Need a little help planning your wardrobe for your upcoming session? Well your not alone! It can be a tough task! Here’s a few ideas and some inspiration on how to choose the right maternity session outfits (for you, your hubby and your kids!) to get beautiful photos and the results you love! And feel free to ask me or even send me photos of what you have and I am always happy to give some input! I know I have a very particular taste, I love the boho “almost hippy” look, with neutrals and soft color palettes and a little pop of color. You still want your wardrobe to say you, just a little “well put together” you. So do your hair and wear extra makeup and feel fabulous while you capture this special time in your life!
First off, you want it to be comfortable and feel beautiful. Choose something that you love and are comfortable wearing! And make sure it’s not lose or baggy, but hugs your baby tummy in all the right places, this is after all, to show of that incredible body of yours that can grow baby humans! And don’t forget if you want to show your bare belly in the photos, plan for that in your wardrobe as well! (could even wear a bandeau under a dress!)
A Maxi dress is perfect, long or short. Paired with a big chunky necklace would be even better. Throw in some great boots, bracelets and Voila! Maxi dresses perfectly show off your baby bump but still cover up areas that we may not feel so confident about while we are pregnant! (and not pregnant! lol)
Chose a color theme and use colors you love. Will you be displaying it in your home? Will it match your walls or clash? Solid colors photograph well, patterns can be distracting! We don’t want hubby wearing a bold plaid shirt distracting away from your precious baby bump! Patterns can be cute though, in moderation! If your daughter is in a polka dot dress, try to keep the rest of the family in more solid colors, maybe have son wear a tie in another pattern the same color scheme, it would compliment the dress! Having trouble knowing where to start? Maybe you have a favorite “item” of clothing you definitely want to wear but not sure what to pair it with? Then search color palettes on pinterest! If you have a light pink dress, you may not have thought that you can pair it with a great pair of brown boots and that favorite scarf and tan hat you already have in your closet! You can also search http://design-seeds.com/ to get color palette ideas to see what else would match your color choices! You could also have one child in a great funky outfit and the rest of the family’s wardrobe planned around her look!
DO NOT wear logos or characters on your clothing! (Sorry GAP and spiderman, we love you but we don’t want you in our photos!).
We want to co-ordinate but not be matchy matchy. Mom can wear a green scarf to match the daughters shoes……..etc we just don’t want to over do the matching part of it. Textures are great! By textures, I mean using different materials: tweed, wool, cords, lace, ruffles, fur etc. A pop of color is great too! You don’t want everyone in white shirts and matching pants! There are a TON of great ideas on Pinterest to help you decide on what you will wear for your photo session! (its FREE!).
Accessories and layers will make your outfit complete! Love them, they complete the look. Scarves, hats, flower in hair, headbands, bow ties, suspenders………Start with your base layer of clothing, your solid color dress or top and jeans, then add accessories, textures and layers to complete the look! A short leather jacket, scarf, chunky jewellery or a headband? Don’t forget about your feet! Please don’t wear running shoes, unless it’s a great pair of converse that adds a hip flare to your session! Wearing some distressed boots (or fur or moccasins or even ballet flats can totally complete your look! Even rubber boots or cowboy boots! – hubby too!). You may want great boots, or even go barefoot (depending on where we will be). Have a daughter wearing a grey dress with a white flower in her hair and pink fur boots? Why not put your son in a white shirt with a pink bow tie, jeans and Grey converse shoes? (ok if you don’t want your son in pink that’s ok too, but you get the idea right? But if you’re having a girl, that might just be a super cute idea!!!!). Accessories can give you alternate “looks” as well and can save from having to change clothes or bring an extra outfit. Just take off that jacket, add a scarf and you have a totally different look!
Don’t forget, your hands will be on that baby bump! Make sure they are pretty! (and clean fingernails is a bonus! haha). Remove hair ties from around your wrists and watches that do not appeal to the look you are wanting in your photos!
Stay away from “trendy” clothes, and stay with timeless pieces. (think BIG 1980’s glasses, neon clothing and the big bangs! haha). You want your images to last forever, don’t date them with your wardrobe. I would even suggest staying away from the patterned leggings, although comfy and super cute, they could definitely “date” the images. Of course this is a personal choice, sometimes you want to remember “that special time”.
Props are also great. Bring a bouquet of sunflowers to your session, or a favorite child stuffie. One or two items that will not over power the feel of the photos. And keep in mind where you are shooting! If your going to a barn, wear cowboy boots or a cowboy hat! or pigtails in your childs hair with an adorable ruffled skirt. Or bring your vintage quilt that your grandmother made to a beach session to use! Too many props, can completely change the feel, so less is definitely more!
And don’t forget, if you don’t have that special accessory or prop that you think would be perfect, ask me, I have a stash of props, hair pieces, maternity gowns and accessories as well!
Here is a slideshow of clothing ideas I have found straight from Pinterest! (These are not images I have taken!) I hope it inspires you and helps you plan your perfect wardrobe that matches you, your style and your vision! Can’t wait for our session!
I also have a “clothing ideas for photography” board on pinterest! Find me under Bobbi Sloan :O)
Here’s what we wore for family photos! Thank you to the fabulous Lisa at Milk and Honey for this image of us! Need an updated one with our new baby now!
