5 Tips When Dressing For Your Spring Photo Session

 

1) Coordinate and Complement

It is important for a group to coordinate their clothing but not wear the same thing. Start out by picking a base color that is neutral. Then top it off with a few colorful, soft palettes that are similar in tone or shade. If your group has any patterns, limit the number of people with patterned clothing to one or two. Too many patterned outfits can clash and be difficult to complement. Finally, when working with softer tones or neutral colors, pick one stronger color that really stands out and use it to complement each other. For instance, using the color pink as your standout color, a girl could wear a pink sweater and a boy could wear a pink bowtie. They are not wearing the same outfit but by using the same tones and key colors, they will beautifully compliment each other.

Same basic color tone and shade complemented with a beautiful green that pops.

One person with pattern and the rest of the group wearing solid color to complement.


All different outfits but complementing using same colors (pink rose to dress; green bow to shirt)

2) Layers and Textures

No patterns, but different textures are completely usable. Did you know different layers and textures provide different feelings for a picture? When I mean layers and textures, I am referring to clothing materials and accents, such as, lace, ribbons, tweed, crocheted items, embroidery details, hand knit items, smocking, ruffles, and etc. These details add depth and value into a picture.

Textured top to add more depth and complement the patterned dress.

Layered dress with ruffles create more interest and focus the photo on her.

Lace textured hat gives more depth to a simple color and separates her from the background.

3) Accessorize

Use neutral tones and classic shapes, then add interest with accessories. Headbands or hair bows in the hair for girls, bowties or vests for boys. These type of accessories work really well as being your standout or key color. You can also use the handmade blanket from grandma that has been past down generation after generation, your baby’s favorite stuffed animal, items from your favorite sport, your girl’s favorite baby doll, and your boy’s favorite choo-choo train. Adding these significant items into your photo session will create the best childhood memories for them. Remember, those toys and dolls might get old and lost when they get older, but a picture with your little one holding his/her favorite memories at that time will never fade away.

Favorite bear with matching crocheted hat and bottom adds a personal touch and unique memory.

Always be able to look and remember that cherished family blanket passed down from grandma.

Unique and always memorable. Never forget the fun and time spent making this homemade and personalized hat and bow tie.

4) How Will You Display Your Images?

Think about why you chose to plan your session during the spring. Either you like the beautiful flower blossoms during the spring time, the gorgeous, green grass throughout the garden, the clothes that you get to wear during the season, or maybe a combination of those reasons. Think prior to your session as to what is your purpose and how you want to display your images. This will help you select the best clothing. If you want to have a perfect picture for a gallery canvas in the living room, pick the color that complements your living room theme. Do you want to create a beautiful album to build lasting memories in that moment? Then consider choosing different color tones and themes of clothing to add different details that can flow through your album.

I love the spring season and all of the beautiful flowers, but cherry blossoms are my favorite!

My girls outfits are similar purple tone and complement each other. Not only do they complement each other but they also complement the setting (floral/spring pattern).

I love the color purple and cherry blossoms! So I chose outfits with purple that match the cherry blossoms.

I chose purple colors and flower/spring theme to complement my living room (flowers and purple walls). To complete my living room decoration, I knew I wanted a beautiful, 3 panel canvas. I absolutely love seeing these photos of my girls every day. These photos were taken 3 years ago and I love looking at them and seeing how much my girls have grown.

5) Be Happy and Comfortable

Last, but not least, make sure you are comfortable! Trying on the outfit a couple days before the session will help you decide the best outfit for the family. For mom, light make up is recommended. Put on your outfit and wear the makeup/hair in advance. This can help you feel amazing and relaxed when you wear it for your session day. For kids, make sure to remove the tags from any of their new clothes. Let them try on the outfit and see if they are happy, comfortable, and can move freely in their outfit. Letting your kids get involved in picking out their outfits will not only make them happier when the camera comes out, but it will also allow them to express and add their own beautiful personalities to the pictures.

Be comfortable and you will be happy! Wearing clothes that you are comfortable in and that do not restrict your movement really lets you be happy and express your personality. Jump photo!

5 Tips When Dressing For Your Spring Photo Session all coming together. This photo shows the colors coordinating and complementing each other, layers and textures, accessories using the standout color, and everyone is happy and comfortable! Create a photo that can become more than a memory for you, but a memory generation after generation. Build memories and photos that tell stories for a lifetime.

There Are A Few Things Not To Do:

– Avoid anything with big logos, characters, labels, etc. You want the focus to be on you and your family, not a Nike or Gap logo.
– If you get a hair cut, be sure to let the hair grow out for at least a week after visiting the salon for a more natural look.
– Avoid obvious trends or patterns that will be dated soon.
– Bright, white socks and sneakers are not great items to use for portraits. Also remove any watches, wristbands, or jewelry that do not complement the session’s look.
– If you are unsure if your clothing matches well or not, bring all of them along to the session and I can help you mix and match.