Dressing for the Occasion

Anyone who knows me well will know that I’m not an avid follower of fashion. Comfort is my preferred style!

That said, I totally understand the worry about what to wear for your photo session. I get it! It’s the kind of thing I’d agonise over, just like I do if I have a wedding or party to go to. (Between you and me, I’m never entirely sure what I should be wearing for a shoot myself!)

My main philosophy for any shoot is - be yourselves. You want to look back and recognise the people in the pictures. That said, I thought it might be helpful to provide a few more pointers for anyone as indecisive as I am.

Dress for comfort…& the weather

Don’t get everyone dressed up smart in their ‘Sunday best’ if they are going to be hiding behind trees or jumping waves. They’ll be uncomfortable and you’ll be stressed.

Likewise, if it’s going to be cold or wet, put coats on; don’t opt for pretty dresses or t-shirts. Cold and miserable subjects don’t make happy subjects. If it’s going to be hot, we’ll try our best to find shade but it’s not much fun if everyone feels like they’re melting in inappropriate clothes.

Avoid logos, bold prints & stripes

I say this as a mother of a football-obsessed son, so I’m very sympathetic to the endless battle against the polyester football shirt, but things like club kits, sports t-shirts or big logos can really date pictures and become the main focus of the image. Similarly, really bold patterns can dominate and overwhelm everything/everyone else.

Surprisingly, pin-stripes, small polka dots or gingham can also be a bit problematic. They can create an effect known as ‘moiré’, where the camera sensor struggles to make sense of the pattern and so distorts it. It’s something that’s very difficult to adjust later, so ideally pass on that smart-casual shirt.

Compliment, don’t match

It’s worth giving a bit of thought to everyone as a family, rather than as each individual just so you can see what the overall image will look like. I’m not for one moment suggesting that everyone wear the same clothes, but equally it’s better to co-ordinate than to find that two family members can’t stand next to each other because their jumpers clash really badly.

Seasonality

A nod to the season can really compliment the look and feel of the pictures, particularly if we are in a big landscape. Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting you dress as pumpkins or Father Christmas, but muted colours in autumn or winter and brighter hues in spring and summer can look great.

Each season is an abundance of colour so the below is just to give some flavour for the seasonal vibe, but the world is your oyster.

Neutrals with a pop of colour

You can’t go wrong with neutrals, particularly off-whites and blues. However, adding a pop of bolder colour to that can take a picture to another level, so don’t be afraid to be a little bold - remembering the matchy/clashy rule above.

Footwear

Easy to forget until the last minute, but some images will be full length so it’s worth giving some thought to. However, comfort and practicality is never more important than with footwear, especially if we’re going to be walking to and around a location. In my mind, you can never beat a pair of statement wellies!

Don’t sweat the small stuff

Just a quick word to the wise on the little things you might not think about:

• Flyaway hair - for long hair, make sure you have a hairband of some description to hand, but ideally not round your wrist as that can leave a mark that’s tricky to hide later;

• Fingers - nails, plasters, chipped nail varnish - again all things that might be picked up that are hard to rectify in Photoshop;

• Tissues - snotty noses are almost a guarantee with the tiny-wees. Photoshopping away the snot is my super power, but that said, I always carry a packet of tissues to avoid the worst, and it’s always worth having one to hand.