Loving these outfits put together by Erica of Erica May Photography – right up my alley!   Here’s what she has to say:

This week I chose to do a rustic/wilderness family session theme. Nothing says “home” to me like some warm, cozy flannel! Not only will you be stylish, but your family will also be nice and warm in these layers and fabrics.

For the dad’s outfit, I went with several layers starting with a warm cable-knit sweater which you can top off with a flannel lined jacket. Pair these with some dark jeans and some rugged boots and dad is set and comfortable. For mom’s outfit, I wanted flannel but feminine, so I paired a fitted flannel shirt with a textured cardigan and a studded belt for a feminine touch. Add skinny jeans and these fabulous new CHEAP boots from Old Navy and mom will definitely get the attention she deserves. Not the skinny jean type? Don’t worry,  boot-cut jeans and some ankle boots would also look great!

I recently discovered H&M since they opened one in Dallas, and I am in LOVE with their kids’ line! You can’t order online yet but if you are lucky enough to have store near you, get in there and check it out! The kids’ outfits both have multiple layers to keep them warm but are youthful and fun. Add some accessories like scarves and hats and you will have something fun to personalize their individual shots with and add some variety.

Want to add a little staging? Have your photo shoot done at a Christmas tree farm or maybe around a campfire while you make s’mores and drink hot chocolate! =)

Shopping Guide:

Woman:

Cardigan:     Shine Cable Ruched Cardigan     $59.95      Eddie Bauer

Shirt:    Cozy Flannel Shirt      $59.95     Eddie Bauer

Jeans:    Essential Slim Jeans   $19.99    Eddie Bauer

Belt:      Skinny Studded Belt    $39.95   Eddie Bauer

Boots:   Women’s Faux-Leather Riding Boots     $35     Old Navy

Man:

Outer Shirt: Cabela’s Flannel-Lined Stonewash Canvas Shirt     $44.99     Cabelas

Sweater: Cabela’s Outfitter Series Kingston 1/4-Zip Sweater      $39.99     Cabelas

Jeans: Relaxed Fit Flannel-Lined Jeans      $59.99       Eddie Bauer

Boots:    Cabela’s GORE-TEX® Tempest™ Chukka     $69.99    Cabelas

Boy:

Pants:     $19.95     H&M

Sweater:  Cable-knit Sweater    $24.95     H&M

Shirt:  Flannel Shirt     $24.99    H&M

Boots:   H&M

Hat:  $7.99  Target

Girl:

Sweater:     $29.95      H&M

Jeans: Girls Dark-Wash Super Skinny Jeans    $19.50    Old Navy

Boots: Girls Faux-Fur Wedge Boots     $27      Old Navy

Thanks to Shannon of Shannon J. Dodge Photography for this awesome family ensemble!  Here’s what she has to say:

Summer can be a great time to update your family portraits, get senior portraits out of the way, or schedule something for the kiddos while they are out of school.  Of course, just because the timing is great for you, does not mean the weather will cooperate, especially if you live somewhere with brutal summers like we have here in Texas.  I have photographed many a session in 100+ degree weather, and there are some important things to keep in mind, both from a practical and fashionable point of view! 

 Don’t Lose the Layers
I know, the last thing you want to think about when it’s really hot out is layering, but there’s no reason you can’t keep some great layers and add depth and texture to your images AND stay cool.  Women have some wonderful options available right now – pick up a light vest, sleeveless shawl or crochet cardigan and pair it with a cute lace cami for a very stylish and breathable look.  Guys of all ages can add a button-up (either short-sleeve or long-sleeve with rolled arms) over a light cotton shirt.  Girls can add a crop jacket or sweater over a sleeveless shirt or dress.  The great thing about layers is that you can take them off!  Just make sure your lower layers are photo-appropriate as well, and you can have two different outfits with ease.  A word of warning … summer weather can lead people to show more skin then they may really intend to.  Keep in mind that these images will hang in your house year-round, so make sure you are completely comfortable with your wardrobe choices and how much of you they will be revealing! Ladies, if you choose to go with something sleeveless or strappy, pay attention to your choice of bra.  Bra straps can be very tedious to remove, and it may be something that your photographer charges extra for. 

