Julia Powers
photography
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need inspiration?
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Consider your Surroundings
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Lay them out and take a pic
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No graphics
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Do not match everyone
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limit patterns
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Pick a color scheme
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Think textures and layers
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Take some time to plan it out
The first thing clients ask when they book their session is
“What do we wear?” So, I have put together some tips to
dress for those “Perfect Pinterest Photos!”
Go online and get ideas. Pinterest is a great place to start, some links even have sites where the outfits were purchased. Do you want a modern style, vintage or casual? Think of the occasion for the photos also. Stores like the Gap and Old Navy have great outfits for the whole family.
Complimentary colors are the way to go. I think picking 2-3 “main colors” is a good place to start (grey, tan, blue or blue, yellow, ivory) then you can add in some pops of color with scarves or headbands. If you’re planning on hanging the photos in your home, your inspiration might come from there! What colors are your decors?
Usually matching everyone in photos does not work. The pictures will look dated as the trends pass. For example: have one person wear a collared shirt in a solid color and another wear a complimentary print in a collared shirt or flannel. This will allow everyone to put a little of their personality in the pictures.
It adds dimension to have some texture and layering in your outfits. For boys, that usually means a couple of shirts, a plain tee under an open shirt, sweater or vest. For girls that could be a skirt, shirt or sweater, tights and maybe a hair accessory! A printed scarf over a plain shirt is a great layering piece without adding too much.
I like to see a little pattern in the clothes you choose for photos, but too much can ruin the look. For larger groups, a couple of family members can wear complementary patterns in varying sizes, but everyone would be too much. This is where your color scheme will come in handy.
Little kids might love superhero or princess shirts/shoes, but it can be
very distracting in photos. Moms, just say no!
Laying everyone’s outfit out on the floor the way they’re going to wear them and seeing all the colors and textures next to each other tells you a lot. For busy families this will save you the time and the hassle!
Think about where your photos will be taken. Is it industrial or urban? Or in the Country in the middle of nowhere? What you wear should go with your setting. If you're going to take photos in the studio, be sure to know the backdrop you’ll be using so you don’t blend in.