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10.3.15

How to Dress (and what to Avoid)

When it comes time for a birthday, a birth, yearly-family pictures, you have many decisions to make: your photographer, your location, your time slot, a date, and the most dreaded of all, your wardrobe! No need to go out and buy all new things, no need to panic because everyone doesn't have the same colored shirt.. take the worries away here. Use the following guidelines to help: 

It's Simple: How To Dress 

Tip #1 -- Do Coordinate! 
The goal here is for everyone to compliment one another, to coordinate colors and to say no to matching. (No more everyone in jeans, girls in this color, guys in this color, or everyone wearing  the same shirt! It's 2015, not the 80's!)  My advice for you would be to {create} a palate of 3 colors that fit your family and your individual personalities! When everyone wears the same color shirt, the all whites, the all browns, it causes everyone to blend together and makes for uninteresting photographs -- we want each person to stand out! 


Tip #2 --  It Matters 
Do: Mix solids and patterns, choose a fabric that holds well, and isn't very wrinkly! 
Don't: Clothing with logo's or words (trust me, don't do it) it takes so much away from your images. When it comes to sessions with children, this is always hard on parents. For the 1st Birthday -- Of course you can bring an {I am 1} shirt, but please pack other options as well!! 


Tip #3 -- Create Options
Do: Wear layers & accessories 
Don't: Wear a brand new outfit (make sure you have something that fits you and fits you right! Also take note of body parts -- if you are not in love with your arms, go for 3/4 sleeves, much more flattering than short and not as noticeable as long! 
Do: Adding a belt, a shirt with a collar, bracelets, a headband, with an accent color in your palate of colors goes a long way!!  




Tip #4 -- Think About Your Location & Season
Do: Wear appropriate shoes for the desired location! 
Do: Play up your desired palate to the time of the year. If it's Spring; everything is coming to life; therefore, avoid green, as it will contradict with the grass! Bring that green out in the fall when all the browns, reds are out! Instead, choose beautiful bold colors that will accentuate skin tones and eyes! 


Tip #5 Go Shopping! 
Don't go all out and buy an all new wardrobe, but let's face it -- who just feels good when you get new clothes! Go weeks before and get one thing for yourself, wear it, break it in, make sure it fits "you,"  before the session! 

Family picture by Krsytal at House Full of Monkeys! 
Friendly Reminders: 
  • Choose a palate of a couple of colors! Mix the selected colors in clothing and accessories and {coordinate} them together! (remember, not matchy matchy, girls in this/guys in this) 
  • Fitted clothes make you look much more fabulous and flattering, nothing baggy (or saggy!) 
  • Avoid wearing hats! (Men, I get it -- you love your team, trust me- I get it, I love the Packers) but in 18 years when it is time for your child to graduate, you do not want an image where your hat created an unwanted shadow and you're the only person in the image with this. So for the one hour, NO hats!! 
  • Don't pick clothes that wrinkle easy, your going to be sitting, standing, kneeling, leaning, etc! (Also, do a stain check). I have to do this all.the.time as I am horrible at spilling on my favorites! 
  • Don't worry about bringing too many clothes, I love variety and it gives you more options! 
  • Take notice of your jewelry -- certain movements cause long necklaces to lean to the side and draw attention to all the wrong places, so if its long, and dangly - you will be limited to a standing at attention session! 
  • Don't be afraid of a soft palate, they can be absolutely beautiful -- but also, don't be afraid of some color -- those bolder colors really make the eyes and skin tones, POP! 


Last piece of advice, -- is talk to me! If you ever have a question, (even if your a friend back in MI getting pictures elsewhere), I want you to look the best and the palate you choose really makes a statement! 

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