This is such a great question and I love answering it! What you wear to a photography session plays a HUGE part in how the pics turn out! So it pays to put some thought into it. What to wear? I grabbed this info from a fellow photographer in Illinois - loved her tips! Select clothing that’s poppy, vibrant and fun! Jewel-toned colors are complimentary on every complexion and look beautiful in photographs. Choose colors that are deep, rich and intense like burgundy, eggplant, teal, rust, magenta and olive. Try pairing these colors with neutrals like charcoal gray, chocolate brown and army green. Avoid black and white as they do not photograph well.
Avoid dressing the family in matching “uniforms”. Coordinated looks for families create a much more pleasing photograph. Try choosing a unifying color mixed with the neutrals listed above in various ways to mix things up but still give your family continuity.
Use patterns, textures and layers to add visual interest. Textured fabrics, such as denim, cable knits, linen, and corduroy, photograph beautifully. Layers can be added and removed to create different looks in minimal time.
When it comes to jeans, opt for the darkest indigo wash. These tend to be the most flattering and least dated. Also avoid contrasting colors, like adults in navy blue shirts and kids in light blue.
Most importantly, we want everyone to be casual and comfortable in their attire. Make sure each member of the family tries on their outfit before the day of the shoot. Clothing that is too big will appear baggy and sloppy in photos. Clothing that is undersized will bunch or gape. Everyone should be in clothes that feel and look good on the day of the shoot.
Of course one of the easiest things you can do to get ideas for what to wear for your shoot is look at outfits online. Just click on Old Navy or Gap, Children's Place, or for something outside the box and see what outfits they suggest.
You don't have to buy everything new to look cute but I suggest using what you have a buy a couple of things to complete your look! Accessories are VERY important!