MIX THIS UP: In general, I recommend keeping to neutral, muted, and earthy tones. Pastel colors also look beautiful as well. Nearly every color comes in a muted version. Some of the prettiest colors are blush, tans, light pinks, faint blues and teals, creams, grays and whites. Bright, fluorescent colors can be distracting. The only color I specifically discourage is bright red, as it casts a strange pinky color on skin that is not flattering in photos. You also don’t want to blend in too much- don’t wear green if we are meeting in a grassy field. And remember that these photos will be on your walls and framed around your home, so having timeless, neutral colors will turn these photos into beautiful decor.

When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if the guy is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the girl want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones.  Select a color palette with complementary colors, just like you would when designing the interior of your home! 

Colors

Patterns are fun and definitely add interest to photos. Try to avoid big, loud patterns that will distract from your faces. If you select clothes with patterns, keep it subtle, no matter if it's a big pattern or small pattern. I also discourage multi-colored small prints, as it looks really funky in the end image. 

Another way to add interest to an outfit, is choosing clothing with texture. This mostly applies to dresses, jackets, and sweaters. For example, choosing a soft oatmeal-colored sweater adds a little interest over a long sleeve cotton tee in the same color (even though both would look great). Lace is another beautiful way to add interest, not to mention that lace sleeves are a great way to help slim arms.

Prints & Patterns

Consider how your clothing will move when you walk, run, twirl, or even catch the wind when it blows. This is for both comfort and how awesome the outfits look in the images. You will probably be doing a lot of moving during the session, since I love asking my clients to spin, chase each other, or give each other big bear hugs (way more fun than just normal posing). With this in mind, dress accordingly. Avoid anything too short or low-cut that might show too much when you move around. And stay away from anything too tight in the hips or belly area. If you feel a little self conscious when you wear it, maybe leave it at home! And make sure to break in your jeans or new shoes before the shoot so you’re more comfortable when the session comes! 

Movement