I LOVE styles from Jcrew, crewcuts, then accesorize with Anthropologie.
Banana Republic, Gap, Piperlime and even Old Navy always coordinate great being sister companies.
Zara and H&M are great looks stylish without breaking the bank!

Advice on what to wear on your photo shoot has changed over the years. No longer are white shirts and jeans on everyone the trend. Below is a comprehensive “what to wear guide” by photographer/designer Corinna Nielsen.

Coordinate outfits

Now this doesn’t mean everyone has to 100% match with khaki pants or jeans and a white shirt! You want to complement each other’s outfits by choosing colors that work well together. I find that if everyone is wearing the same clothing, people will all tend to blend in together and there won’t be too much pop and life to the images. Coordinate VS. Matching…. let’s not get cheesy!

Use colors & patterns

Colors are everywhere around us and bring things to life… why not bring your images to life as well! Again, be sure the colors you use coordinate with each other and you don’t just end up looking like one big rainbow family! When picking patterns, choose smaller ones that won’t distract attention away from the main subject/s. Use patterns sparingly…. if one person is wearing a print, try to avoid putting someone else in a competing pattern. When thinking about texture, choose different ones that will give photos some interest such as lace, corduroy, denim, etc. Avoid large logo’s, emblems and graphics like “GAP” and “Old Navy” because again, these will typically distract attention away from the subject. We want your faces and emotion to show, not promote the clothing company you purchased from!

Be timeless

For some fashionista’s, this may be a difficult concept, however you are going to want these images to stand the test of time. Pick outfits that aren’t t considered too trendy, but will be able to be enjoyed and displayed for many years to come. One example of something that is timeless is jeans… classic look and style yet you can still incorporate your own flair into the outfit with your tops and accessories. Still be YOU, never forget that!

Let your personalities SHINE

Perhaps the most important “rule” in my book. The purpose of these photos is to hopefully capture each individual as they truly are, to capture the family, the relationships, and people in the photos just as THEY are. Forcing children to wear outfits that are uncomfortable and unfamiliar to them may cause some anxiety and stress to them which in turn will inhibit really capturing their personalities during the session. Same goes for adults. Wear clothing that YOU feel good in and the pictures will emanate those feelings. If your child wears a pair of rain boots everywhere he goes, it makes the most sense to have him wear them for pictures as well. Remember, you want to capture everyone as they are NOW. Capture these moments as they are!

Dress for the season & location

Obviously you want your images to make sense. One typically wouldn’t be wearing jeans, boots, and a jacket to the beach in the Summer so why would you for pictures? Dress the part and be aware of your location. For example, if you are shooting at the beach, ladies wear a pretty dress and sandals, put dad in a short sleeve shirt and shorts OR pants (which you can also roll up), put your little girl in a sweet Spring or Summer dress, etc. You will want to make sure that everyone is on the same page and coordinates in both colors AND styles.

Layering

One of my favorite “tips” for clothing choices! In the Summer months, this may be more difficult to pull off but during all of the other seasons, definitely layer your outfits. Not only will it provide more visual interest in each photo but it will also allow a lot more variety in your shots and poses. Have a ton of images of yourself in just your dress or cute top and jeans? Throw on a little sweater or jacket and a hat and you have entirely different look.

Personalize It

These are YOUR images and of course you want them to speak volumes about you and your family. Discuss things your family enjoys doing together and bring “props” and accessories that will help compliment who you are. If your family enjoys playing music together, bring your instruments to your session. If your family enjoys boating, suggest doing your session on a boat or at the very least near the water. Bring along items that will represent who each individual is AND who your family is collectively.

Remember where you came from

Typically, not something everyone will keep in mind before their session. However, I always encourage clients to think about their home, their decor,colors, and style of their homes. Chances are, at some point after your session, you will be ordering prints or digital files. Why not keep your your decor in mind and ensure that it all blends into your home. This will ensure that any large portraits will coordinate beautifully.

