As a mom of three myself, I know how challenging it can be to find portrait-friendly outfits for the entire family! That's why I've created this in-depth guide to help you pull together pieces to create your dream portraits.
Whether you choose to use a dress from the AWP Client Closet or shop on your own, it's my hope that this guide helps you understand what to look for when selecting outfits!
THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOUR PHOTOS
Here we go! This is either the most stressful or most fun part of the process (although I'm here to help you either way)... it's outfit time!
Photography is kind of like walking into a bakery. There are many photographers out there who have all kinds of different styles - cupcake flavors, if you will. They're all great, but each one requires a specific recipe to get that end result you love! I am so honored that you've chosen my bakery, but I need your help to complete the recipe.
I have a very specific style and strive to be consistent with my images so you know exactly what kinds of photos you will be getting from your session - dreamy, light, airy, classic, timeless, and romantic.
So let's get baking.
Perhaps you've noticed that mostly everyone on my website or instagram feed is wearing light colors. There is a reason for this! A photographer's best friend is light. Light is the "paint" I use. I use it to get a very specific look - probably the look that drew you to my work in the first place! When you wear light clothing, the sunlight bounces around, reflects back into your face and anyone who is around you, creating a beautiful glow. It flatters your skin - making it creamier, and hiding flaws.
**If you absolutely hate light colors, please go with muted jewel tones (such as plum or midnight blue), as opposed to anything bright and vivid, or neon. Sunlight combined with vivid colors (such as really bright blues, neon yellows, etc) makes for an unnatural color cast on your skin. With the lighting I use, if you are wearing bright green and it reflects back onto your face (and it will) it can make you look sick and we don't want that!
My aim when it comes to clothing, is to have it NOT distract from your faces and expressions. I want the focus to be solely on those dimples in your baby's cheeks, your son's freckles, your daughter's beautiful eyes. When you are wearing simple and timeless clothing, the attention isn't drawn to your clothing... but to those amazing features I just mentioned. This is a great thing! When you wear busy patterns, it competes for that attention and your eyes are naturally drawn there.
Patterns
low contrast is always best!
We need to be very selective about the patterns we incorporate into our portraits. As a general rule, all patterns should be small in size, and very low contrast.
High contrast patterns (aka: light and dark colors close together) attract the eye and compete for attention... taking the focus from faces, which we don't want! This is one of those seemingly little choices that actually make a big impact!
Light and delicate patterns are easier on the eyes (and the overall color palette). The image on the right is an example of a portrait-friendly pattern. This dress doesn't attract the eye, leaving it free to focus on the most important things - the faces you love!
For the ladies, nothing helps create that timeless aesthetic like a long flowing dress. I highly recommend maxi or midi-length dresses. The floor length flatters every silhouette. When a little breeze flutters by, it helps create motion in the photo. Additionally, the long length makes crouching down easier, which you're likely to do quite a bit during a family session. Wearing dresses is not an absolute must, but it really does help create the aesthetic you often see in my work!
For little girls, you can go very simple! Just a solid colored, plain dress can be perfect. You can also add texture with sweaters, boots, bows, etc.
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Props should be classic, natural, and only used very sparingly. Remember, I like to keep the focus on the face! That being said, I love including a meaningful prop or two, when the occasion calls for it.
For example, I LOVE LOVE LOVE floral bouquets, a beloved book, an ultrasound photo, or a sentimental toy (just for some of the shots). Little props that are simple and meaningful, can add some fun photos to a collage, and make for visual interest. If you do bring a prop or two, please let me know before we start so I can incorporate them when the time is right in your session.
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While it isn't absolutely necessary, feel free to go all out! Professionally done hair & makeup does last longer than what you or I can do on our own, most likely. It also tends to hold up better for humidity and wind.
With the settings I use to shoot, please go a shade or two darker than usual with your usual blush and lipstick (these things will photograph lighter than they look in person). Additionally, be sure to keep hair out of eyes - especially for the little ones! A simple hair-colored barrette is my favorite, because it doesn't distract from their faces.
for the ladies
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Anything neutral, light and NOT distracting works! In the Summer, I love bare feet if the terrain allows. As for babies who can't walk - if it's warm enough, let's see those cute toes! If it's cold out, neutral boots are adorable, or just about anything as long as it's not a bright color. If mom is wearing a maxi dress, often times we won't be able to see those shoes so no pressure there.
When all is said and done, I just want to make sure the shoes don't attract too much attention. We want that attention going to your faces!
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Nothing Fits But
Morning Lavender
Baltic Born
Anthropologie
Mint Julep
J. Crew
Pink Blush
Amazon
Ivy City
Joyfolie
Free People
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For shirts, I recommend a button-up dress shirt (rolled up to the elbows if the temperatures allow! It helps create a dressy, but not stuffy look). I would avoid polo shirts, at least for my particular style.
For bottoms I highly recommend keeping them a light color. This can make a HUGE difference in your photos. Khakis, tan pants or light grey will work. If you'd like to go the denim route, choose a very light wash. I highly discourage dark pants (black, navy, dark brown, etc.) because of the contrast it creates with other light colors. Your eye will go right to it!
*Adding layers and textures by way of blazers, suspenders, vests, etc. is always a good idea as long as the colors stay muted.
for the gents
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ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
for the gents
I've rented a fully furnished studio in Annapolis, MD for these sessions. You'll receive the address and parking instructions prior to the event.
I'm excited too! The Motherhood Series is truly one of the highlights of the year for me, and it always sells out quickly. Use the link below to reserve your appointment today.
I recommend shopping any of the dresses in the links above to fit the fine art aesthetic we're striving for. Don't forget, you can exchange any of those items for artwork credit after the session if you'd like! For little boys, I recommend dressing them in white linen shirts and light grey or khaki pants.
I'll get to work on processing the images right away. About one week after the event, we'll meet virtually via Zoom to view the gallery together, select images for your folio, and finalize any other purchases you'd like to make.
Reserve your appointment today at the link below. Looking forward to seeing you there!