Staving Off the Sweat
Sweat is inevitable during the hot summer months, and some people are more prone to it then others.  Keep in mind how your wardrobe will hold up to sweat.  Choose breathable undergarments for starters, every little bit counts!  Stay away from fabrics that will easily show sweat lines.  While denim may not be the most comfortable when it’s hot, it’s hard to see sweat spots on jeans!  Patterns may do a better job hiding sweat then solids, and medium-dark solids tend to show sweat the worst.  Lighter colors or very dark colors may be a better choice for you if you are prone to sweat.  You’ll see our “be prepared” list below, but having towels or blotter paper on hand to touch up as you go are a must.  Ladies, you also might plan on a second “up” hairstyle that you can switch to during the session if necessary. 

Ditch the Footwear
Summer is the perfect opportunity to go barefoot for your pictures!  Shoes can be such a tough addition to your wardrobe, especially for the guys.  Going barefoot means no distracting (or unmatching) shoes or worrying about dirty soles when you are sitting down.  It lends a great organic feel to your images that looks good in either natural or urban locations.  To top it off, feeling a cool breeze on those toes might help cool the rest of you down too! 

Be Prepared
Your photographer may bring some items to your session to help you combat the heat, but you should be prepared just in case you are on your own.  Here’s a must-have list for staying comfortable and looking good for your summer session:

• Bottled water to stay cool and hydrated
• Towels and/or blotter paper for staying dry
• Makeup for touch up so you can stay fresh and keep the oil at bay
• Umbrella for shade in between shots
• Bug spray, summer is prime-time for insect life

Another thing you can discuss with your photographer is the timing of your shoot.  Mid-afternoon is usually the hottest point of the day, so scheduling for first thing in the morning or closer to sunset may make everyone more comfortable, and the lighting is best at those times of day anyways. J Photographers, this list goes for you too!  Bring yourself (and your clients if you want bonus points) towels and water at least – you will be hard at work too and it’s important to stay as cool and well-hydrated as possible. 

Don’t let the hot summer weather ruin your portrait session, just plan ahead and be prepared, and you’ll never know from your images how hot it really was! 

LAYERS SHOPPING LIST:

Men

Denim Shirt (Green wash) – Gap $49.95
T-shirt – Gap $16.99

Women

Brown Crochet Cardigan – Old Navy $26.50
Coral Lace Cami – Old Navy $12.50
Cream Sweater Vest  – Old Navy $26.94
Green Lightweight Vest – Old Navy $26.94

Boys

Outfit #1 – Old Navy
Plaid Shirt – $16.94
Red T-Shirt – $6.00
Shorts – $13.00

Outfit #2 – Gap
Grey T-Shirt – $14.99
Blue Shirt – $17.99
Hat – $18.99

Girls

Outfit #1 – Gap
Grey Cardigan – $29.95
Pink Shirt – $24.95
Pants – $24.95

Outfit #2 – Gap
Crop Jacket – $19.99
Floral Dress – $28.99
Pants – $18.99

I just love the great colors and patterns that Erica of Erica May Photography has pulled together for a summer family session.  AND she’s thrown in some fun prop ideas too!  Here’s what she has to say:

I have to admit I love summer and all the bright colors that go along with it! Summertime is great time to get outside with your family and have fun! Why not capture that sense of fun with a summer photo shoot? Maybe you have done fall sessions the last few years and your pictures are all starting to look the same, or maybe you want to get photos of your kids adorable bare feet, or maybe you just want to capture that summertime fun! Whatever the reason is, you need an awesome summer wardrobe to wear for your portraits. Nothing reminds me more of summer then a good nautical theme! You wouldn’t need to be near a beach to pull this look off either! The bright colors, stripes, and beautiful blues are sure to make for some fun and interesting portraits. When choosing this ensemble I chose the little girl’s dress first and then the boy’s outfit. Once you have the kid’s outfits picked out it is much easier to pull from those colors to pick outfits for mom and dad. I also decided to highlight a few fun props that might be fun to go along with it. Giving your family something to “do” for part of your photo shoot is always a great idea to capture those less posed moments that really let your kid’s personalities shine through! So get out there and have some fun with your family!

Girl’s Outfit:
Marina Drop-waist Dress $49.00   Tea Collection    

Salt-Water Original Sandals $34.00  Tea Collection

Boy’s Outfit:
Striped half-zip hoodie  $24.95   The Gap  

Convertible chambray pants  $26.95  The Gap   

Red Bimini Youth Classics  $38   Toms   

Mom’s Outfit:
Halter Maxi Bra Top Dress  $69.50    Victoria’s Secret   

Dad’s Outfit:
Dobby shirt  $49.95   The Gap    

Straight denim shorts (beige wash)  $54.95   The Gap

Extended families almost always make for difficult wardrobe situations, but Shannon of Shannon J. Dodge Photography has some great tips on dressing the whole bunch of you for your next multi-generational shoot!  Here’s what she has to say:

