How exciting, you’re going to have some professional photographs taken, but maybe are a little unsure about what to wear to your portrait session. My clients often ask me for some guidance, it’s what they worry about the most. This is totally understandable, as your images will be for keeps so you want to get it right. Let me help you with those questions, let me settle your misgivings and quell your quandary. Here are a few pointers to make those wardrobe decisions a little easier for you.
Whether you are having a photoshoot on location, or are coming into the studio, what you wear will play an important part in the overall look of finished images. However, clothing is a very personal choice, so whilst I’m not going to give you definitive instructions, I’m more than happy to offer some general guidelines so you can make the most of your portrait session.
Family Portraits
You will have your photos hanging on your walls for years to come, so it’s best to keep clothing simple and classic to make your images more timeless. Co-
Try to avoid clothing with loud busy patterns, logos, writing, pictures or anything which will be distracting. Tone down the brights as these can be distracting too. Anything noticeable will be a distraction in the finished images and put the focus on the clothes rather than you. This is the opposite of what we want to achieve, so aim for clothing that doesn’t attract attention. A simple tonal scheme with solid colours. Brands, graphics and logos will also date the photographs, so avoid fads. Use textures and layers instead to add interest. Keep your outfits unbranded and timeless so your portraits will be enjoyed for generations.
Also consider where you are planning to display your portraits, and tone your colours to complement where the finished artwork will hang.
On Location
A portrait session on location allows children (and you) greater freedom than in the studio. This will reflect in your portraits as it enables me to capture more natural portraits of you and your family. What will also add to the portraits is if you dress like you. Don’t dress up if you normally live in jeans, you will look uncomfortable in the images. But equally don’t wear your favourite comfy-but-shapeless sweatpants either. We want to capture the best possible real you, so smart-casual is a good look.
The time of year of your portrait session is an important consideration. Certain colours work best in certain seasons. Spring suits pastels and light, fresh colours. In summer, warm pinks and yellows look great as does sky blue and aqua. Browns, rusts and yellows are such a great choice for Autumn – think of the fallen leaves. Jewel colours and deep reds look amazing in winter.
And denim is a foolproof option all year round.
Maternity
Our maternity portraiture aims to capture stunning intimate images of you during your pregnancy. The shoot can take place in the relaxed environment of our studio or on location ~ at your home, on the beach, or in the woods.
With regards to what to wear, same ideas apply; a simple tonal colour scheme works best for couples portraits whether in the studio or on location. However, for maternity portraits think fitted clothing, to best showcase you tummy. You are welcome to make use of my selection of amazing dresses and fabrics, but are equally welcome to bring along some of your own clothing.
Newborn
These sessions are a little different in that it’s the new arrival who is the star of the show. Sibling shots are always encouraged and co-ordinating clothing here can be really impactful too.
As for the parents, and even grandparents, do bear in mind that a newborn session can last for up to 4 hours and the studio is kept at a very cosy temperature so baby is warm and toasty at all times. That might mean that Mum & Dad swelter so layers are a good idea here. Or if you wanted to wear a warmer item in the portraits, keep it to change into just for when the photos are being taken and have a thinner garment to wear for the rest of the time. Please note, that babies do tend to wee and poo, so if baby is undressed and nappy-free then family shots always run the risk of best clothes being in the firing line, as it were. There have been a few near misses (and a few direct hits!) in the Samphire studio, so a spare set of clothes for you as well as for baby is probably wise.
Enjoy
You’ll be enjoying your pictures for years to come so it’s important to choose your clothes wisely. Having said that, do remember to not stress about your outfit. That could spoil your enjoyment of your portrait experience. Even just a little bit of thought and planning before the session can give great results. And don’t go spending too much either. Co-ordinated clothing will add polish to your pictures, but it will not make or break the session. You and your personality are the main focus.
For some great examples and inspiration on what to wear to your portrait session, take a look at my Pinterest boards – Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter
Of course, if you would like to further discuss what to wear to your portrait session, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Would you like to book in?
Have a look at the Samphire Photography website for further information on the different types of session. If you are not sure what to expect or would like to discuss the possibilities please email info@samphirephotography.co.uk or call 07989 594236 to discuss. I look forward to hearing from you xx
https://www.samphirephotography.co.uk/contact-me-sussex-portrait-photography/
what to wear to your portrait session
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