What to Wear for Timeless Classic Portraits
Keep your choices Simple Timeless and Classic!
Your clothing style and color tone set your session style. Simple clothing choices are best for creating timeless classic portraits. There are no hard and fast rules, but what you wear for your portrait session is one of the most important things about your session. Your clothing should reflect the simple beauty of the moment we are trying to capture.
Neutral color tones look amazing in the studio and also for outdoor sessions. First & foremost, the thing you should notice in your images is the love and connection between you and your family members; not the clothes you are wearing.
Please remember, don’t try to match perfectly, we don’t want everyone in white t-shirts with khaki pants. Instead of color-coordinating, concentrate on choosing tones and textures that complement each other and keep the focus on your family and little ones.
NEWBORN PHOTO SESSION
For Newborns there is “no clothing required”. They come perfectly wrapped in their own delicate skin! I have plenty of neutral colors of wraps and clothing items for newborns in the studio. We want to capture all the important little details; those lips, chubby cheeks, little fingers, little toes, cute bums and all the squishy rolls that your baby is going to grow out of in just a few weeks. I love to use soft colors of white, creams and muted neutrals. On occasion, I will add in small pops of color, but I don’t like anything to distract from your baby. I try to keep things Pure and Simple, I seldom use many props besides, hats, headbands, blankets, and wraps. I prefer to keep the focus on your baby.
Moms look beautiful in white or ivory tanks, tops or dresses. You are always welcome to use my studio closet for maternity sessions and for parent photos with your newborn.
Dads look great in a fitted white or gray casual t-shirt, Henley or super fine printed dress shirt and pants or nice jeans, etc. And if you are willing we can do skin on skin ….. it makes a BEAUTIFUL classic image.
Siblings look best in fitted solid neutral colors, natural fibers and simple outfits.
MATERNITY PHOTO SESSION
Let’s show off that gorgeous baby belly at your Maternity Session! Wear tighter fitting outfits, sheer flowing tops with jeans or leggings, or maxi dress. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, I have several items in my Studio closet along with some flowing fabrics that make lovely body wraps.
FAMILY PHOTO SESSION
For Family sessions I recommend solid colors, avoid busy patterns and logos that draw attention from your faces. Jeans, khakis, dresses, sweaters are classics and are amazing in timeless classic portraits. Add some texture and layers with natural fibers such as cotton or wool. Accessorize with hats, scarves, belts, and boots or shoes.
For group or family sessions, I recommend coordinating your style and colors. Avoid matching outfits, but rather try to find outfits that complement each other.
We will go over a simple ‘What to Wear’ plan at your Design Consultation. Once you have booked your session, I can send you a link to a more in-depth Session Prep Guide.
A few favorite online places to shop and gather ideas for clothing:
Urban Outfitters – Mom & Dad
Zara – Entire family
Old Navy – Entire family
Gap – Entire family
Anthroplogie – Mom
J. Crew – Dad
Free People – Mom
H&M – Entire family
You will also find more tips here … Top Tips to get the most out of your Professional Por