Plan ahead

Make sure you have given yourself enough time to think about all of the details of your session. Plan ahead so that #1 you can truly think about your photos and everything you want out of the session, #2 you aren’t rushing and stressing out right before your session, and #3 if you have decided to go for a new look for your session or someone gets a bad haircut, you still have time to fix things if you need to.

Keep make up natural, but still have some on

You will want to avoid using very heavy makeup, but a bit of color on your lips, eyes, and cheeks will help bring you to life in photos. Be sure to bring some lip gloss with you as well.

Outfit changes

If time allows it, bring another set of outfits. Again, you will get a lot more variety in your shots so why not capitalize on the opportunity and get the most bang for your buck!

Ladies & their shoes

I’m all for a sassy pair of shoes, however they may make for a very long and painful session. If you plan on wearing heels, be sure to bring a pair of flats or flip flops that can help you get from point A to point B without any pain. You can just swap them out as you need to.

If I were building outfits for my family this is how I would do it:

Keeping your location and season in mind, start with one person. Don’t try and think of everyone at the same time. I find that mom or a little girl makes the most sense since they would typically be the ones wearing a print. So mom will be wearing a floral print dress (small pretty pattern that is).
Now move on to the next person. You will be pulling colors from mom’s dress so begin to think about who in the family would look good in what colors. Dad doesn’t look so good in XYZ since it tends to drown out the tone in his skin. Let’s pick ABC for him instead. And so on.
Then start to come up with ideas to personalize the session. A little boy may have a security blanket or teddy bear he never parts with…. be sure to bring that with you. The little girl may like crafting so have her make a cute matching headband or clip for her hair. Mom loves tulips… on your way to the session pick some up. Make thoughtful choices and be sure to discuss the ideas with your photographer! Believe me, most are full of ideas however, it’s always nice when the family helps and truly ensures a “custom” session.

I am more than happy to discuss your clothing choices, help you narrow down your decision or give you a direction to focus on as well as make sure that your clothing coordinates well with the locations chosen for your photo shoot. If you have any questions please fill out the contact form.

We shot these in Black Mountain and what a great town that is! I want to back SOON!
The Uber Talented Kymm did her hair/makeup as always both were perfect!

Click on Links for more information
Hair/Makeup by the Fabulous Kymm McLean
Wedding Dress by Allure bought at Dar-Lynn’s Bridal
DJ kept the reception going and I Highly recommend Todd Alexander owner of spintastic sounds
Wedding Planner Shannetta Spears of Couture Events&Design
Florist The Petal Shoppe
Cake by Mary Ann of Creative Cakes
Venue Belk Chapel

Amy and Chad thanks for always letting us capture your family and we look forward to meeting the newest family member!

Kymm McLean Who’s the Fairest did Kimberly’s Hair and Makeup, as always she did a phenomenal job. I LOVE when my brides go to Kymm, we walked in to Kymm’s studio and when Kimberly came out of the dressing room, I almost squealed with excitement, Kimberly is Naturally GORGEOUS anyways and after Kymm got her all dolled up, she looked like she belonged on the cover of a Magazine. She works the camera like she IS a professional model needs NO direction, yeah she’s that amazing!

Robert and Sara thank you both again, we wish you both a lifetime of love, happiness, laughter and health.
Love you both!

Kristin and John, we can’t wait to capture your day in July!
We think the world of you guys (and mom and dad )

XoXo

Nissa thank you for having us into your gorgeous home and letting us get these precious photos of Jackson.

Ok Now for the photos Just click on the Thumbnails to see them all larger.

We started downtown Greensboro then went to the botanical gardens, the rain didn’t stop us!

Lauren and Kenny are wonderful togther, she stayed in Greensboro after graduating from UNCG and they met @ the Corner Bar years ago so we had to go there for some photos. Lauren is as sweet as ever but now she’s not a cute little girl, she’s all grown up and she’s GORGEOUS with amazing eyes. Kenny was one of the FUNNIEST guys i’ve ever taken photos of, seriously he was joking around the first 5 minutes, I LOVE that!

I can’t wait until the 17th you two!
XoXo