Colour Palettes and what to wear to your Photography Session?
If you've booked your session and then found yourself in a panic about what to wear, please don't! This guide will help you select the best outfit combinations from your own wardrobe so, don't feel like you have to rush out to buy anything new, though, if you really want to, that's totally ok too!
The main thing to steer clear of is heavy and loud patterns and logos as they compete for the attention of the viewer and really detract from the subjects in the photos. That means your child's most loved T-shirt with their favourite Disney character pictured across the front is best kept for another day. Plain clothes are best and that will ensure your images are timeless. However, please also ensure your clothing is comfortable. You want to look your best, so you have to feel you best! You don't want to be fidgeting because the fabric is itchy or the clothing is ill-fitting.
Everyone doesn't need to match, but keeping colours to a minimum and having colours that marry well together will help give your photos that extra something special. Varying and layering textures of different fabrics also really helps. Also, please take into account any creasing in your clothing.
Softer patterns are fine if kept to only one person and everyone else's outfits are coordinated with the colours in that pattern. If you'd like to see some examples of families who are beautifully coordinated, I have a Pinterest board which you can view here.
You might like to consider the seasons or your photo location and choose your colours accordingly. Autumn screams for maroons and rusts whilst the beach beckons for beiges and whites. Also, if you know you're going into an area with lots of greens, wear a colour other than green so you stand out from the background.
Ladies, this is a day for a dress! Nothing is more feminine and beautiful than a dress flowing in the wind. And little girls love dresses that twirl and it makes for some adorable images. So, if you feel comfortable, wear a dress to our session.
I prefer bare feet in photos, however, I understand that isn't for everyone and may not be suitable in every location. So keep shoes as neutral in colour as possible - avoiding shoes with several bright colours on them and ensure they're comfortable and appropriate for the location we will be at for you photoshoot.
Like shoes, jewellery is another thing that distracts from the subjects, so unless that piece is extra special and you want it in the photos, you don't need to wear it on the day. Wedding rings and earrings, for example, that you wear on the regular are fine to wear, but no need to pull out that necklace that you only wear to go out.
There's also no need to book a hair and make up appointment. Natural beauty is truly something. If you feel confident in your own skin, just come as you are. If make up gives you confidence, that's fine too. Clean, brushed and neat hair is all you need. The photos I, personally, cherish the most are the ones that depict the everyday you. Bare, raw and honest. Minor blemishes that don't depict how you usually look can be cleared away during the editing process at your request, however, minimal skin retouching is performed unless you do request it. Again, because bare, raw and honest are what draw me in. If you can look in the mirror after you've gotten ready, feel comfortable and look like your everyday self, then you will be absolutely perfect!
One last tip; try to dress little ones as close to the session time as possible (and after they've eaten and had hands and faces cleaned) to keep their clothes as presentable as possible. Ensure they're wearing an outfit which covers their nappy fully. Bring an outfit change along, just in case it ends up being needed. Babies can be dressed after my arrival to save their outfits.
If you plan to take the time for outfit changes, ensure everything is set out and ready to go to make the most of your session time. Whilst on the topic of outfit changes, in locations such as the beach, be prepared to head into the water and sit in the sand. As a result, you might like to bring along a change of clothes and a towel so you can change before the journey home.
I've pulled some colour palettes from Pinterest that I love to photograph and included them in this blog post, you can click here for a link to my Pinterest board for even more ideas. You can use these as a guide or reach out if you need any more help. I'm more than happy to look at photos of your outfit choices if you're just not sure and chat with you about any outfits you're deciding between if you'd like that extra opinion.
Enjoy the process and I can't wait to see you for your shoot.
Charmaine
xx
I acknowledge the Wathaurung, Woiwurrung and Boonwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which I live and work and pay my respect to their Elders past and present.
