PORTRAIT ATTIRE

My first recommendation is to always wear something that you are comfortable in! If you are not comfortable, it will show in the portrait. Below are more recommendations!

Maternity Portraits

You can bring your own outfit(s) or you are welcome to use my items. I have a very large collection of maternity gowns and accessories, you can view my collection HERE. The number of outfits we can include will depend on which package you selection; mini package is 1 outfit, basic package is 2 outfits, classic package is 3-4.
Dresses are a comfortable way to show off that growing belly. Some of the gowns I offer have open fronts so you can show off belly skin as well. Another way of showing off belly skin is wearing a jean and crop top or sports bra combo.
If you’d feel more comfortable don’t be afraid to wear shape wear, they do make it for maternity. http://a.co/d/1OPGjL5
In the studio shoes are optional. A lot of the gowns I offer are long and cover the feet but some (those that have front openings or slits) do show the feet. Bare foot is fine but you are welcome to bring some fancy shoes if you’d like. I do not provide footwear.
If you would like to include family members in your portrait session, have everyone wear the similar color or hue and stay at the same level of dressiness. You don’t have to be super matchy- matchy, just colors that compliment one another; neutrals are always a win (gray, tan, white).
I am open to you bringing small props like baby shoes, stuffed animals, baby blocks, or your own maternity sash.
HUSBANDS/SEGNIFICANT OTHERS: Your partner can coordinate their attire to match your individual outfits but some general suggested are the following; solid white and gray dress shirt, neutral colored dress pants or nice dark jeans (if you do not feel comfortable in slacks).
CHILDREN: To avoid outfit changes I recommend dressing your children in something comfortable and neutral: white, tan, grays. Children can go barefoot.
Along with that beautiful belly, your hands will play a large part in a maternity session; please make sure your nails are clean or recently manicured, this includes anyone being photographed.
Some of my gowns and accessories are slightly see through, I do recommend that you bring along a set of skin/nude colored undergarments.
Click here for a few more details specific to adult

Newborn Portraits

For baby no clothing is required. I provide all props and accessories needed.
For family portraits with your newborn, keep it solid and simple, we want your little one to be the primary focus. Family members can wear really any color, just nothing too bright, neutrals work best; grays, white, black, tan/cream. I do recommend that everyone matches or is at least wearing a shade of the same color. Men can go topless if comfortable; capturing skin on skin with the little one is a special moment. Mom can wear a tank top as well if comfortable. Family portraits are typically captured waist up so matching bottoms aren’t necessary.
Keep the jewelry simple, no large or chunky necklaces on mom as they will get in the way when posing with baby.
Along with that beautiful baby, your hands will be closely captured in the portraits (since you’ll be holding the little one); please make sure your nails are clean or recently manicured, this includes anyone being photographed.
For sibling portraits, depending on the age, boys always look cute it just a pair of jeans with girls in a simple top or dress.
Click here for a few more details specific to adult

Family Portraits

Family Portrait COLOR COLOR COLOR!! Vibrant, bright colors make for happy pictures! Wear the same solid color or a few slightly different hues of the same color works best. Or do something fun like the ladies wearing purple and all of the gentleman wearing blue. For visual examples, please look at my Pinterest board.
Avoid mixing several prints and patterns, it can be distracting and take away from the main focus, which is you!
When weather appropriate textures and layers photograph well and can add extra visual interest without being too distracting.
Wear clothes that are the same level of dressiness. Don’t dress up when everyone else is wearing everyday street clothes.
Feet may show in the portrait, so be sure to wear shoes that compliment the outfit you are wearing. Bare feet are fine and welcome for studio portraits.
Dress children comfortably but in the same level of dress as the rest of the group.
Everyone should match on their lower half; all jeans or all slacks. Colored skirts and pants are fine as long as they match the look.
If you are a little nervous about color, start with a neutral base (greys, browns) and add colorful accessories like necklace, scarf, shoes, or ties!
Have each person try on their outfit before the portrait session to ensure it fits properly. Iron/steam anything that needs it.
Little props are welcome; keep it simple, location appropriate, and true to your families interests.
Still feeling overwhelmed with what to choose? Start with the person you feel will be the hardest to dress (and it’s okay if it’s yourself). Pick something that person is comfortable wearing and then coordinate with that outfit.
When extended family is included: Each individual family can coordinate their our outfits together. For very large groups, picking a single colored shirt for everyone can be easiest.
Click here for a few more details specific to adult subjects

