Summer 2023

Planning a photo session for your child(ren), family or yourself and not sure what to wear or how to coordinate outfits? Here's a few tips or how to look your best on "picture day!"


In general you can wear whatever you're comfortable in! But here's a few tips if you still aren't sure:


Depending on the theme or setting for your portrait session, you can choose colors or patterns that will enhance the overall look you're going for:

  • Comfy flannels, boots or denim for a rustic outdoor shoot
  • Pastels and florals for a Spring or Easter session
  • Bright colors or favorite characters for baby's first birthday


In general, it is best to avoid small patterns, graphics/logos and over accessorizing-- all of these can be distracting and draw attention away from your face.

  • Solid colors or simple/large patterns are less distracting and won't get distorted in digital images
  • Keep it simple and minimal with jewelry and accessories to keep the focus on faces and expressions


Groups: For a group portrait session, try to coordinate your outfits, but I would suggest avoiding anything too matchy-matchy. Having different colors and textures will add more interest to your photos and look more natural and less staged. Check out the family at the top of this post; they did a great job of coordinating so their colors and patterns complimented each other, without clashing or being too "busy."


Kids: With young children, I find that dressing comfortably is a smart decision--just a notch or two up from everyday wear. Genuine smiles appear more frequently when they're not wearing itchy tulle or a restricting necktie if they're not used to it. By all means, bring the adorable holiday dress or bowtie and we'll get some great shots all dressed up (who can resist a dapper toddler or a sparkly princess?), but bring a backup outfit in case they're just not feeling it.


Couples: You can make this whatever you want it to be. It can be more dressy- a fancy version of yourselves looking your best. Casual-a true portrait of your relationship in it's every-day comfort.

How did your relationship start? Do you have any mutual interests or hobbies that helped strengthen the bond between you? You can wear costumes of your favorite Harry Potter characters. Wear concert T-shirts from your favorite bands. Bring your hiking gear, your sports equipment, your deck of cards, your work uniforms and nametags, your Bibles, your favorite bottle of wine, your best dance moves, your dogs, or whatever it is and we can take a few shots featuring what brought you together in the first place.


Glasses: If you wear glasses, it's OK to keep them on, but you can help your photographer avoid any glare by keeping your chin level, or even tilted slightly down (not too far, though! You don't want a double-chin!) Not only does this prevent glare, but it opens up and emphasizes your eyes.


Seniors: I love to create a sort of personal "year book" (whether physical or digital) to remember everything great about your high school career. If you're involved in sports, you can bring your uniforms and sporting equipment. If you play an instrument, love reading, knitting, camping, cooking, fishing, fashion, dancing, skateboarding, etc., or if you've won any awards, we can feature any of these things in your photo session along with some great shots that focus just on you.


Remember, we're telling your story, so just be you!