Selecting wardrobe for your photoshoot

Wardrobe is a topic I get a lot of questions about when it comes to photoshoots. To help you decide what to wear and what to leave behind in the closet, I came up with some suggestions that will help.

- Consider how you will look as a group. The normal tendency is to have everyone match and wear the same color. This doesn't always work well because everyone will blend in together. Particularly, in large group shots, it will be a block of the same color. Instead, wear clothing that has some details, contrasting and/or similar colors. For example, girls wear prints, boys wear solids/stripes, etc.

- Avoid outfits with distracting logos or writing that will cause the viewer's eyes to wander. Your clothing should not take away from the main subject; you.

- Wear clothing you are comfortable in. If you aren't comfortable, it will show in your images. This is particularly important for maternity shoots. Make sure you can move around in your clothes. If you are constantly pulling down your shirt or fixing your dress straps, chances are the photographer may capture some shots where your wardrobe is out of place at some point.

- Accessories and shoes are important. I can't tell you how many times I have clients show up in flip flops looking great from head to ankles. But don't forget about shoes because your feet may show in some of the photos. Also, paying attention to your jewelry and hair accessories can really complete the look in the individual and group shots.

- Consider the backdrop and location of your shoot. If you are planning on wearing formal clothes to your photoshoot, tell your photographer. The photographer might be planning on taking you to a location that will require sitting on the ground, grass, rocks, etc.

- Lastly, for a couple of reasons, it's always a good idea to bring a change of clothes. Bringing a second outfit will provide more variation to your images, which will leave you happier with the results. Also, remember this is Arizona and we do sweat in the heat. Having a clean and dry shirt on hand just might come in handy.



Above (in reference to my first point) - This family got it right! I love the girls wearing purple, coral, pink and white. They look great together as a group and individually. The boys wore polos and notice they are not the same color! They don't blend together in this shot.



Above (in reference to my fourth point) - This group of cousins came perfectly accessorized! Girls wore denim, pink and navy accents and the boys wore blue, navy and white.