Fashion trends - they can be awesome, such as poofy wedding dress sleeves, acid wash jeans, neon jogging suits, mesh shirts, tie dye shirts, lace up hip-hugger pants, platform shoes, scrunchies..... umm, I'm kidding! Trendy clothing has its place, but it can quickly date your pictures. I usually recommend more timeless silhouettes for photos, and you won't look at your picture 20 years from now and cringe at your clothing choices.
Clothing colors - neutral colors or color palettes that match your home decor are the best choices. Try sticking to three different colors, it gives enough color variety to create visual interest but does not overwhelm the viewer's eyes. Some people however change their interior decor/color scheme on a regular basis to which I would then suggest neutral colors. And unless you want to have your pictures on Awkward Family Photos, please do not show up with everyone decked out in blue jeans and white polos/shirts.
Some popular and timeless color combinations are:
- Navy, Mint and White
- Navy, Yellow and Gray
- Gray, Yellow and White
- Black, Charcoal, & White
- Brown, Beige, Cream
- Red, Olive, Brown
Clothing patterns and graphics - clothing with funny sayings, band logos, cartoon or superhero characters, or large distracting patterns on them are just that, distracting. Instead of being able to focus on expressions, or interactions between siblings, parent and child, or significant other you will find your eyes wandering to those distracting elements in the image. Less is definitely more when it comes to clothing patterns and graphics. Very simple and understated patterns such as plaid, stripes, or hounds tooth will go a long way.
Comfortability - While I can acknowledge that yoga pants and sweats are the most comfy things I own, I do not recommend such comfy clothes for a photo shoot. You may be reading this and thinking this is common sense, but it really isn't! I have had people show up in sweat pants to their photo sessions, hair unwashed and unkept, etc. A typical photo session with me lasts about an hour, which is not a long time to wear less than comfy clothing. You may be uncomfortable during the session, but the photos will have a much more polished look to them.
Believe it or not, I have had people unhappy with their photographs because of their personal appearance. Unfortunately personal appearance is something that is out of my control. I can always enhance minor things like stray hairs, smudged mascara, and skin irritation. Changing outfits, changing surroundings, etc. is something I cannot fix.
I hope this helps with any future photo sessions you may have with other photographers or myself!
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