MPP Outfit Guide
Hey there!
First of all, let me just say THANK YOU for choosing me as your family photographer! It means the world to me to capture these precious moments for families, so that you can always remember the sweet stage of life that your family is in right now.
I created this guide, because almost every family I photograph asks me for help with outfit selection, and as your photographer, I know what photographs well! I want you to look and feel amazing and confident during your family photos. I want you to have photos that you're proud to hang on the walls of your home and pass down for generations. And one way to feel your best is to dress your best.
Please know, that I will create amazing images for you no matter what you wear. First and foremost, I want you to feel like YOU. This is just a guide and a framework so that you have a game plan of how to plan out your family's outfits. It's NOT a strict, rigid outline of what you HAVE to wear. I want you to feel beautiful and love the way you look.
Please email me with any questions or if you need extra help!
MPP Client Closet
My client closet is available for mamas for newborn sessions, maternity sessions, full and all inclusive family sessions, and studio mini sessions. Check out my client closet here. You can choose 2-3 dresses for me to bring to your session to try on. All of my dresses are specifically chosen to be super flattering for pregnancy, postpartum, and every day.
Step 1: Choose your color Pallet
A color palette usually has 4-6 colors that go well together. The goal for your family photos is for your outfits to coordinate well, not for your entire family to match or all be wearing the same color. Searching Pinterest can be a great way to find color schemes you like. Another way is to look at what colors you have in your home already. When you hang your photos on your walls, you want them to go well with your home! Also, think about timeless color schemes. You will pass these photos down for generations! Neutral and muted colors photograph best. Softer, pastel colors are a nice color to choose. These lighter shades tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. I love bright, neon dresses, but I don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion. Try to avoid dark heavy colors or colors that are too bright and bold.
Don't be afraid of white or neutrals. Having everyone in varying shades of white, cream, or other pale colors like light blue/sage/rose,etc. White, ivory, cream, and champagnes complement all skin tones. Yes, even if you don't have a tan! Lighter clothing instantly brightens your images!
Below are just a few examples.
Step 2 - Dress mom first
First, choose mom's dress then build the family outfits around what mom is wearing. It's so important for you to feel beautiful and confident in your family photos. Long, flowy dresses and skirts always look amazing and are always so flattering. So I recommend saying YES to the dress! I provide a closet of dresses you are welcome to use & would bring your picks the day of the session. I personally love floral dresses or beautiful, elegant patterned dresses for mom. Just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photos look a little too busy. I also like solids that have a texture to them or something that makes them unique.
Accessories
Keep it simple. Large jewelry pieces will distract from where we want the focus: on your love and connection! I recommend wearing your wedding band and small earrings only, if desired.
Flatter Your Features
In my experience, every woman--regardless of her shape--has an area of her body that she's self-conscious about, so recognizing that area in advance is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you'll love the way you look in your photos. It's absolutely normal to still look somewhat pregnant after delivering a baby. It takes time for your uterus to shrink back to it's pre-pregnancy size! This is why most moms choose to wear loose, flowy dresses versus tight-fitting clothing for their newborn photos. Plus, it's way more comfortable!
Off-the-shoulder or long sleeve dresses have a slimming effect on all arms, while strapless, sleeveless, or spaghetti strap dresses have the opposite effect.
When considering the length of your dress, factor in whether or not you'll have young children with you. If you have little ones, you'll likely be sitting or squatting next to them. Cute, cocktail length dresses are adorable, but make these poses difficult, as do low-cut tops and high leg slits.
Below you'll find links for all my favorite stores to buy outfits for mom.
Step 3 - Dress the girls
Next, choose cute dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, or outfits for the girls in the family that align with your color scheme and coordinate with mom's dress. Keep babies and young toddlers as comfortable as possible. Bows and headbands are always cute for girls, but not at the expense of comfort.
If you have multiple girls, don’t feel like you need to put them all in the same type of outfit. For example, one of your daughters could wear a dress, while the other wears a skirt. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring a great visual interest to the photos.
Step 4 - dress all the boys
Lastly, choose all the boys' outfits, including Dad. Jeans, Khakis, or slacks with a button down or sweater look amazing for the guys. Soft, neutral colors are the best choice. Solid shades of light gray, blue, khaki, and white are a strong compliment to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye.
I also recommend staying away from graphics, logos, and shorts. Dark jeans look great with a pale colored henley tee shirt, for example!
If you have multiple sons, don’t feel like you need to put them all in the same type of outfit. One of your sons could wear a button-down, while the other one wears a long sleeve t-shirt. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring a great visual interest to the photos.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
Stick to no more than two patterns for the entire family
Keep babies and toddlers as comfortable as possible
If baby is not walking yet, they don't need shoes
If you're interested in professional hair and makeup, my favorite HMUA is Shirley Ann (she did my hair and makeup for my wedding!)
DON’T:
Stark white does not photograph well. It tends to look blue and have a weird glow on camera. I recommend avoiding stark white dress shirts for men. Opt for a cream color or light grey instead!
Black and super dark colors tend to add a “heaviness” to the photos and they also show dust, pet hairs, and undergarments more than light colors
Vibrant colors such as hot pink can be very distracting in photos. Opt for a dusty rose color instead!
Small stripes and very small patterns can cause moire.
Super busy patterns such as plaid can look distracting in family photos.
Inspiration Gallery
These families did an amazing job with their family outfits!
Thank You!
I'm so thankful that you chose me to be your family photographer! It means the world to me to get to capture your family right now in this stage of life for you to treasure forever. Please email me if you need any extra help! In the mean time, let's hang out on social media!
Instagram: Instagram.com/michellepoteetphotography