The benefit of photographing so many gorgeous and very fashion-conscious senior girls is that I’m able to spot some trends as they pop up over different sessions.  Now some of these trends are great, but really make no difference to the photographer per say.  However, there are some trends floating around out there that won’t only make you look good, but they will really make your photographer happy as well if you take advantage of them!  Before we get started, let me say that my #1 rule in senior wardrobes is to wear something that you are comfortable in, something that is YOU.  So don’t feel the need to jump on the bandwagon of any of these ideas if it’s just not your thing.   Okay?  Great!  Here we go … 

Vintage Vibe
I’m not going to lie, I’m a girl with a heart for all things vintage, so this particular trend excites my creative soul in particular!  I love the throwback vintage trend right now that I see so many of my seniors embracing, especially when it comes to dresses.  They usually have such a soft feminine look that makes them stand out and look fabulous in almost any type of location.  Typically, they aren’t as short as some of the more modern fashions, which will make life much easier on your photographer (more on this later).  I love this beautiful lace dress that one of my seniors wore – paired with a belt and cowboy boots it made for a great look!  Find a similar dress at Old Navy for $24.99, or check our stores like Anthropologie and Francesca’s for some great vintage looks. Bring on the Belts
You may notice lots and lots of belts even in the non-belt images in this post!  Using belts is a great way to help break up and balance a pattern or bold color, hold a layer in place, and just add some more depth and texture to your overall wardrobe.  It’s an accessory that you really can’t go wrong with – brown, black, multicolored, thin, wide – they all can add that extra punch to your images.  The brown belt picture above can be picked up at Old Navy for $17.94, and you can find the black belt at Forever 21 for $7.80.

 Pocket Dresses
I get giddy with excitement whenever I see a senior pull out a dress with pockets.  Not only are they just really cute (I definitely wish they were around when I was in high school), but it offers your photographer some fun options in regards to posing.  We are always trying to come up with flattering and different things to do with your hands (there can’t be many photographers out there who haven’t heard, “what do I do with my hands?”), and I love pocket dresses for opening up a whole new world in that regard.  If you wear a dress with pockets, make sure your photographer knows!  Sometimes it’s amazing how well they can hide, especially in those fuller A-line skirts.  You can find the orange dress at Overstock.com for $86.00, the printed dress at Dillard’s for $17.40, and the grey dress at Dillard’s for $49.00.

Headbands & Hats
As photographers, I guarantee that we all dream about clients bringing adorable headbands and hats to wear for at least a few shots during a session.  We love it for the same reason the clients should – it really makes the images stand out.  Accessories like that, when used well with the right outfit and location, can really make your images unique.  Trust me, photographers want our images to be unique just as much as you do!  The variety is endless as well.  Headbands run the gamut from really skinny bands (shown here from Forever 21 for $3.80) to more intricate headbands decorated with beautiful vintage flowers and a birdcage veil (shown here from TFJ Designs for $25.00).  There are so many cute hats in style right now too – from stylish fedoras (shown here from Gap for $29.50) to cowboy hats to straw floppy hats or hip newsboy hats.  There really is something out there for everyone.  I always stress to my clients that bringing something like this does NOT mean you will be stuck wearing it the whole session.  We normally throw it on for a few shots and then take it off, so you shouldn’t shy away for that reason. 

Statement Shoes
I’m always so amazed to see the killer shoes that my seniors show up to a session with.  Picking a great pair of shoes to top off an outfit can really make all the difference in giving you the COMPLETE look.  This winter and fall I saw some seriously drool-worthy boots, but since spring is here I am focusing on more warm-weather looks.  Now being from Texas, I do believe that cowboy boots are good in any season, and colorful glammed up cowboy boots can really give your images that “pop” and sense of personality that you want.  You can find these awesome urban boots at Forever 21 for $32.80.  Using colorful shoes to accent your outfit is a great way to maximize impact and tie everything together – don’t feel like you have to stick to standard brown or black.  You can find these fun turquoise sandals at Nordstrom for $78.95.  Embellished sandals are so in right now and can almost make your shoes feel like a cool piece of jewelry!  Being a natural light photographer, I love how the light plays off of anything shiny, and shoes are no exception.  Find these great embellished sandals at JC Penney for $29.99.

