What Not to Wear to your Session
Apple Watches/Fitbits.
As a busy mom, I absolutely understand wearing these. At some point you don't even feel it after wearing it so much. But for a session, let's leave these at home. I am also here to say, I understand wanting to cover up the tan lines from either of these. A great alternative is a standard watch with a classic watch face or even bracelets in place of these.
Wallets, Keys and Cell Phones in Pockets.
Wallets, keys and cell phones create unwanted outlines in any outfit, even dresses with pockets. There is also a possibility of these important items falling out during the session time at some point at the location. Turning the end of the night into a scavenger hunt and retracing steps. To prevent both of these, you are more than welcome to leave them in a purse to put to the side or I can hold on to them in my camera bag until after the session.
Everyone in the Same Exact Color. Coordinate Don’t Match.
Coordinating is matching without everyone wearing the same exact color. Pick a color palette of about 3 to 4 colors that go together. Pinterest is a great resource for this selection. Now have everyone in your family wear these 3 to 4 colors in some variety. Earth tones or neutrals almost always work well together too if you're ever having a hard time picking out outfits. You can go by the season or really whatever you'd like for your storytelling session. Coordinating your entire family together.
Pro tip: I like to make Pinterest boards to send to my families for their session of different color palettes for each season. I even made a separate one for Christmas. This gives them visual examples of these colors to choose from. Giving everyone a variety for their style.
Do Not Wear Uncomfortable Shoes
Choose shoes that you are comfortable in. If you're wanting to wear new shoes for your session then wear them around the house to get them broken in for your session. Even have your kids do this. Doing this keeps them clean and hopefully prevents any discomfort from wearing brand new shoes. You can even see if you might need to return them for something different. Try not to try out a new style either. I have made all these mistakes before personally. It makes a session a little more uncomfortable. Please consider your location also when choosing your foot wear. For outdoor sessions, no skinny high heels because they will sink in the ground or all white shoes if you don't mind getting them a little dirty.
Don’t Try a New Style.
Really consider your comfort when choosing your outfits or shoes. The more comfortable you are the more fun your session will be and it will show in your memories. Don't try a completely new style if you're not comfortable with that. Even try on your outfits to see how they feel or if you love how you look in them. Lay everyone's clothes out to also make sure you like everyones together after trying them on.
Tip: Plan outfits in advance. Doing this will come with less stress. You'll be able to try on, wear any new shoes, lay out outfits to make sure you like them together, etc. So if you need to make any swaps or return anything you have time to do this before your story date.
No Busy Patterns or Everyone in Patterns.
Patterns aren't bad, just keep them low. Pick the least amount of people to wear a pattern. Ex. If you have a family of three then one person wears the pattern and the other two in solids. Patterns are fun and I personally love them. But we don't want your memories to look super busy.
