To save you time and stress, we asked the National Association of Professional Child Photographers to share their best holiday card outfit advice. To find a professional photographer in your area, search their directory of photographers.
Molly Garg Photography | MOLLYGARGPHOTOGRAPHY.com
“Try on your outfits at least one week prior to your session. I encourage my clients to try everything on and send me a quick picture. If we have time, we may make adjustments and swap out a few pieces. Trying items on not only ensures that everyone’s outfits are sized appropriately, but also gets little ones excited about their upcoming photo session. Taking this extra step has allowed clients to make adjustments on ill-fitting attire, and prevented a few wardrobe malfunctions.
Be comfortable! I tell clients, ‘Above all else, be yourselves!’ If a little boy never wears bow ties, and you decide he will wear one the day of the session, he will likely be pulling at it the entire time. And that cute beret for your little girl? If she’s not used to wearing it, she won’t want to the day of your session either. My advice is simple: wear your normal attire, a bit elevated.”
Kate L Photography | KATELPHOTOGRAPHY.com
“Layer it up! Layers create visual interest and keep you warm and cozy while you’re outside playing in the leaves or snow. Think tights, cardigans, blazers, and scarves.
Choose two main hues you love, and develop your color scheme around them. Use the brightest color – also known as the accent color – sparingly.
Don’t forget accessories! Pieces like burlap suspenders or a flowery headband for the kids will take your ensemble to the next level of cute.”
Lisa Turner Photography | LISATURNERPHOTOGRAPHY.com
“Find an outfit you love for one of your children and work backwards from there!
Color scheme ideas: Choose metallic (silver or gold) with black or a cozy cabin look complete with plaids, snow boots, hats and scarves. For traditional style, choose red and green or casual black with white and red or cream and gold.”
Life Unstill Photography | LIFEUNSTILL.com
Select a cohesive color theme without being matchy-matchy. Most adults and children, outside of school or work uniforms, don’t wear matching outfits. Why start with your family photos? An elegant look is clothes in a selection of complementary colors, where no two people are dressed alike, and yet all the clothes coordinate.
Make wardrobe selections based on a theme rather than a color palette. Another way to achieve a unified look in family photos is to pick a theme. Fun hats, winter gear, western wear, boho chic, or even sweaters.
Use this as a time to express your individuality. Rather than looking for a specific motif, document your family memories with a photo of everyone in clothes of their own choosing. People feel best in clothes they love, and that will shine through in your photos.
About NAPCP: The National Association of Professional Child Photographers is an association whose mission is to promote and support the artistry and integrity of professional child photographers. To accomplish this mission, NAPCP provides the most comprehensive resources for its members, bringing together a community of passionate artists committed to growth in their skills, their artistry, and their businesses.
If you’re still searching for the perfect holiday card to show off your photos, Pinhole Press offers a variety of themes, layouts and designs that fit any style.
About the Author
A self-proclaimed New Yorker from the Midwest, Rachel Castro lets design and color inspire her everyday life. Designer by day and DIYer by night, you can follow all of her latest projects on Digs & DIY, where she documents her favorites from recipes to redesign.