What to Wear Guide
Client Closet
I am so excited to offer a Client Closet for studio sessions! This includes dresses for mom, shirts for dad, and tops/shirts for small kids. Please see my Instagram highlight for all of the details. All of the Client Closet options are neutral in colour (my love language, ha!) so everything matches everything. No matter what you choose, it's perfectly coordinated and it's effortless for your studio session.
Here is the link to my Pinterest page with some “what to wear” inspiration looks, coordinated outfits, and colour palettes: https://www.pinterest.ca/09gsxosyskim4ygkksyyeqp2vnscmv/_saved/
Casual/Formal
It is totally up to you how formal (dresses, collared shirts, etc.) or casual (jeans, T-shirts) you decide to go. The Pinterest links above have the best of both looks, choose based on what you fee comfortable and confident in. Outfit changes may apply depending on the session: check with Sheree if this is applicable.
Mom/Women
I always suggest that the moms/women choose their outfit first. Choose something you feel beautiful and comfortable in. It’s way easier to coordinate outfits for dads/kids based on mom’s outfit, than the other way around.
Dad/Men
For dads/men, I suggest avoiding hats (like ball caps). For women, stylish hats can be a great accessory that we can use off and on for variety (sometimes can hide faces so that’s why I suggest no hats for men, hats for some for mom). Logos and busy/loud patterns: avoid if possible, because it can take away from your beautiful faces.
Colours
Light colours photograph beautifully, light neutrals (whites, beiges, greys), and neutrals in general work well, and you’ll be able see those themes present throughout my Pinterest boards. If you're opting for colour: muted colours work best. When possible, avoid bright/loud colours, and avoid loud/bright/busy patterns, because it can really pull focus away from your family. Neutrals, neutrals, neutrals. Did I say neutrals?
The studio is bright and white in colour. Neutrals work best as they compliment the people and elevates the style.
When we're shooting outdoors, whether it be the bright summer greens or the colourful fall leaves, we don't want to compete with the colours within nature. Neutrals work best as they compliment every season.
Texture
Adding texture with layers can be a great way to coordinate colours and add depth. This could include cardigans, scarves, etc. Items that provide movement (skirts, flowy dresses, longer cardigans) are great too.
Shoes
For sanitary reasons, I can't allow shoes in the studio. I ask that your shoes are removed at the door, as well as socks. We won't see your feet in most of the photos, but if we do, I ask that everyone is barefooted. Kids with bare feet are adorable! (Sometimes girls wear tights with their dresses and that's a great option too).
Movement
I will be asking you to move around a lot! Whether that means walking, or bending down to crouch beside the kids, or lift the kids up in the air, etc., please ensure you are comfortable in your outfits. Try sitting, crouching, lifting, etc. to see if your outfit passes the test! Clothes that can move look great: think long flowy dresses that you can play with, or that the breeze could pick up, etc.
Bloomers
Often, we dress girls in dresses for photos which I truly love. BUT with that often comes trying to hide underwear! If you are dressing your girl in a dress, please please add bloomers or shorts underneath. I have had to delete many photos just because I can see a little one's underwear and I can't creatively crop it out. But bloomers/shorts/leggings would quickly solve that problem.
Bribery
If we've had a session together before, you know that I wholeheartedly encourage bribery. Ice cream, hot wheels, swim date, you name it, I've seen all the bribes under the sun. Please don't feel like you need to hide the bribes from me. I encourage it! In fact, I will often ask the kiddos what their reward is after photos. Bribe your husband/partner if you need to. I've seen it all and I support it!
Kids will be kids!
I have two girls who are 4 and 2. I have photographed hundreds of kiddos over the years. I completely understand that inevitably, a baby will be teething during the session, a little one didn't nap well, or someone has a scrape or bruise in a noticeable spot. But guess what. That is OKAY! That is life! I also understand how stressful it is to get everyone out of the door, looking their best, behaving their best. I, too, feel the same stress and anxiety leading up to photos. But I assure you: I come armed with tips and tricks to get the best possible photos. If I can leave you with one piece of advice...do your best to stay calm and leave the stress at the door. Your kiddos (and partner/husband!) will feel that stress and feed off it. I am used to the restless toddler, the fussy baby, the kiddos who are 'over it' before we even begin. I promise we will capture your beautiful family regardless of all of the above. Mamas: we've got this! You've done your part leading up to the session, and I will do the rest!!!
Ask Sheree for help/advice!
I am more than happy to help you narrow down ideas or make suggestions between options you’re choosing between based on what photographs well! Happy to help make this the best possible experience for you.