"Just say NO to all the same color!!!"
I know we are all guilty of the all white shirts and kahki pants photos. Been there done that myself. But, NO more! Just say NO! Just so no one feels bad..here's my catastrophicly bad family photo wearing all the same color. The only saving grace is that it's on the beach (my favorite place in the whole world) and the people in it are pretty cute (If I do say so myself). But, take notice....you don't really notice on person. There's nothing to stand out when you all look the same. That's a shame. We needed to show our many layers of personalitly. You can't do that in all the same thing...all the same EVERYTHING!
I know all black or all white is easy. And when your fighting kids to take a family photo or your sweetie to do engagment photos the last thing you feel like doing is arguing more over clothing. But, trust me..it's worth it! If your taking the time and money to get photos taken, no matter what occassion, make it worth it! Make sure that you look so awesome that your photos end up in my "Best Dressed" list of 2016 for sure!
This lovely lady above was one of my best dressed seniors EVER! She brought tons of choices! Her and mom carefully thought out accessories, shoes and the locations we were shooting. When effort is put into your photos...you can definitely tell. It really makes a world of difference! There will be a whole other blog post in the coming weeks talking about senior photos and all the fun stuff that comes with them!
This lovely lady came prepared for her shoot with color and layers and accessories! All the main ingredients to make sure you rock your session! She put some personality and sass into it!
Let's go over the basics:
1. Coordinate your outfits. Do not match exact colors!
2. Include texture and layers.
3. Timeless outfits...YES PLEASE! A simple basic old fashioned dress on a little girl or bow ties/suspenders on any age boy/guy are always a hit!
4. Show your personality. Let your kids show theirs. A great basic outfit with a funky pair of shoes...Go for it! Give your family that pop of color with a great jacket or fun jeans.
5. Don't forget the accessories! This means shoes too!!!! If you show up for your photos with dirty scruffy tenis shoes on...you will look like you have on dirty gross tennis shoes in your photos. It's pretty simple. A great pair of heels or wedges will make all the difference. Guys can have cool shoes on too! It's all about the details. A necklace with a pop of color can take a basic little black dress to a whole new level. Hats and floral crowns make such a statement! I have to admit I am slightly obsessed with floral crowns/headpieces this past year. They add such a level of sweetness and grace to any photo.
6. Wear what you feel good in. Make sure it fits and portrays the "feel" of the photos that your looking for. Are you wanting "Urban Chic"? Then feel free to have guys in vests (99% of men/boys photograph amazingly well in a vest) with long sleeves rolled up and jeans or suspenders and ladies go for the hot little number that you never have a chance to wear! If your wanting "Fun and Playful" then let the kids layer on those Gymboree dresses, sweater and leaggings that have those crazy patterns but somehow always still match and work your looks around them. Does your kid live in their rainboots that past few months? Let her wear them with her dress..it will look adorable! Does your teenage son have a favorite ripped jean jacket? Chances are it's going to look awesome in his downtown senior photo session. Wanting a more vintage feel? Ladies don't be afraid to wear one of those tutu skirts they make for us now. And yep, I rocked one at my latest session with my own kiddos below. (Thanks Stacey for one of my favorite photos ever of us!) I got suspensers, a bowtie, tutu, pattern, sparkly headband and a pair of Converse all in one photo! (I am pretty proud of myself!)
So, here's the breakdown:
Do's:
Be creative
Show personality.
Coordinate colors
Be Funky & Fun
Find a "Rockstar" of a family photo. Dress them first and coordinate everyone else around them.
Wear what you feel good in that fits well
Accessorize and pay attention to your shoes
Dress for your session location
Layer and wear different textures
Don'ts:
Do not wear fluorescent color shirts (it leaves crazy color casting on faces etc.)
No logos on clothing
No characters on children's clothing
No large graphics
No wearing all the same color
No famililes of 12 all in plaid shirts (yes, I had this happen before..and yes it went over as badly as your imagining it did)
No dirty old shoes (unless they are purposful)
Do NOT over tan yourself (especially for boudoir sessions)
Do NOT leave boogers on childen's faces or the remnents of their morning snack (yes, I have also had this happen as well..lol).
Your photos should be fun. They should be a great experience. A stranger should look at them and know a general idea of who you are and what look you were trying to achieve. Not sure..TEXT ME or MESSAGE me photos of your outfits. I get numerous texts weekly asking if this looks good with this or what my opinions are of certain things to wear. I promise to always answer and answer honestly. (fingers crossed...scouts honor!) Hope this helps. I am so excited to see what YOU will be wearing for your next session with me.
Hugs,
Joyce
