Everything you need to know to prepare & what to wear
Thanks so much for booking a session with Barrie Jane Photography! Here are some tips on what to wear and styling that can be helpful in preparing for your upcoming shoot.
When shooting family portraits, the way all the outfits and accessories of each family member are in harmony will truly be the icing on the cake and pull everything together. Make sure to follow these tips to get the best out of your family photo session:
Decide on a color scheme and stick to it. Keep your family’s favorite colors in mind (what color scheme is your home?) and try to coordinate the colors within the scheme. Don’t go for one color for all family members, but choose a couple of colors that are in harmony.
Try to limit prints and patterns as much as possible. It might sound like fun to give dad a sweater with a funky print or let your little ones wear their favorite Disney character on their shirt, but these elements can be quite distracting on the final picture. Its the first thing people look at when they see the photograph - the logos.
Choose timeless and classic items. Your family photo will be treasured for years to come, so go for clothing that is timeless and classic. Will you still like what you’re wearing ten, twenty, thirty years from now?
Make sure your clothing will not blend in with your background. Are you going for a photo session in the woods? Try to limit greens in your clothing.
Children Smart Choices & What to wear
For the Kids
For the girls, dresses and skirts are always a go-to! Especially for those fun twirling pictures! And boys look fantastic in slacks, button-ups or jeans just like Dad. Little touches like hair accessories, bow ties and suspenders can add the perfect finishing touch to your photos. I always recommend trying the kiddo’s clothing on ahead of the session to make sure that it fits and they are comfortable in it. This can save a lot of headaches on picture day! Logo free clothing is best and less distracting when you view the final images.
Use accessories. Cool hats, flowers in the hair, jewelry, jackets etc. - all these items will bring out your little one’s unique personality on top of their outfit. Try bringing some props they like. Think what could make for a nice prop to play around with during the session. Interaction with an item will help loosen them up and make the session more enjoyable.
Coordinating and Colour
Coordinating and Colour
There is an old fashioned idea floating around that everyone in the picture needs to match. This is not true! Choose colors that look nice together, but don't fall into the trap that you all need to be wearing the exact same outfit or color. Coordinating is far better than matching. Your photos will be far more interesting with some variation!
I always recommend having at least three core colors in your palette. After you’ve selected your own outfit, take a look at the accent colors in it, and use those to tie in the outfits of everyone else. Keep it interesting by keeping each person’s primary color different. For example, if you are wearing a cream dress with blush accents/accessories and brown leather shoes (with your primary color being cream), your husband could wear navy slacks with a simple cream or blue shirt and tan blazer (his primary color being tan); one child could wear a blush dress with cream accents, and another could wear khaki slacks with a cream shirt and a navy vest.
Maternity - What to wear
Choose what to wear - Whether you want to keep it casual with jeans and a blouse or wear a flowing maternity dress ( client closet available for you ), or even both, take time before your session to choose your outfits and make sure they fit and look the way you wan them to look. You should also pick out clothing for another family member who will be apart of the session - outfits that coordinate/compliment you and not clash with your own. Keep your colours simple, you and your baby bump will be the primary focus on your images, so you don't want to wear any bright colours or loud patterns that will distract. Instead stick with neutral colours and jewel tones that will look great with any background and skin tone. Make sure you have the right undergarments - bras and panties. For example if you're wearing white you don't want to wear dark colours as it will show through, also undergarments that are not tight/dig into your side. I always recommend nude underwear, strapless bras and some (not tight - or tight elastics) black and white underwear.
How to Prepare for Your Maternity Photography Session
Pampering yourself
Your hands will appear in almost all of your images, so you want them looking good! Continue the pampering with a visit to your hairstylist or makeup artist - If you are not sure how to have your hair done, think about what you want your photos to look like. If you are wanting a more casual look, a loose and simple hairstylist may be the perfect option. Your maternity session is the perfect excuse to pamper yourself a little!
Choose what to wear - Whether you want to keep it casual with jeans and a blouse or wear a flowing maternity dress ( client closet available for you ), or even both, take time before your session to choose your outfits and make sure they fit and look the way you wan them to look. You should also pick out clothing for another family member who will be apart of the session - outfits that coordinate/compliment you and not clash with your own. Keep your colours simple, you and your baby bump will be the primary focus on your images, so you don't want to wear any bright colours or loud patterns that will distract. Instead stick with neutral colours and jewel tones that will look great with any background and skin tone. Make sure you have the right undergarments - bras and panties. For example if you're wearing white you don't want to wear dark colours as it will show through, also undergarments that are not tight/dig into your side. I always recommend nude underwear, strapless bras and some (not tight - or tight elastics) black and white underwear.
Schedule your session early - 28 to 32 weeks
The best time to take your photos is in your third trimester, between 28-32 weeks. At this point your BABY BUMP will be showing well and look great in photos, and you will still be able to move around and pose comfortably.
Decide on who to bring with you - Your family members are absolutely welcome at your session, especially if you want to include your spouse or other children. We normally photograph them right away in your casual clothes as that is what you are most comfortable in, then we can change into a dress from our Client Closet (totally optional). Its a good idea to make plans for someone to pick them up when they're finished. That way they don't have to sit through all the individual shots of you, and you don't have to worry about keeping them calm or entertained. Keep in mind that extra people can be a distraction and can even make you feel less comfortable in front of the camera, so avoid bringing friends and extended family members along.
Talk to your photographer about your desires
Every photographer is different and every mom-to-be is different as well. You'll want to find someone whose style of photography fits with your vision of a perfect maternity session. Every photographer has their way of editing style from light & airy to dark & moody - find one that fits you, and what you plan to do with the images after your session. If there are any specific image you want - or don't want - be sure to let your photographer know. Talk to your photographer about what images are important to you and whether you're interested in doing partial or implied nudes. Its important to let your photographer know what you're comfortable with before your session so they can better plan out what shots and poses to do.
We encourage you to bring any sentimental items, anything special you want to include, whether its that family heirloom, your ultrasound photo, or even a baby blanket and childhood toy - these mementos can add special meaning and personal touch.
Christmas In July SALE
Our Christmas in July sale starts on the 22nd for 5 days only and we will have sales for our sessions this Winter Season starting November 1. Lots of variety for you to choose from with making memories.
Santa & Mrs. Claus are expected to make a visit for 2 days only in December.
Other Christmas Sessions will be at our Studio in Lacombe or outside.