Kiddo Portraits

Full outfits can be worn starting at 1 years old and up. Under 1 year and I like to keep the clothing simple and minimal.
For studio portraits of age’s 3 month to 12 months old I recommend arriving with baby in an easy to remove comfortable 1 piece pajamas. Please do not arrive in a portrait outfit, this will help prevent getting spit up or drool on it. Also to avoid sock marks please do not arrive with baby wearing socks.
Bright and vibrant colors always look nice in photographs. While sometimes busy prints can sometimes take the focus away from the subject, I do feel it is fine on children.
Accessories can add personality to the look of an outfit…don’t be afraid to throw in a fun vest, chunky necklace, hooded jacket or hat when age appropriate!
Bare feet look more natural and relaxed for all ages, this works especially well in the studio. If they are going to wear shoes, watch for dirt and scuff marks that might be distracting. I recommend either going barefoot or with socks and shoes, avoid the ‘just socks’ look. For outside locations, we can slip shoes on and off if you like.
For outdoor sessions, the clothes should match the location and season; casual everyday clothes for the park and dressed up in something more formal for the holiday studio session. If you aren’t sure, bring several outfits and we can look through them together. If we are meeting on location, we can always chat before the session, or look at your outfit choices before we begin.
For children under 1 years old, I recommend keeping it simple. Diaper covers look adorable on girls and boys 3-6 month old, while tutus or petti-rompers for girls and bow-ties, suspenders, or just a pair of jeans are great for boys 6-12 months old.
I do have dresses, tutus, petti-rompers, petti-skirts, and diaper covers available for little girls as well as fun neckties, suspenders, dress shirts, jeans, and diaper covers for boys.
FOR STUDIO PORTRAITS: When selecting clothes for your kiddo(s), you’ll want to coordinate the colors with your favorite backdrops. This is something we will go over prior to your portrait session. And you are welcome to even send me a quick phone picture of the outfits so I can help!
OTHER PREP: Make sure that nails have been recently trimmed and are clean. And since that adorable face will be the mail focus take care to clean around the mouth, eyes, nose, and ears. A bath the night before with some extra scrubbing isn’t a bad idea!

Senior Portraits

Wear layers and textures, button-down or collared shirts work great
Try to avoid black or white shirts. Wear bright colors or earth tones (purples, greens, blues, brown, and deep reds).
Don’t be afraid to wear a striped or patterned shirt. I normally discourage it but for senior portraits it can help display your character and personal style!
If you’re going for a casual look, a nice pair of jeans is the perfect complement.
Accessories are fun and easy to remove to switch up your look; scarves, high-heals, hats.

Business and Headshot Portraits

Choose attire that is a simple classic stye (suit or dress coat for men, blouse and/or dress coat for women), this will not look dated as styles change. If the portraits are for a particular business and you have a uniform (scrubs, business tee) feel free to wear it.
Wear mid-ranged and darker colors. Colors such as blue, brown, gray, red, and green photograph well on both men and women.
Avoid busy patterns, large amounts of white, and very bright colors. You want to draw attention to your face and use your clothing as a frame.
Avoid fabrics that wrinkle easily; make sure all items have been ironed or pressed.
Wear long sleeves. Exposed arms may look great, but they will distract attention away from your face. This applies to both men and women.
Women with long hair should choose a jacket or blouse that is a different tone from their hair, otherwise the hair and jacket tend to run together when photographed.
Style your hair in a way that is common and comfortable for you. I recommend that women wear their hair down or partially down.
Wear your regular eyewear. Professional portraits should positively represent who you are in your everyday life. For instance, if you usually wear glasses, wear them in your portrait.
Apply make-up as you normally would, an even foundation that matches your skin tone, mascara and a touch of lipstick. Feel free to bring along a powder compact to eliminate any shine. I do not recommend trying a new look the day of portraits.
Minimize accessories. A few subtle accessories can liven up your portrait. However, it’s best to keep accessories low-key.
Click here for a few more details specific to adult

Additional Things to Consider for Adults

If you normally wear glasses, they should be part of your portrait. I’ll control the reflections to the best of my ability by adjusting your pose, but sometimes it’s impossible to completely eliminate glasses glare. If you have thick lenses or have had severe reflection problems in the past, you may want to ask your optometrist to loan you a pair of matching frames with no lenses for your portrait. Or if you’ll feel more comfortable being photographed, wear contacts.
If you have braces, we can do a variety of pictures of you smiling and not smiling in order to give you a good selection to choose from.
Jewelry should be kept simple, wide-plated gold and silver necklaces may cause too much of a glare a become a distraction in your portrait.
You want to look your best, so pay a little extra attention to your grooming before your portrait session. If anyone needs a fresh haircut, have it done about a week ahead. Also, It is best to wear your hair the way you normally do.
Men, if you have an afternoon or evening appointment , you may want to shave mid-day to avoid the “five o’clock shadow” look. If you wear a beard or mustache, they should be neatly trimmed.
Ladies, avoid deep V-necks. You may not feel comfortable in certain poses if you wear this type of shirt.
Apply make-up as you normally would, an even foundation that matches your skin tone, mascara and a touch of lipstick. Feel free to bring along a powder compact to eliminate any shine.