In closing, there’s really only one current trend I’ve seen that I think you will really want to be wary of, and that is the mini-dress or skirt.  I can’t say that I’ve run into it in one of my sessions, but it is a prevalent fashion trend so it’s worth addressing.  I encourage my clients to wear dresses, but they do somewhat limit what you can do in regards to posing.  The super-short lengths available out there right now are VERY limiting, and they aren’t always the most flattering option.  Keep in mind that the way something will photograph is different from the way something will look as you go about your daily routine.  A photograph captures a brief second in time, and with really restrictive clothing with a lot of skin exposure, those tiny seconds here and there may not always be the most flattering.  So, if you are dead set on wearing something ultra-short to your session, make sure you walk around in it ahead of time, stand in different positions, check yourself out in a mirror and make sure that you are 100% happy with what you see.  If you are, then it’s definitely something your photographer can work with!

Here is the last installment of Kelly of Kelly V. Photography’s great series on how to dress for your body type!  Make sure to check out Part One {Pear} , Part Two {Apple}, and Part Three {Hourglass} as well. Here’s what she has to say:

Here’s the fourth and final installment highlighting each of the four female body shapes. I’ve absolutely loved doing this series and have gotten great feedback from clients and Wardrobe Wednesday {Where fashion meets photography} fans. I just hope it helps you figure out your body type and how to accentuate your best features — something everyone wants when it comes to picking an outfit for your portrait session. 

I’ve already featured the pear shape, the apple shape, and hourglass. And last but not least? The rectangle! For all of you perfectly proportioned ladies out there, thanks for hanging in there! I hope it was worth the wait.

RECTANGLE SHAPE
Typically rectangle-shaped women have:

• A full neck
• Broad back
• Average bust
• Undefined waist
• A balanced figure
• Great legs and arms

America’s next top model?
Your figure is lean and athletic. You likely have a fuller neck and your back is broad. Your shoulders and hips are balanced between a straighter torso with a waist that has few curves. Your bust is usually small to medium in size and your hips are square and your butt is flat. You are blessed with slender legs and arms. This is currently the ideal shape for today’s models.
Because there is little difference between the measurements of your chest, waist and hips, you’re the only shape that doesn’t need to worry about balance. Instead, work to create the appearance of a curvier waist and bottom to enhance your femininity, and draw focus to your great legs and thighs.

Tops
To give the illusion of curves, look for wrap tops with a scooped or V neckline. They will emphasize your bust and draw attention to your face. When searching for a bra, look for choices that have extra padding and an underwire for fuller, more feminine curves. Tops with spaghetti straps will draw attention to your chest, making it appear larger. Look for jackets that have a cinched waist or bias cut. Jackets that flare out from your waist will create instant hips. Tops that are fitted and go in at the waist will help give the appearance of a curvier figure.

Pants
Your ideal pants will hug and lift your bottom. Larger back pockets that are spread far apart will make your butt look fuller. If they have flaps on them, even better! It will add some bulk. Jeans with slight fades on the thighs will help give them shape. You will look great in jeans that have a low rise and that are a straight fit from the hip to the knee with a slight flare at the end.

Skirts and dresses
There’s not a whole lot you can’t wear. However, some things look better on you than others. A contoured waistband helps create curves. Pencil skirts, A-lined skirts, as well as those with a dropped waist look great on you. When looking for dresses, select something with a little bit of a flared hemline above the knee to show off those slender legs. You can also add a belt to accentuate your waist.

Shoes
You have great legs, so show them off! For you, the sky is the limit, so feel free to experiment with wedges, straps, pointy toes, peep toes — you name it! And you’re one of the lucky girls who can pull off that sexy stiletto heel without looking off balance.

What to avoid
The list of things you need to avoid is short. On the top of the list are vertical patterns and lines. These tend to make you appear thin and lanky. Next on the list is clingy and tightly fitted tops. You should also stay away from short cropped jackets that end at your waist. You also want to stay away from loose garments that don’t show off your curves. Stay away from skirts, jeans and pants that are high-waisted. You should also avoid jeans with a straight cut because they will only emphasize your straight figure.

OOOOHHH, I really think I NEED the dress Erica of Erica May Photography found for this week’s awesome maternity post!  I’m glad Erica is excited about her upcoming maternity sessions since one of them is mine! :) This post gives me all sorts of inspiration, I hope it will do the same for you.  Here’s what she has to say:

This week I decided to put together some wardrobe ideas for a maternity session. I have a few maternity sessions coming up this Spring that I am excited about so it was a lot of fun! It has been awhile since we have done a maternity Wardrobe Wednesday and we were in need of some new Spring looks. Sometimes shopping for cute maternity clothes can be a bit of a challenge but I noticed that, especially this Spring, retailers have really improved their maternity selections! I was so excited to find all these fun Spring colors when looking around this week. When putting together a wardrobe for your maternity session I find it is easier to find the woman’s outfit first and then find a coordinating outfit for the man. Here are a few tips for your maternity photo shoot:

1.) Admit that you need maternity clothes – okay, we have all stretched our pants as long as we can but some well-fitting clothes are always a must for photo shoots!

