Dress to Impress – what to wear to your session

There’s a reason when you get all dressed up for a special event that you love to have your picture taken. Not only are you commemorating the special event, but you have on a great outfit because you are dressing to impress, your hair and makeup are done and you feel amazing! Who wouldn’t want pictures to remember that time? In my opinion, it is best to have at least one really dressy outfit for your session.

Changing your perspective

I think preparing for a photo session should be approached like a special event. People have photos taken to commemorate a special time. Engagements, new babies, the way your family is now – those are all things to celebrate. So why don’t you take the time to get your hair and make up done? And then you could get all dolled up in a pretty dress, and ask your gentleman to don a pair or slacks and put on some dress shoes.

When people put on dress clothes, it immediately elevates the photo. The photos go from something that could be just another day to a special event worth celebrating and remembering. I think the more you dress up, and the more effort your put into getting ready for your session, the happier you will be with the finished product.

If it’s your engagement session, make it a date night and go out while you’re all dressed up. Family session? Take everyone out to dinner and make an evening of it all. Getting ready for your session can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start, so I am here to help.

Flowy dresses are feminine and flattering

Choosing a dress for one of your outfits is a surefire way to impress. And the dresses don’t have to be floor-length or extravagant. Sundresses in the summer are a great way to show off that summer tan, and still elevate your photos with a great outfit. Also, don’t shy away from accessorizing and adding some bold, statement necklaces to your outfit.

Dresses also add great movement to photos. You can spin around and get the skirt of the dress twirling. As you walk, it gives you something to do with your free hand when you hold it up and out slightly. They are just so flattering and have so many great benefits during a session.

Another tip: Wearing heels is a great way to make your legs look longer. I know this isn’t always ideal, especially when photos are on uneven ground. They also help get you stand up straighter. 🙂

For men: long pants and close-toed shoes

Men tend to photograph best in long pants and close-toed shoes because it looks more put together, and more masculine. Choosing a dress shirt over a t-shirt is another great way to dress to impress. When guys get all dressed up in slacks, a dress shirt and a tie or bow tie, I think they just look so dapper. I know when Justin gets “suited up” (HIMYM reference), I love how he looks. Even if it is a dress shirt, a tie and some dark jeans, the extra effort is there and appreciated. A full suit is not necessary, but I wouldn’t turn it down!

Another tip: Leather belts for the dudes. It’s little details like this that pop in photos. 🙂 And, sticking to neutrals like navy, gray and black can add a timeless feel to your photos.

Wear things that make you comfortable

Most of all, I want you to be comfortable. When you feel good, it shows! If you’re constantly pulling on your clothes because they are too big or too small, the uncomfortable feeling you have will show up in the photos. If there are certain areas of your body that you aren’t a fan of, then make sure to choose outfits that flatter those body parts. Photo sessions can be awkward anyways, so don’t add to that by not being comfortable in your clothing.

Also, never underestimate the power of layering! A nice cardigan over your dress, or a blazer over his dress shirt, are great ways to add depth and dimension to your photos.

 

Coordinate instead of matching

This one is probably one of the biggest ones. I think photos look so much better when everyone in them is coordinated instead of everyone matching and wearing the same black or white shirts and jeans. Coordinating outfits just feels fresher to me, and allows each person to bring a bit of their personality into the photo. Coordinating also brings more visual interest to the photo by incorporating patterns and different textures. Let each person be true to who they are, and just choose colors that compliment each other instead of matching. Choosing soft, muted colors are also the most flattering.

What to avoid

This list isn’t too terribly long, but I just wanted to touch base on a few things to avoid when planning outfits your session.

• Neon colors
• Graphic/logo t-shirts
• Running shoes
• Poorly fitting items that you’ll spend the whole session trying to adjust
• Matching everyone in the photo with the same color top and jeans

I hope this post has helped you really think about your session, and please reach out with any and all questions! 🙂

Want to get in touch?

If you’d like to book your session or wedding, you can contact me at kelsey(at)kelseyalumbaugh(dot)com. Check out my Instagram @kelseyalumbaugh ! I’ve been working curating my feed, so let me know if you see the pattern! And like me on Facebook to see the latest blog posts and wedding updates. 🙂 If you’re curious about the investment, you can check that info out here, but please feel free to reach out so I can better address your photography needs.

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