dress and Clothing suggestions

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Dresses

Dresses are always nice. They can add texture and form to static poses and add movement to candid/action shots. Keep it simple. Soft colors/pastels for outdoor family portraiture are my favorites. Keep dresses long enough that you can be comfortable in sitting poses (on a blanket for example). It should go without saying that if you are more comfortable in pants, wear what makes you comfortable! 

Pants/Tops

Coordinate with mom or your partner on this. Ask yourself if jeans are a good match, if not then opt for khakis or even dressier casual pants. For shirts/blouses, avoid busy stripes, patterns, prints, etc. As with dresses, go for softer muted colors that coordinate with the rest of the family. Avoid pure white and pure black if possible (charcoal is OK) , For fall and winter especially, layering also looks nice. Tops should also fit nicely. 

Shoes

Wear shoes appropriate to your outfit, avoiding casual sneakers. For pants, there are dressier or fashionable sneakers that are OK, but when in doubt opt for brown or black casual oxfords or similar. For dresses wear what is comfortable and appropriate for the dress and walking in the park or on grass if your portraits are outdoors.

Final Notes

These are just general guidelines and you are free to break the "rules"  - they are your pictures and your family, your sense of style is ultimately your choice. There is also no need to go overboard coordinating family outfits. What's important is the love and connections that will be evident in your photos. Especially, don't stress the children by making them wear something that will make them uncomfortable. The joy in their faces is more important than the color of their shirt.

Professional

Wear what is appropriate for your profession or aspirational position. Hair and makeup should also be appropriate for the profession. If work days are generally more casual, think of how you would dress for a more formal event within your work week - an interview, a presentation, a review, a parent/teacher conference, etc. 

Creatives

Dancers should wear a dance top. You may want headshots that shows your hair down as well as in a bun. Light makeup if desired. Other creatives - simple tops with solid colors, dark or light depending on the mood you wish to achieve. Fitted T-shirts are perfectly acceptable. Actors may have a particular character type in mind and dress in that vein. Again, light makeup if desired.