What To Wear & How To Prepare

What To Wear & How To Prepare For Your Photo Shoot

Child Sessions

I like to say that simple goes a long way! Keep the focus on the subject. Simple clothing choices are best for creating timeless portraits. Avoid busy patterns or logos/words. Spiderman & Princesses are fun for playtime, but can look out of place for your child’s portraits. Jeans, overalls, sun/slip dresses, khakis are classics and photograph really well. I especially like boys in jeans and plains tees, and girls in simple sundresses if the weather will allow it.

Hats can also be very effective as well as other accessories such as scarves or trendy belts. If children are being photographed together, clothes that are similar in style give a more coordinated look. Bare feet are especially fun, and kids love it too. If shoes are preferred, please make sure they are in good shape, and not scuffed. Consider dressing in the color white sparingly, as it often reflects light strongly.

I love bare skin for newborns and babies. You may have other clothes to put on baby, but keep in mind that a baby may get grouchy when there are too many clothing changes. Diaper covers are a great idea too!

If you want a trendier look for your child, I am all for it. I love the timeless looks in the clothing mentioned above, but also enjoy photographing a session with a more “hip” feel to it. We can always do both :) However, I still caution against bold logos or cartoon characters on clothing.

Family Sessions

Family photographs are special, a legacy of whom your family was for future generations to enjoy. Clothing choices are just as important for family sessions. I would highly recommend clothing for each family member that has the same tone, not necessarily the same color. Please be wary of stripes, plaid, words and logos on your family’s clothing. These things can be a distraction from your beautiful family. Oh, and bare feet are great for family sessions too!

In conclusion, clothing choices are important. As your photographer, I want you to see who your child is, and not just what outfit they were wearing. Clothing should compliment your child’s look, not complicate it.

Newborn Preparation

Please feed your baby before you arrive for the photoshoot so that he or she has a full tummy and will be happier overall. If you want sleeping baby photos, try not to let them sleep right before the shoot. If you want bright eyed baby photos, make sure they are well rested.

Please loosen diaper to remove lines around his/her middle. I do like to photograph a newborn in little to no clothes, but feel free to bring an outfit that you may want him or her in for a family portrait. Please note that many clothing changes may make your little one upset, so it is best to do birthday suit shots and possibly one outfit. I have a few props on hand, but please feel free to bring your own.

I like to use the parents as backdrops for baby, so please wear a black top and black pants (if possible). Also, an extra set of clothes for the parents is a good idea, just in case.

Please know that there is no rush with a newborn photoshoot. I do not mind waiting for you to nurse or change baby, or taking a break to soothe your baby, they need special attention and everything will go more smoothly when they get it.