Portrait Style

Women

Choose a base outfit. A dress, jeans and a top, skirt and blouse, etc. Be sure that it fits well! Test it out. Stand with your hip popped at a 45 degree angle, sit, move around a bit. Does it look great? Then it is a keeper! Now time to make it spectacular!

Add a great pair of boots or heels. Find a statement necklace, maybe one that has a pop of the brightness in your color pallet. Add a jacker (skip this if it is hot), grab a scarf - even a light infinity scarf looks great in summer portraits. You will want to accessorize a bit bolder than you might for every day.

Try everything on together and take a look - does it coordinate? Is it what you envisioned? If not, try swapping out for a different pair of shoes, take away the scarf and add earrings. Play with it until it’s just right.

Now don’t forget your nails, they are part of the portraits as well, keep nail polish natural if you can, unless it is your style.

Now your past the hard part… The rest will be easy!

Young Girls

Just like with mom Choose a base Outfit. I’m going to recommend a dress or skirt and top for little girls. For older girls let their style guide you but think dressier than normal. This works really well for casual to dressy portraits.

For little girls add some leggings or tights for a pop of color. Choose a pattern for a solid colored dress, or solid colors for bolder dresses.

Prefer jeans or pants? No problem, throw them on with a great top and layer with a little necklace, sweater, or a scarf.

Don’t forget hair accessories, but remember to keep things simple and timeless. Big bows and headbands are fun for everyday, but will “date” your portraits and draw attention to a specific part of the portrait.

Shoes should fit the outfit and allow them to move around normally. They can and do show up in the portraits so keep that in mind. Don’t forget the nails for the little one as well!

Young Men

Let’s dress the guys now. Depending upon the season and overall look of your session, grab some cute shorts, or nice pants. Dressy jeans are great as well.

Next lets work on the top. A t-shirt, with a button top over it is a great choice. Take it a step further and add a little vest or young ones or a jacket for older boys. Suspenders are also great. Let your vision guide you.

For older guys a button down shirt, smooth cotton, and something that won’t grab or cling. If they are athletic polos or other tops can work as well if they fit your vision.

Shoes and socks are a key for boys as well. They show up just like girls and need to fit the outfit and allow them to move freely. Socks should be dark unless they are wearing shorts then no-show socks are best.

Men

This is the last part; let’s pull the look together! Choose a pair of pants that dad likes - jeans are a popular option, just make them dressier than normal.

Then ask yourself if there are anything in your color pallet missing or represented as much as you would like? Use this color for dads shirt. I suggest a button down shirt with long sleeves. They can be rolled up for an amazing look. You can also choose a polo, but avoid clingy materials and logos.

Fall/winter pictures? add a great vest, jacket or sweater. Shoes and socks should fit the look and socks should be dark colored unless he loves colorful socks.

And with dad check and see if his watch is a part of his outfit….. iWatch or not.