So, you've finally decided to book a photography session for your family. Yay, for creating lasting memories that you can look back on forever.
But the next question is "what should I wear?"
I am here to tell you, there's no need to stress about it.
I usually don't guide my clients too much on what to wear, because I believe we should capture an authentic narrative. However, I will say this. Whatever you wear make sure it's comfortable and practical. The general idea of documentary family photography is to portray an accurate representation of people in and of their environment, so dressing up for the session is not necessary. Do your everyday ordinary. If that's wearing evening gowns and/or trackies, embrace your normal We want this session to be fun and stress-free.
If you feel more comfortable getting dressed up and making the house spic and span, then absolutely do whatever makes you feel relaxed.
I know how hard it can be to get ready with kids, so even if you are in your pj's when I arrive, this is totally acceptable and somewhat encouraged. You can be getting ready for a typical day whilst I'm there or even hang out in your pj's the whole time. It's how you feel most comfy. There is no stress to look a certain way. If you feel uncomfortable with what you've chosen to wear, then do a costume change!
If you are applying makeup or doing the kids' hair or brushing your kids' teeth when I'm there, this is absolutely what creates beautiful documentary images of life in your house. I generate realness, authenticity and genuineness.
Your images will be very different to other families and that is a good thing. This is what sets my style of photography apart from others.
Things can just ever so subtly change in our homes, us and our kids that you don't even notice. So it's a good idea to stick to your normal, clothes included. Clothes can be a sign of the times, trigger good and bad memories, and be heirlooms.
I will capture the uniqueness of your family for YOU. The other thing I will note, (and this is purely from a technical standpoint) thin stripes or very tight small patterns do not work for cameras. It creates something called the moiré effect which means it results in strange wavy patterns on the final image which is very distracting and overall not pleasing to the eye.
Other than that, live your best life and I'll come document it!