WHAT TO WEAR | laurieblairphoto

What to Wear...

Engagement Pictures:

"What would you suggest we wear for our session?" is what many photographers hear often from about every couple involving their own individual engagement sessions. Engagement photos are a great way to get to know your photographer, and for that photographer to get to know you as a couple. On your actual wedding day, you will feel more comfortable around your photographer, and the photographer can take images that better show your personalities and relationship.

Consider the location where you'll be shooting and the mood you want to create, and then pick the perfect outfits to match. Some suggestions on what to wear for your session are:

Wear something comfortable. If you're not comfortable, it will be noticeable in the pictures.
It's best not to wear tight jeans or other tight clothes that could restrict movement or show curves that you don't want to show.
Wear clothes that are on the same level of dressiness. Don't dress up and have your fiance wear their everyday street clothes. Coordinate your clothing with each other and wear similar shades that go together. Choose clothes that look best on you, but don't be too matchy.
Wear something you love, and make sure it's "you". Choosing clothing that compliments your personality, will make it shine through the photographs.
Avoid trendy clothing. This will date your photos as soon as the trend goes out of style.
Choose solid colors because patterned prints will look busy in photos and draw attention away from your face, so choosing solid colors are often best.
Choose colors that compliment your skin tone. For example, if you have light skin, white or light color clothing can wash out your complexion in photographs.
Have the clothes match the location and season of your shoot. If you are taking pictures in a downtown area, you might consider more urban clothes, such as a nice button up shirt for your guy and more dressy pants or dress for yourself.
Wear shoes you love. Shoes can make a statement!
Avoid any major changes with your hair and makeup. You want your engagement photos to reflect who you really are, and you want to be comfortable in your own skin.
Consider bringing an outfit to change into mid-way through your photo session. You could start the session wearing dressy clothes, and then change into more casual clothes (or vice versa).

Senior Pictures:

You don’t necessarily need to “dress up” for your portrait session. The best images are usually captured when you wear clothing that you are comfortable in and outfits that match your unique style. We recommend trying to keep things simple by picking solid colors and coordinating your wardrobe as much as possible – the only exception is to avoid wearing solid white.

Steer clear of busy patterns, bright colors, or logos and consider bringing along several different clothing changes. Adding or removing a jacket, changing into different shoes, or putting on a different shirt can change your outfit just enough to make it appear that you are wearing an entirely different wardrobe. Also be sure that your clothing is clean and free of wrinkles.

Ladies: Start by getting plenty of sleep the night before. Tired and baggy eyes will show up in the final images. On the day of your portrait session, be sure to apply your makeup the same way you would on any other day. It’s usually not a good idea to try out something new right before having your pictures taken. We want your images to be a true reflection of you! Consider bringing lipstick, powder, hair clips and a pocket mirror with you to have on hand during the portrait session. Applying lipstick (even if you don’t typically wear lipstick) will help your lips standout. Dry, chapped lips never look good in high resolution photographs! Your hands will probably be in a few of the images so consider doing your nails right before your portrait session. Along with that, kicking off your shoes can be a fun way to shake up the look of the images so you may want to get a pedicure too. Don’t be caught by surprise with chipped or worn out nail polish!

We recommend bringing at least two outfits. Most senior girls change into three or four outfits during their session. Select a wardrobe that can be coordinated together (for example, pants that look good with two or three different shirts, etc.). Watch out for bra straps that might be hanging out. And of course, be careful not to wear dark colored bras under light colored shirts or you might be surprised what shows up in the final photographs.

Guys: Consider getting a haircut a few days before the session. On the day of the session, take a shower, shave and comb your hair. Get ready for the portrait session like you’re planning to meet someone important or special. It’s tough to capture great senior pictures if you show up with “bed head” (yes, it happens!) or if you haven’t changed your clothes in a few days. Bring at least one extra change of clothes. We totally understand that most guys don’t want to change multiple times, but you should have at least one extra shirt and pants on hand. While we want you to wear clothes you feel comfortable in, keep in mind that your mom, grandmother and the rest of your family may want to display a few of the photographs from your session. Bring at least one reasonably conservative set of clothes so that everyone is happy!

CAN I BRING A PET, PROPS OR ACCESSORIES?
Yes, yes and yes! Bring along anything that represents you – this includes musical instruments, athletic gear, sports jerseys, dancing shoes, purses and pets. Be sure to bring someone along to help if you bring a pet.

Often khaki pants or blue jeans with a white or blue shirt look great. But you are not limited to this. It is ok to be creative. Keep the size of your group in mind when choosing what to wear.

Here are some ideas for what to wear:
-Have a different color for each family. This is great for group photos that involve more than one family.
-Females wear one color and the males wear another.
-Just coordinate the shirt color and wear the bottoms you would like.
-Coordinate the men in the family and allow the women to dress in dresses or outfits that compliment them.
-Bring a change of clothes for the individual family portraits sessions. You can change after the group photo is taken. Make sure it is something that you can quick change into in case there are no places to change at the shoot and so you don’t lose a lot of time.
-Dress in your best casual wear (try to avoid competing patterns). Wear colors that look good on you. Choose colors from the same color palette. Example choose from blues or greens but don’t state a specific tone. Also choose something easy to pose in.
- Wear the same colors in a variety of complementing shades.
-Not all the pictures need to be formal. Add some fun to your shots. Cowboy hats, sunglasses, feather boas and funny glasses are fun!
-Wear Santa hats for that Christmas card in the winter
-Bring props- football, musical instruments, etc.
-Bring a change of clothes. Large groups should try to be as efficient as possible so you don’t lose a lot of time.

Babies and children:
Change of clothes- dressy and casual or a princess outfit, costumes, etc…
Blankets to sit/lie down on
Cute baskets to sit in (large), sit on toys (rocking horse, etc…)
*Toys- shovel & bucket, dump truck, special toys, etc… Also bring a small toy for a family member or the photographer to shake for the small children so they will focus in the direction of the camera.
Favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal
Hats, sunglasses, etc.

Be creative!

Family Portraits...