What to wear, what to bring – Family Photographer Sydney
WHAT TO WEAR
Hi! Karen here, answering all of your questions on what to wear and what to bring to your portrait session. As a family photographer in Sydney I have 14 years of knowledge in business and 20 years in knowledge as a photographer. And seeing how outfits make a dramatic impact on your portraits means I always assist with outfits so we can get the most out of our session.
Clothing plays a big part in your professional portraits, mainly because it is important to keep clothing as a secondary element so the focus remains on your faces. But all portrait sessions are casual so I can capture your personality, so the most important thing is that you are all comfortable and able to move freely.
For indoor sessions, my studio is light and bright. Light to mid-tones and colours work best to minimise contrast and help give softness in your portraits. Try to avoid really dark colours and black if possible.
Being a family photographer for or outdoor sessions, with the way I use the light in Sydney, again, light to mid tone colours tend to photograph beautifully.
Family Photographer Sydney
For all sessions, the key is to keep it simple, try to avoid any heavy graphics, stripes, patterns, logos… anything that will take the focus away from your faces. Try to avoid too much contrast across your outfits also, for example, mum in black, Dad in white… choose a palette of 3 or 4 colours and play there, trying to keep everyone in a similar colour/tonal range.
For little ones wearing shorter gorgeous dresses, just pop a pair of bloomers on, or a nappy cover that will prevent their nappy appearing in photos.
Another thing to consider is choosing colours that will compliment your home, if your home is mainly muted, natural earthy tones and pastels, wearing bright orange clothing (as an extreme example) may not suit. So choose outfits in a colour that would suit your walls and décor.
Family Photographer Sydney
Finally, we are aiming to capture timeless portraits that will look beautiful in your home in 10, 20, 50 years, so try to avoid following too many trends… think leg warmers, big hair and spandex from the 80’s! Timeless is the aim so your portraits won’t ever look dated.
Keep it simple, keep it timeless and classic and you cant go wrong.
If you are unsure or would like my opinion, just lay all of your outfits on the bed and take a quick photo on your phone and send it to me, I am here and happy to help.
Family Photographer Sydney
WHAT TO BRING
Hi, Karen here, ok, what to bring…
For newborn and baby sessions, all you need is yourselves and anything you need to look after you need to look after your beautiful, new baby…. Dummies, bottles, bibs, wraps… I have a fully stocked change table here for you and I can warm up bottles also if you need.
I also have a few other bits and pieces new parents often need also just in case you need them.
Family Photographer Sydney
For outdoor sessions, there really isn’t really much you need to bring, you may need a cardi or jacket in the winter months as the sun goes down, or a bottle of water in the summer months for little ones, but the more mobile, unattached and free your hands are to hold and wrap your arms around your family the better.
Just bring the love you have in your heart and be prepared to have some fun!
Hopefully this helps you, I am here and happy to help in anyway I can as always, so please feel free to get in touch if you wish.
Contact Karen here to start planning your portrait session for your own family.
Karen Ashcroft
Family Photographer Sydney
