Ok FIRST OFF, a preface. I am a firm believer that you don’t “owe” the camera anything. If you hire me as your photographer, you also don’t owe me anything. Ultimately I want you to show up feeling confident, not “perfect.” I love this quote from Joy Prouty as it perfectly sums up my feelings on it:
“The photographs your children will care most about someday will not be the ones that show how good you looked…they will be the ones that help them remember how it felt to be loved by you.”
I would so much rather you wear something comfortable so you can play, move, and have FUN with your kids during your session than something stiff and formal. I would so much rather have you wear something you feel confident in than try to fit into a mold that doesn’t feel like you. I would SO MUCH RATHER you do the internal work of deconstructing internalized anti-fat biases than spend months searching the internet for the perfect outfits.
Whew! Ok now that we’ve established some ground rules…
Most families still want to look somewhat “put together” for family photos, and that’s normal and ok and good too! (I just don’t want it to be your MAIN focus).
SO, here is my number one tip for what to wear! Or rather, a framework for putting together a cohesive look:
COMPLIMENT, DON’T MATCH.
This not only refers to colors, but also texture and pattern.
Here are three examples:
- Instead of everyone wearing the exact same shade of white, mix it up with cream, ivory, or another warm neutral such as tan or brown.
- Instead of everyone wearing cotton, incorporate some texture like Swiss dot fabric in a dress or top. Bring along layers with different texture options too, like cardigans for after the sun sets at golden hour.
- Instead of everyone wearing solids, incorporate a subtle print in one person’s outfit. It’s best if the print is a small pattern or in neutral tones so it’s not loud and distracting (hello Hawaiian shirts I’m looking at you, lol)
I hope these tips help, and if you book me as your photographer you’ll get EVEN more tips in a full Welcome & Style Guide that I send after booking. I also offer individualized consultations via video chat or messages so that you can get advice tailored to your family and session! Location, season, and family personality all play a factor in choosing outfits and I want you to show up feeling your best, so I’m here to help!
As always, follow along for more.
XOXO,
Cassandra Rene Photography | The Blog 
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