Styling for Your Session | Southern Maryland Family Photographer

So, your family's photography session is coming up and you've dug through everything your family owns and you STILL can't come up with something for them to wear.  You want them to look adorable in their photos, but not too stuffy.  And you definitely want them to look like themselves.

thechildrensplace.com

Here are a few tips to get the creative juices flowing:

1) Dress in layers.  During the colder months, you don't want your little ones with blue lips and chattering teeth.  Layering clothing gives images texture and color, and serves an even better purpose with keeping the babes warm.  

2) Think pattern/texture.  Cable knits, furs, linens, denim.  They all have different texture.  And each type of fabric photographs differently and picks up or reflects light differently.  Don't be afraid to mix and match.  You don't want things too matchy-matchy anyway.  (Remember those 1990-ish images where everyone's wearing a white shirt and jeans?  Stay away from that!)  Everyone has their own personality and sense of style.  Show it! 

3) Don't be afraid of color!  Green and yellow go great with deep purples.  Red goes well with purple too!  Brown and pink.  Yellow and grey is super popular these days.  Find a piece that you love that has multiple colors in it and use that key piece as inspiration for the rest of your styling.  If you have a red scarf you're in love with, then pair that with red pants and a sweater to match, for baby boy.  

gap.com

 4) Choose timeless pieces.  Your images will last forever.  After the children have grown and left for college, your photo will remain the same.  Trends and fads fade away and are replaced quickly.  (Do you ever cringe when you look back on the 80's white washed jeans, shoulder pads, and poofed bangs? I do!)  Stay away from Dora the Explorer and Mickey Mouse prints.  Solid colors always look great layered with prints of stripes or plaid or gingham.  For little girls, tasteful flowers or lace is always beautiful and timeless.  

gap.com

5) If you've hit a road block, ask for help.  The people who work at the Gap or the Children's Place are always willing to offer up suggestions when you ask.  And the clothes they have for kids are ADORABLE and you can almost always find great sales.  Walk around the mall and window shop.  The mannequins are styled in ways that are perfect for inspiration.  Check the web!  My Pinterest Board is always being updated with ideas for your sessions.  

Hopefully, these ideas will help point you in the right direction!  And remember, your family photo session is the best representation of YOU.  So don't lose your style in someone elses details.  Go with what makes you comfortable and I'll help you showcase it!