Your clothing selection is a key element to the look of your finished portrait product. Above all choose something that is your “style” & then bump it up a notch.
Contemporary, urban, modern, hip, casual and colorful looks are my favorite. My style and most of what my clients choose is very casual, laid back and fun so please save your Sunday school outfits and office attire for church & the office.
Accessories and layers are my favorite components to accent an image and can take an image from plain to outstanding. Accessories and layers could include: chunky jewelry, scarves, hats, headbands, chunky sweaters, clothing with ruffles, buttons, buckles, ribbons, tights, leggings, boots, fun shoes. Layers add visual interest and texture to your portrait.
I totally understand choosing clothing for the family part of your session can be really stressful (read all consuming, shopping for weeks on end, etc.). I do it every year with my own family so I feel your pain. My best suggestion is to choose a couple of basic colors and stick with them for the entire family. Dark jeans are always a good choice and you can pair it with coordinating colors.
Over matching can look well – overdone, so try to keep each person a little unique by staying within a color scheme but not necessarily matchy, matchy. Another tip is to think of the decor in your home where you may be hanging your portraits and how your outfit may coordinate with your decor.
I am more than willing to help “style” your shoot. In fact it is one of the things I love to do. Sometimes a designed session with a theme is super fun (especially for children) and makes the shopping easier. Give me a call to chat. I would love to hear your ideas.