The most important thing that can make or break your photoshoot is clothing. Here are a few tips to help you look your best on the big day. A perfect outfit can set the mood of your photo, show your personality and it will make your photo special. But sometimes outfits and accessories can become distracting.

How and where are you planning to use the photos?

This is often something that can be forgotten, but it’s actually really important to think about how and where you will display the photos in your home. If you are having a family photoshoot with the intention of hanging the mounted or framed photos in your living room, then think about the color scheme in the room. What colors would work well with your décor? Similarly, if you are having an outdoor family session so that you can get some fun photos of the children and plan to hang the pictures in their bedroom, again, what colors would work well with the room’s colors scheme? Complementary colors will ensure that the pictures fit perfectly in the room and will enhance the color scheme that you already have.

So here are a few tips for what to wear for a photoshoot.

Individuals

1. Colors

Solid colors paired with large patterns, textures or stripes will look good. If you prefer a dreamy look, choose pastel colors, off-whites and soft prints. Please avoid wearing fluorescent colored outfits, because these colors will bounce when there is any sunshine, which may interfere with your skin tones. If you want to achieve a dramatic look, choose colors that are bright and bold. Also keep in mind how the color you choose looks on you. I highly suggest choosing a color that compliments you.

2. Patterns

When selecting patterns for a photoshoot, it’s important to consider the overall look and feel you want to achieve in the photos, and choose patterns that will complement that style. Some patterns to avoid include:

– Bold, busy patterns: Patterns that are too bold or busy, such as large geometric shapes or bright neon colors, can be distracting in photos and take away from the focus on the family. – Logos or branding: Clothing with large logos or branding can also be distracting in photos and can date the photos.

– Stripes that are too thick or too thin: Stripes that are too thick or too thin can create an optical illusion on the body, which can make people look larger or smaller than they actually are.

– Mixing patterns that do not complement each other: Mixing patterns that do not complement each other can make the photos look cluttered and disorganized.

– Ethnic patterns: Some ethnic patterns can be cultural insensitive or not appropriate for the photoshoot. It’s best to stick with patterns that are subtle, timeless, and coordinate well with the overall look of the photoshoot. A good rule of thumb is to keep the patterns simple and avoid anything too loud, busy, or trendy.

3. Accessories

Accessories add a great layered and personal touch to photos but keep it simple and minimal which will work best.Too many will take away the spotlight from your outfit.

4. Layering

Layering is also a great way to add different color accents. Adding a cardigan, jacket or blazer can be a great addition. It’s also an easy way to get variety in your photos without having to do an entire outfit change.

5. Haircut and Hair color

It can also play an important role in a photoshoot, as they can affect the overall look and feel of the images. Here are a few tips for haircut and hair color for a photoshoot:

– Timing: Schedule the haircut or hair color appointment at least a week before the photoshoot, in case any touch-ups are needed.

– Consider the overall look: Think about the overall look and feel of the photoshoot and choose a haircut and color that complements the style of the shoot.

– Keep it natural: Avoid drastic changes or styles that look too done up. Keep the haircut and color natural-looking, with a focus on enhancing the subject’s features.

– Communicate: Share your vision with the hairstylist and make sure they understand the look you’re going for.

– Test: If you’re considering a new hair color, test it out before the shoot to make sure you’re happy with the result.

– Maintenance: Make sure to take care of your hair in the weeks leading up to the photoshoot by using moisturizing products, getting regular trims, and avoiding heat styling.

6.  Makeup for Your Photoshoot

Makeup plays an important role in how polished and balanced your photos look. Even if you normally wear little to no makeup, a photoshoot is a great time to slightly enhance your natural features so they translate well on camera.

Tips for photo-ready makeup:

• Keep it natural and timeless
  Aim for a clean, fresh look rather than heavy or trendy makeup. Neutral tones photograph beautifully and won’t date your images.

• Even out the skin tone
  Light foundation or tinted moisturizer helps create a smooth, even complexion. Avoid products with SPF or heavy shimmer, as they can reflect light and appear shiny in photos.

• Define the eyes softly
  Subtle eyeliner, mascara, and neutral eyeshadows help eyes stand out without looking overdone. Avoid overly dramatic lashes or dark smoky looks unless the shoot calls for it.

• Add soft color to cheeks and lips
  A natural blush adds warmth, while lip colors in soft pinks, nudes, or muted tones keep the focus on your expression. Avoid very dark, neon, or glossy lip colors.

• Matte over shimmer
  Matte or satin finishes photograph better than shimmery products, especially outdoors or in bright light.

• Professional makeup is worth considering
  If possible, hiring a professional makeup artist can be a great investment. They know how to apply makeup that looks natural in person and polished on camera.

• Do a test run
  If you’re trying a new makeup look or working with a makeup artist, do a trial beforehand to make sure you’re comfortable and confident.

The goal of makeup for a photoshoot is to enhance your natural beauty, not overpower it. When you feel like yourself, it shows beautifully in your photos.

7. Socks and Shoes

If you are wearing pants, please avoid white socks. Black or colored or neutral or no socks at all would look better. If you are wearing shorts, white socks are okay. Close-toed shoes will always look good in photographs. Heels can add elegance to your photographs– just make sure you’re comfortable walking in them. You can even bring an extra pair of flats to get between locations. If you are going to wear open-toed sandals, I would recommend removing bright nail polish from your toes so they don’t stand out.

8. Location

Consider what location you are going to have your photoshoot in order to avoid having your outfit blend in with the background.

Family or Group

       Family or group sessions are an important way to document relationships. Everything in the Individuals section above applies to families as well. One of the main things to consider while choosing clothing for family or group sessions is:

Coordination

Coordinate but don’t match. Current trends have left behind the old style where everyone wears the exact same thing (i.e blue jeans and a white shirt). This means that you may have a few colors in your color scheme and everyone in the group chooses their clothing based on those colors. Mix colors that go well together but are not exactly the same. Also, be sure to make sure everyone in the group wears the same “style” either all wear something casual or semi-formal.

Plan outfits in advance

Give yourself plenty of time to pick what you and your kids will wear, and purchase any pieces you may need to complete the look.

Lay everything out together and try on your outfits

Once you have selected the outfits for each family member, lay them all out to give you an idea of how everything will look together. If a particular piece or outfit doesn’t work, you can always try something different. Once you and your kids have tried everything on, look at the pieces from various angles and positions to make sure it’ll work for your family photos.

If you need some ideas of where to shop for your family photo session wardrobe, here are some of the great option:

Old Navy & Gap – great options for the whole family

Target – great options for the whole family

H&M – great options for children/babies

Anthropologie – unique pieces for women with gorgeous textures

Abercrombie – jeans and tops for men and women

Ann Taylor – great options for women

Cater’s & Oshkosh – great options for kids

All images and blog posts are copyrighted by Sejal Sanghvi Photography.

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