variety of textures both within each outfit and across your whole family.