If you're anything like me, one of the biggest stressors of photo sessions (besides getting everyone dressed and out the door on time) is figuring out what everyone will wear! That's why I've created this resource page to help you with planning! Here, you will get some pointers on planning for your portraits, see some ideas for coordinating your outfits (gone are the days of matchy-matchy!), and receive suggestions on websites for where to purchase things. Of course, I am always happy to assist you personally, so if you want to run an outfit idea by me or need help coordinating your kid's clothes with your dress...please reach out. I love to shop (and to help other people shop) :) and I want you to feel your best and look your best at your session!
When planning your outfits, first think about what you plan to do with your images. Will you be displaying these in your home? If you think you may want wall art, think about the room where these portraits will be featured, and plan for clothing that compliments the color and the space. Then, think about the location of your session because you'll want your choices to complement it, too. Whether you're having your session in studio, or at a location like Isle of Hope, Tybee, or one of the squares in Savannah, you want to ensure your outfits work well with the background in your portraits. One of the best ways to accomplish complementing both where your portraits will hang in your home, and the location of your portrait session is to choose neutral colors for your clothing. By going with a more neutral look, your images will have a classic feel and will also transition nicely if you decide to redo a room or move! Colors like white, off-white, pastels, and minimal patterns are all things that will give you a classic look that ages well.
So, where do you start? My suggestion is always to start with Mom. "If mama ain't happy, nobody's happy," right? While that may not be completely true, it's usually mamas who are planning these sessions and who they mean the most to. Because of that, it's important for Mom to look and feel her best. Start by making an appointment to pamper yourself if you can! Get your hair and makeup professionally done, get your nails done, whatever it is that will take some stress off of you and make you feel your best. Once you have those things scheduled and are moving on to clothing planning, find something you feel great in, then plan everyone else around you! If your dress has a slight pattern, pull some of the colors from it when choosing colors for everyone else. If your dress is a solid color, choose a non-busy pattern for one of the kids or your spouse that compliments the color, and then plan for everyone else. A rule of thumb: stay away from loud prints, neon colors, and small, repeating patterns. These do not photograph well and may comprise the quality of your images. While you are planning and purchasing, don't forget about shoes and accessories! Make sure you also check shipping times if you have to place an order. Give plenty of time for everything to arrive so that you don't have to worry about shipping delays.
The day before your session, iron and steam everything so it's all free from wrinkles. This is also a great time to check to see if anyone needs to remove old nail polish, clip fingernails, etc. On the day of your session, if you are worried about the kids messing up their shirts or clothes, plan to arrive early and then change them when you get there! At your session time, have everyone camera ready! During post-processing, small things like blemishes will be removed, but major edits to appearance are not done.
Finally, be ready to have fun! Don't worry about getting the kids to smile...leave that to me. Enjoy yourself, allow yourself to be silly, laugh, and enjoy the memories you are making with your family while I do all of the work!
Now that you have a plan, it's time to do my favorite thing...shop! :) Scroll down for shopping suggestions and to see some outfit style boards!
Session Styling Inspiration
Scroll through these images for styling inspiration for your session. When shopping, you have the major retailers, of course, but don't be afraid to check out local shops and online boutiques. You'll often find beautiful, one-of-a-kind items by branching out!
- If you want to shop locally, we have some fantastic boutiques in the Savannah, Georgia, area! Some of my personal favorites are The Printed Peach, The Horseshoe Crab, Punch & Judy, Patty Cakes Childrens Boutique, Carlson & Co, and Peaches.
- For the whole family, one-stop-shop type websites can be helpful. Examples of these are things like Gap, H&M, Zara, and J.Crew, Rylee + Cru
- For beautiful dresses for mom, including maternity, try: Morning Lavender, Worth Collective, Free People, Baltic Born, Nothing Fits But, Anthropologie, Bohme
- For classic kids' clothing: Feltman Brothers, Bailey Boys, The Beaufort Bonnet Company (many of these and other classic brands are available in our local children's boutiques!)
- For mama and mini matching/coordinating outfits, check out: Noralee, Ivy City Co., and Hill House
Looking for a portrait photographer in Savannah, Georgia?
Hi, y'all! My name is Tiffany Bradley, and I am a motherhood and family photographer based in Savannah, Georgia. I love taking photos of your family that are real and authentic both in-studio and on location. I am happy to serve Savannah and neighboring counties, photographing families, maternity, and newborns. Are you ready to make some memories, have some fun, and create some magic? Contact me today!
