Dress for Success: Styling Your Session
Rule #1: Coordinate—but don’t be matchy/matchy
If your Session is with other people, make sure your outfits complement one another’s. Choose a consistent colour palette (which does not mean the same colour). If someone is wearing a bold pattern, dress the rest of the group in more solids, but be sure each carries one or more colours from the “star” outfit for consistency.
Rule #2: Accessorize!
Scarves, hats, bows, bands…it all adds a fun twist to an otherwise “standard” look. Accessories are also a great place to coordinate looks. For example, if Mum is wearing a bright pattern with lavender, pink and grey, little brother can rock a pair a grey sneakers while Dad can choose a lavender T-Shirt and big sis with a pink headband.
Rule #3: Try for Texture
Layers and textures and can really add depth to your photos. Look for clothes and accessories with rich, simple detailing—embroidery, tweed, ribbons, etc—or layer pieces to add dimension and texture. Texture is especially important if you want a lot of black and white shots, which naturally need more visual depth and detail than color images. Also, because you’ll want to keep the pace going during your session, layering is a great way to make quick, convenient outfit changes—pull off the sweater, slip on the vest and you’ve got a whole new look!
Rule #4: Dress Kids for Comfort & Movement
Kids naturally run, skip, dance and jump around during photo sessions—they’re kids! To avoid unnecessary aggravation, let them be comfortable in the clothes and opt for apparel that accentuates their natural energy. Skirts, fedoras, scarves, and knit sweaters allow for natural movement, so when the kids start getting wild, their clothes will look even better.
Rule #5: Be Timeless
You’ll have these pictures for generations—don’t date yourself! Choose classic, timeless pieces, or even vintage apparel and accessories. Opt for the latest trends and you may feel otherwise about that amazing outfit in a few years (or even a few months) from now.
You can find co-oridination inspiration on our Styling Your Session Pinterest Board
For our Children’s Fine Art Portraiture Sessions we carry a stock of self coloured Monsoon Occassion dresses in size ranges 2-12yrs for girls and simple white vest tops and braces for boys.