So I decided, in honor of the Fall and Holiday Season, to put together a detailed “What to Wear” Blog post

I hope you all enjoy it!!

YOU ARE WHAT YOU WEAR

A little cliche? Perhaps. But when it comes to portrait photography, clothing plays a huge role in the success of the finished product.

Before we get going, let’s be clear on what your clothing does NOT need to be:

1. BRAND NEW

I’m completely down with your favorite pair of ripped jeans, retro band T’s, and worn converse shoes – as long as you know how to rock them in your own fabulous tyle.

2.FANCY-SCHMANCY AND UBER EXPENSIVE

Unless it’s your thing (and if it’s REALLY your thing, then by all means baby, bring on the bling)! If you’re not normally a dress-up kind of person, don’t feel like you have to be one for your session.

3. MATCHING

No need to focus on matching everything from the color of your fuchsia headbands to the stripes in your socks. In fact, I beg of you, please, PLEASE don’t! I mean…if you’re family wears matching white shirts and khaki’s every day, then don’t hesitate to wear that to our session, but if you don’t dress like that daily, I encourage you to take a second look in the closet and go with something with a bit more color and pizazz
4. STRESSFUL

No need to worry about each and every item, or fret about the suitability of each accessory. This is supposed to be fun! If you’re unsure – call me, and together, we’ll make sure you look fabulous. I promise!

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I want you to be happy, thrilled, over the moon about your images, and I know that this is much more likely if we take the time and work together to help you choose clothing that fits these few simple rules:

FEELS GOOD.

During your shoot you could be sitting on a pile on the grass having a tickle battle, jumping off a tree trunk, standing on chairs, or throwing your kiddos in the air. Wear clothing that lets you do all that (and more) comfortably.

As for the kids? Uncomfortable kids have a tendency to look…well…uncomfortable, and are often cranky to boot. Happy kids make for happy pictures.

Bottom Line: Don’t choose outfits that make any of you feel constrained, stiff, itchy, scratchy, like you’re dressed up for Halloween (unless of course, we’re taking pictures of you dressed up for Halloween ), or that leaves you with a nagging worry that a button might pop if you bend the wrong way. Trust me!

LOOKS GOOD.

This can be tricky. Looking good is totally subjective, right? If you’re not a Carrie Bradshaw fashionista in real life, you might want to pull in some extra help from a straight-talking friend or family member!

Sometimes last years of-the-moment dress has already become hopelessly untrendy. Sometimes the current fashions just don’t look or feel like you. Sometimes outfits that look good in the mirror might not be ideally suited for photography. If you have any concerns about this at all, give me a call or better yet…e-mail me a snapshot of the clothing you have chosen, and I’ll let you know if I think it will photograph well or not.

Bottom Line: If you don’t feel fabulous-fierce-take-on-the-world gorgeous in your outfit, you’re not going to love, love, love the end result…and I’m all about you love, love, loving the result!

MAKES SENSE.

Here’s where we put it all together. It’s not just enough that everyone looks good and feels good – you’ve got to look and feel good together AND the outfits should fit with your location and the desired mood for your portraits.

Gulp. That seems like a lot, doesn’t it? (QUICK – revisit #4 in the top list, and remember, don’t stress)

Before you even begin figuring out your wardrobe, you’ll need to decide how you want the final photo to look. Take into consideration what location you will choose, what colors you love, what fits the personality of you and your family. I mean…if you HATE the color yellow, or it will clash with your home decor…Yellow probably wouldn’t be the main color to choose for your clothing If you absolutely LOVE the outdoors and really don’t like the city much…you should probably not set up an Urban photo session. Know what I mean?

Bottom Line: It’s easier than it seems. Think twice about having Emma in a lace prom dress if you can’t get Tommy out of his Spiderman cape and favorite Star Wars pajama top. If we’re going to be running around in a park, you’ll likely not decide to wear your starched Sunday best. Hate the way stripes and plaids look together but Dad has his favorite striped polo ready to go? Well then, best steer mom away from her beloved family tartan. Easy-peasy! Unless mom is really attached to that tartan…but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.

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If you’re still not certain, and you can’t decide between the yellow wrap dress with your red heels or your dark skinny jeans and purples belted shirt -I’ve got good news. You don’t have to decide…bring LOTS of options. Heck, throw your whole wardrobe into the back of the car. When we get to the session we’ll wing it with fabulous results. Trust me!

Now…take a deep breath…close your eyes…and imagine how blow-everyone-away-fabulous-ready-for-America’s-Next-Top-Model you’re all going to look in those pictures!

Can you see it yet? I totally can! OMG…you look INCREDIBLE and we can’t wait to meet your family!

The following article was written and used with permission by Jeanette LeBlanc of Jeanette LeBlanc Photography.

*Please note: While this article is pointed more towards Family Sessions, the same rules apply for Senior, Teen/Tween, Couples, Children, etc. If you need Clothing Store suggestions, please e-mail me at trisha@trishadphotography.com. Just tell me what type of clothing you’re thinking about and I will give you my Store suggestions One of my favorites is to check out www.oldnavy.com. They are always having great sales, AND on the website there is a wonderful section called “Trends We Love”!

Don’t forget to schedule your Holiday Sessions!

I have some Studio spots available during the week through October and November and limited November weekend spots!

Schedule your today!

trisha@trishadphotography.com

All can be bought at oldnavy.com (you can get to Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Piperlime from that same link), and for very reasonable prices too!

And I also want to remind you to check out the Holiday and Fall Special’s I’m currently running! Book today! Slots are filling up fast!!