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Your Clothing Guide by Sally Katzin Photography & Design

Updated: May 13



What not to wear to your photoshoot


Hey there! Did you know that the clothes you wear in your photos can really impact the final result? If you want professional, timeless shots, it's important to consider your outfit choices. To help you out, here are some guidelines for what to wear and what to avoid in your next photo session:

These are the basic rules that can be followed to assure that your photos are timeless, beautiful, and forever.



  • The biggest NO of them all - Clothing or accessories with logos, text, or single graphics. These can be distracting and take away from the focus of the photo.

  • Bright, neon colors or all black outfits in natural settings. These colors can be difficult to photograph and may not look as natural as softer, more muted tones.

  • Same exact outfit. Instead, try coordinating colors or soft patterns to create a cohesive look without being too matchy-matchy. For men and boys, wearing matching button down shirts is an exception.

  • Graphic matching T-shirts.


By following these guidelines and avoiding the items on the "no" list, you'll be well on your way to capturing amazing photos.


If you want to take things a step further and achieve truly perfect shots, here are a few tips on what to wear and how to plan your outfits: With a little bit of thought and preparation, you can ensure that your clothing and accessories contribute to the success of your photo session.


Favorite Color Palettes

Ultimately, the colors you choose should reflect your personality and the mood you want to convey in your photos. We want these shots to capture a happy, joyful time in your life, so choosing light, bright colors can help achieve that goal.


The location of your photo session will also impact the colors you choose to wear. In nature settings, I would always go for softer colors, while in historical backgrounds you can get away with wearing darker color palettes.



Style



For family photo sessions, it's a good idea to aim for a business casual look. Dressing to impress will help create timeless, professional-looking photos. Think about how you would dress for a special occasion like visiting your in-laws for the first time, a job interview, or a holiday meal. This level of dress will look great in almost any location. If you need ideas for locations, you can check out my family page for inspiration.


For simchas and holidays, it's appropriate to dress up a bit more. For a classier, more sophisticated look, so when you are celebrating something special, we will make sure to also choose a more manicured setting such as gardens, stone backdrops, archways, staircases, or promenades.


Above all, it's important that everyone in the photo is on the same page when it comes to style. Make sure everyone knows how special this occasion is and encourage everyone to dress accordingly to ensure that your photos look cohesive and polished. (We don't want one person in a suit, and the other in a T-shirt!)


Coordination vs Matching


When it comes to coordinating outfits for your family photo session, it's important to strike a balance between coordination and individuality. Each person in your family has their own unique personality, and we want to capture that in your photos. A good way to do this is to choose a color palette and then allow everyone to choose their own way of styling it.


For men and boys, it's a good idea to make sure everyone is wearing pants or shorts in the same color tone. If you have a child under 3 years old, feel free to make an exception.


Matching T-shirts can be a fun idea for family reunions, but they don't always photograph well. Instead of wearing them in your photo session, you might consider having a big family sign made instead. If you do have matching T shirts, you can always send us the design and we can add it to your slideshow or photo album in a creative and tasteful way.


If you need a family reunion sign made, don't hesitate to contact us. We can help make it happen! Sally Katzin is also a graphic designer and can create almost anything. Learn more


Suggestions


  • For women, flowy dresses can be a great choice. They add movement and interest to your photos.

  • Men generally look best in button-down shirts or polos.

  • If possible, opt for closed-toe shoes. Unless we're on the beach, in which case no shoes is the way to go!

  • If one person is wearing a jacket or sweater, it can look best if everyone is dressed similarly. This helps create a cohesive look in your photos.


Remember, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in your clothing. With a little bit of thought and preparation, you can ensure that your outfits contribute to the success of your photo session.


It's important to note that clothing and body image are personal decisions, and I in no way intend for these recommendations to be mandatory. If you have any restrictions or questions, please don't hesitate to contact me for a personal styling guide. I'm here to help you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin, but to get you timeless photos too.

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