Wardrobe Tips

Doesn’t this feel like the hardest part of having your photos taken? Rest assured, even seasoned photographers struggle with the question of what to have our family wear. While this is an acknowledged stressor, please don’t let this psych you out.

The easiest way to outfit a whole family is to go with coordinating but not matching clothing. Think of your whole family as one outfit together. Avoid everyone having the same top/top color and same bottoms (ex. please don’t put everyone in jeans). The only exception would be mommy and me outfits, which often look adorable as long as its only two-three people or two-three girls, etc. Girls and moms looks great in dresses and skirts.

Most clients prefer lighter colored clothing as it photographs better. Please avoid bright colors such as neons, dark reds, dark greens, and magentas. When choosing patterns, opt for smaller patterns on adults (children can handle large patterns). For jewelry, less is better. Think like Coco Channel - put on your planned items, then take off one item.

Aim to have the entire family have the same level of “dressiness”. Everyone should be semi -casual or everyone should be church dressy, or everyone should be formal, etc.

Please no athletic wear or baseball hats. If you wear a hat, please plan that you will be asked to take it off for some of your photos (don’t have it be an essential element of your outfit). Please wear footwear that you can walk in, as we may move around during your session. Ex. don’t plan for shoes on the beach or heels in the grass.

For newborns and babies, please plan at least 2 outfits for them as spit-ups and diaper messes do happen and often require changing clothes.

Last but not least, choose clothing that everyone feels comfortable wearing! I recommend shopping your own closets first and then adding new clothing only if necessary to complete a look. If you FEEL uncomfortable in your clothing (its too tight or loose, scratchy material, you feel self conscience in it, you are worrying about slipping shirts or too short skirts, it doesn’t breathe so you are hot, you can’t pick up a child in it, etc.) you will LOOK uncomfortable. The easiest way to look comfortable is to chose something you already know you like to wear and like how you look in it.

What to Bring Along

Please feel free to bring a bag with you containing essentials for your session, as it will be easy to set it down outside the shots. I recommend plenty of water and non-messy, non-greasy snacks or treats if your kids will be hungry or need a final bribe. You may also need towels/clean clothes if we go to the beach, props/toys you may want to include, hair brushes to quickly tidy up hair, and a favorite toy if your child feels shy/nervous.

Inclement Weather, Illness, and Reschedules

Inclement weather includes rain lasting more than 5-10 minutes, hurricanes, thunder, and high winds. Should inclement weather appear likely before you session, I will call you to discuss a reschedule as soon as it appears the weather will be definite (as definite as it gets in Florida anyway!). If the weather appears during your session, we will move to a safe location and discuss our options (wait it out, move our location, or reschedule).

Should anyone become unwell before our session, please let me know as soon as you can to reschedule, even the morning of. None of us want to become ill. Please have 48 hours fever free and 48 hours vomiting and diarrhea free for a session to avoid transmitting an illness or having anyone come down ill during a session. Should I become ill or my family come down ill with anything transmissible, I will contact you to reschedule as soon as possible. Please do not bring an ill child to a session.

Inclement weather and illness have no penalty for rescheduling, please take care of your family as their health and safety are our top priority.

Help! No one wants to smile (or be here) but Mom.

Getting everyone ready and keeping everyone clean before a session plus getting out the door on-time with everyone’s shoes can make for some grumpy faces when you all finally arrive, I totally get it. Please take a moment to breathe and relax once you arrive - you made it!

A session isn’t just about taking beautiful images, you should get the chance to enjoy the time together. Let’s play games, dance to some music, sit comfortably during poses, and chat. It will be okay if everyone’s clothes get a little dirty as long as their faces have joy on them. Kids don’t need to sit perfectly still, and I won’t ask you to say cheese all the time.

Rest assured I will do everything I can to make sure you have fun DURING your session. It never hurts to have a fun reward planned afterwards too so they day isn’t just about the photos, but please don’t hold it over everyone’s heads as a threat - once they know they can relax and play without missing out on the fun, sessions go a lot smoother for everyone. Let’s have a fun day together!

Feeding and Diaper Changes for Newborns and Babies

Newborns, babies, and toddlers often require extra time. I don’t hold a stopwatch to your session, we are done when we have the photos we need and everyone feels ready. Sometimes that happens quickly and sometimes it takes more time. I expect to take snack, diaper, and feeding breaks for newborns, babies, and toddlers, so please don’t feel like you are on the clock.

If you are nursing a newborn or baby, please make sure your outfits allow for this as having to completely remove clothing does make for a stressful session for mom, however. If you would like private nursing photos, please let me know, otherwise I will not photograph you during this time.