The number one guideline for choosing what to wear is that whatever you choose should be comfortable and flattering to your figure. Get a good friend to look at clothes with you… the camera doesn’t lie! If you want to add spark, interest and personality, head to the thrift store or clothing exchange and pick up some fun “new to you” digs that are colorful, have texture, and are timeless. Stores like Buckle sell great jeans and textured sweaters and shirts for layering. And, shoes… don’t forget the shoes!
If you are doing an outdoor session you should be able to sit, stand, squat, bend, kneel, jump, run, and be active in your choices. This doesn’t mean you need to be able to do a cartwheel in your prom dress but … you get the idea. The stiffer and less comfortable you are, the stiffer and less comfortable you are going to look in your pictures.
Below are some general guidelines:
GOOD (think TEXTURE and color)
- Clean or new-ish shoes and sneakers or heels (fun colors are a great idea and add a great POP to your photo)
- Solid colored tops and sweaters
- Jeans – in good condition – no stains! – Leave the too-tight muffin-top pair at home!
- Letter Jacket / Cheer or Sports Jersey
- Accessories – colorful, fun, whimsical, watch, necklace, earrings, scarves, etc.
- Something dressy – Boys – a sport-coat jacket and button-up shirt, tie, khaki pants, etc. Girls – Prom dress, heels, and that hot little number you purchased for girls night this summer.
- Something casual – School hoody and jeans or your sweater or shirt, casual sneakers (Ed Hardy’s, Chucks, athletic shoes)
- White (unless you are very tanned or dark complected this will make your skin look washed out). If you really want to wear white, bring it along and we can talk about it
- Shirts with writing on them or a brand logo. Nothing will date your pictures more than turning them into an advertisement for Abercrombie or AE.
- Sleeveless shirts – girls – these can make your arms look big, guys – unless you have guns… leave the muscle shirts at home.
- Non-fitted shirts on girls (boy cut T’s and Polos) – make sure whatever you choose is fitted for a woman’s body, and not cut straight on the sides, all body types benefit from darting.
- Too big shirts on guys (size XXL when you probably are more like a medium).
- Mid-drift tops
- Anything Neon
- Anything very revealing – micro mini’s, low cut tops and skin baring clothing.
- If you play sports, bring a ball (preferably in good condition)
- If you play an instrument and you can bring it along, do it! A Fender Starcaster, violin, or a set of drum-sticks… all can be incorporated into your pictures.
- Hats – bring your favorite, just don’t wear it until the end (to avoid “hat hair”)
- Shoes – bring more than you think you’ll need, we’ll pick out the good ones.
Flip flops (if you plan on wearing heels, just to walk around in while we’re not taking photos)
Multiple changes of clothing and accessories.
Ponytail holders, bobby-pins, barrettes and headbands. - An umbrella (you never know in this area) and a friend or parent to help you with the wardrobe choices.
- Dress or bring layers!
- Remember the camera “adds 10 lbs”. Well it really doesn’t but it can seem that way. Ask for an outfit evaluation from someone you trust to tell you the truth before the big day! Or, have mom or dad take some camera phone pics so you can see what you look in different combinations.
- Girls – If you are curvy, wear tailored items and fitted tops and jeans. If you are thin, dress in layers but avoid anything poofy. Box cut jackets and layers can help.
Guys – Try to avoid jeans that are too tight and make sure to bring or wear a belt. - Hang or press (or both!) your clothes. If it is wrinkled and picked up off the floor, it is going to be very obvious in the photos.
- Think about the session type you have chosen and dress appropriately. In this area the weather can be a little unpredictable. Bring an umbrella and don’t wear heals in the mud! In the fall and winter… layers layers layers!
- Girls, leave your hair down at first, we can put it up in the later pictures.
- When in doubt, bring multiple outfits and I will be happy to help you choose!