2.) If you want to elongate your torso go for a long shirt and a short jacket.

3.) Prints that completely cover the fabric can divert attention away from the tummy and breast area if you want to tone these areas down a bit.

4.) Don’t be afraid to wear form-fitting clothes to show off that belly!

5.) Get your man involved to help think of ideas for your session. Do y’all love to watch baseball, hang out by the lake or beach, or go for ice cream? All of these things are
great ideas on how to incorporate your personalities into your maternity session!

The first outfit below is the most affordable option and would be super cute for a maternity session! I love the bright colors in the woman’s outfit and you could accessorize with some cute and colorful jewelry. The optional cardigan is perfect for layering. The second outfit ensemble is a bit of a splurge – hey, it is hard to find cute maternity dresses but you could easily swap it out for a cheaper solid color dress. I loved the nautical feel of this dress and by adding a big floppy hat you could change the look of the outfit dramatically. The man’s outfit is relaxed and pulls in the rest of the nautical colors. So, don’t miss your opportunity to capture your beautiful pregnant glow. It won’t last forever!”

Shopping Guide:

Woman’s Outfit #1
Maternity Crochet-Trim Jersey Tops $14.50 Old Navy
Maternity Tiered Drawstring-Waist Skirts $26.50 Old Navy
Women’s Espadrille Wedge Sandals $25.00 Old Navy
Maternity Cropped Denim Jackets $32.94 Old Navy

Man’s Outfit #1
Royal Palm Peached Poly $21.99 J.C. Penney
Men’s Bootcut Jeans $29.50 Old Navy
Men’s leather-trimmer Flip Flops $19.50 Old Navy

Woman’s Outfit #2
A Pea in the Pod Collection: Ella Moss Sleeveless High-low Hem Maternity Maxi Dress $195.00
Large Straw Stripe Sun Hat – Dark Khaki $29.99 Amazon

Man’s Outfit #2
Fish Hawk Cliff T-Shirt $14.45 Abercrombie
Indian Pass Shirt Polo $78 Abercrombie
Cascade Lakes Pants $78 Abercrombie
Navy Stone-Washed Toms – $48

I love, love, love what Jennifer of Minor Impressions Photography has put together for us this week!  It just goes to show that classic and sophisticated does NOT equal dull and boring!  Here’s what she has to say:

It’s hard to believe, but my parents will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary next month! My mom has already requested that we have a family portrait with all of their kids and grandchildren, but I will be suggesting that she also takes the time to reflect on just her and my dad’s relationship, and have a session with just the two of them.

Of course, a lot has changed in 40 years.  Not only have different fashions and styles come and gone, but our body shapes can change quite a bit in 40 years as well. {I know mine has changed significantly in just the 10 years I’ve been married!}  So, it’s understandable that “finely aged” couples are hesitant when it comes to having portraits done. After all, for many couples, the last time they had pictures of just the two of them may very well have been their engagement pictures when they were a size 4 and their laugh lines and love handles had yet to make their appearance. Don’t let the emergence of your well-lived life deter you from capturing this special moment in time. You can find some modernly chic ensembles that not only reflect your mature side, but portray your enduring effervescent personalities as well.

You’ll see in the wardrobe below that I’ve chosen some items which can be mixed and matched. The top outfits are more casual and allow you to have a session in the park or somewhere that shows your fun side. Find some swings, or bring a blanket to lie in the grass. The woman’s jacket will help to hide some of those “age marks” around your waste and you can switch out the different tank tops and/or pants to have an alternative color and look. The men should find a shirt that has slight accents of the various colors, but be sure to roll up those sleeves and relax a little.  The bottom selection gives you an opportunity to pep things up a bit and reveal your ongoing romantic relationship.  These outfits are great for an urban location and add a touch of sophistication. Don’t forget the accessories to pull everything together and bring a few props that exemplify the connection you have.

SHOPPING LIST

Women’s Casual
Jacket
Pink Tank
Orange Tank
White Capris
Sandals
Necklace

Men’s Casual
Pants
Shirt

Women’s Dressy
Shirt
Pants
Earrings
Necklace
Bracelet

Men’s Dressy
Shirt
Vest
Pants
Hat