I do not think we have ever done a photo-shoot that is not preceded by this exact question “what should we wear?” It seems to weigh people down, stress them out, and freeze them in their tracks. And I get that. I have a hard time dressing my own kids for photos, but funny thing is the pictures I love the most of them are definitely not about the clothes.

They are both wearing very simple clothes from crew cuts, just the hint of color in the headband adds some fun to the image. But really it is more about the contrasting colors and their precious expressions.

And now that we are on the topic of headbands, lets discuss BOWS! Oh bows…..Some people would say I am anti bow, perhaps even a bow hater and that is just not true! For photo purposes, just err on the side of less is more. Here are some DOs for how to get hair out of the face without letting the hair clip take over the image.

I really did not intend to start this post with the last thing you add to an outfit, but the transition was there and I took it. Okay lets get back on track.

What to Wear Questions:

• Should we all wear the same thing? NO! Outfits should coordinate but everyone should not wear the same thing. Think of it as one big outfit. Does that red and blue plaid shirt look good with a purple paisley skirt? If not, then you are not coordinated! The days of khaki and white are over, dead and gone! Two girls can certainly wear the same dress, or buy matching pieces from the same line that go well together.

• Should we wear white? All solids? NO! color, patterns and texture make photos pop both in color and in black and white. I tend to favor muted and natural colors over super bright colors, again keeping the focus on the face and not on the clothes. Also, avoid store and team logos. See above… And Below!

• Should we dress fancy? Heck no! Dress like you normally would but cleaner and more well put together!

I often tell clients this: Imagine you are out of college and have moved away from all your old friends. Your best friend from college is hosting a 10 year reunion party. it is an OUTDOOR bbq at the PARK in the spring. No one has ever met your husband or your kids, you want them to look cute but know they will be running and playing for hours. How would you dress them?

I recruited Brittany (my trusty assistant) to make these boards for your viewing pleasure! We tried to stick with stuff that was affordable and easy to find online. Of course, there are tons of designer brands we love but these old faithfuls work just as well. These were made in the summer but the same rules apply for fall. We will update with those boards when it cools down a bit!

• Baby Girls- I tend to like one piece rompers. Here are my reasons….1. They cover the diaper 2. They do not ride up 3. I like fat baby legs

1. Old Navy   2. Pink Chicken   3. Old navy   4. Gap   5. Old Navy 6. Gap

•Baby Boys- I am at a loss. Really. I like baby boys in little shorts with no shirt. I like baby boys in the same styles as big boys, but I know I am in the minority, especially in this southern part of the world. So dress him how you like but I may ask “wanna do some with out clothes?!” In which case, you may want to have a diaper cover on hand. And a little hat goes a long way!

• Big Girls- This is by far the most widely designed category for little people! Keep it easy, solid and small patterns. I tend to prefer a flowy dress over a straight dress, girls do like to twirl you know. If your girl is not a dress girl, then pair a cute flowy top with some fitted shorts or capris. Be sure dresses and shorts are not too short, be sure spaghetti straps are not going to keep sliding off, and be sure your girl likes what she is wearing. Girls care and their attitude about taking pics can have a lot to do with how they think they look!

1. Crew Cuts  2. Pink Chicken  3. Crew Cuts  4. Mini Boden/Gap  5. Tea Collection 6. Gap

• Big Boys- Bigger boys are a whole lot easier than baby boys for me to dress. Here is the breakdown: Try to stay away from cargo shorts with messy pockets unless you like to do some tricky ironing. And speaking of ironing. Please iron. Please. Even if you never ever iron again. When it comes to shirts, I tend to prefer cotton and/or linen button down style shirts over “polo” shirts. That is just my weird preference. I realize many people love polos and if you do, then go with it but maybe think about finding one with a smaller weave and a little pizzaz to it! If you are going to do a graphic crewcuts style shirt, I really prefer long sleeves over short….These are all blue, not a rule, but it seems to work well!

Moms- Wear something you think you look cute in. Wear something comfortable. Wear something you would buy even if it was not for a photo shoot. Do not wear white. Wear a color. Wear a black top with 3/4 length sleeves. Wear a fun flowy sundress. Wear the same amount of makeup you normally would. Wear your hair the same way you always do. If you are weird about your arms like me than please wear sleeves! I think the moral of the story is Be yourself. Be normal! 

Dads- Same as mom and boys! Dads should not be made to wear anything they do not want to wear. They need to be able to run, jump and throw. Dads are more emotional about pics then 7 year old girls. Tread lightly!!