the client closet
STYLING & THE CLIENT CLOSET
As a mom of three myself, I know how challenging it can be to find portrait-friendly outfits for the entire family! That's why I've created this in-depth guide to help you pull together pieces to create your dream portraits.
Whether you choose to use a dress from the AWP Client Closet or shop on your own, it's my hope that this guide helps you understand what to look for when selecting outfits!
Wardrobe
THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOUR PHOTOS
Here we go! This is either the most stressful or most fun part of the process (although I'm here to help you either way)... it's outfit time!
Photography is kind of like walking into a bakery. There are many photographers out there who have all kinds of different styles - cupcake flavors, if you will. They're all great, but each one requires a specific recipe to get that end result you love! I am so honored that you've chosen my bakery, but I need your help to complete the recipe.
I have a very specific style and strive to be consistent with my images so you know exactly what kinds of photos you will be getting from your session - dreamy, light, airy, classic, timeless, and romantic.
So let's get baking.
Perhaps you've noticed that mostly everyone on my website or instagram feed is wearing light colors. There is a reason for this! A photographer's best friend is light. Light is the "paint" I use. I use it to get a very specific look - probably the look that drew you to my work in the first place! When you wear light clothing, the sunlight bounces around, reflects back into your face and anyone who is around you, creating a beautiful glow. It flatters your skin - making it creamier, and hiding flaws.
**If you absolutely hate light colors, please go with muted jewel tones (such as plum or midnight blue), as opposed to anything bright and vivid, or neon. Sunlight combined with vivid colors (such as really bright blues, neon yellows, etc) makes for an unnatural color cast on your skin. With the lighting I use, if you are wearing bright green and it reflects back onto your face (and it will) it can make you look sick and we don't want that!
My aim when it comes to clothing, is to have it NOT distract from your faces and expressions. I want the focus to be solely on those dimples in your baby's cheeks, your son's freckles, your daughter's beautiful eyes. When you are wearing simple and timeless clothing, the attention isn't drawn to your clothing... but to those amazing features I just mentioned. This is a great thing! When you wear busy patterns, it competes for that attention and your eyes are naturally drawn there.
Light colors are a MUST.
The Aesthetic
Patterns
low contrast is always best!
We need to be very selective about the patterns we incorporate into our portraits. As a general rule, all patterns should be small in size, and very low contrast.
High contrast patterns (aka: light and dark colors close together) attract the eye and compete for attention... taking the focus from faces, which we don't want! This is one of those seemingly little choices that actually make a big impact!
Light and delicate patterns are easier on the eyes (and the overall color palette). The image on the right is an example of a portrait-friendly pattern. This dress doesn't attract the eye, leaving it free to focus on the most important things - the faces you love!
For the ladies, nothing helps create that timeless aesthetic like a long flowing dress. I highly recommend maxi or midi-length dresses. The floor length flatters every silhouette. When a little breeze flutters by, it helps create motion in the photo. Additionally, the long length makes crouching down easier, which you're likely to do quite a bit during a family session. Wearing dresses is not an absolute must, but it really does help create the aesthetic you often see in my work!
For little girls, you can go very simple! Just a solid colored, plain dress can be perfect. You can also add texture with sweaters, boots, bows, etc.
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
find it fast
Props should be classic, natural, and only used very sparingly. Remember, I like to keep the focus on the face! That being said, I love including a meaningful prop or two, when the occasion calls for it.
For example, I LOVE LOVE LOVE floral bouquets, a beloved book, an ultrasound photo, or a sentimental toy (just for some of the shots). Little props that are simple and meaningful, can add some fun photos to a collage, and make for visual interest. If you do bring a prop or two, please let me know before we start so I can incorporate them when the time is right in your session.
Props
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
find it fast
While it isn't absolutely necessary, feel free to go all out! Professionally done hair & makeup does last longer than what you or I can do on our own, most likely. It also tends to hold up better for humidity and wind.
With the settings I use to shoot, please go a shade or two darker than usual with your usual blush and lipstick (these things will photograph lighter than they look in person). Additionally, be sure to keep hair out of eyes - especially for the little ones! A simple hair-colored barrette is my favorite, because it doesn't distract from their faces.
Hair & Makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Anything neutral, light and NOT distracting works! In the Summer, I love bare feet if the terrain allows. As for babies who can't walk - if it's warm enough, let's see those cute toes! If it's cold out, neutral boots are adorable, or just about anything as long as it's not a bright color. If mom is wearing a maxi dress, often times we won't be able to see those shoes so no pressure there.
When all is said and done, I just want to make sure the shoes don't attract too much attention. We want that attention going to your faces!
Shoes
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
find it fast
Nothing Fits But
Morning Lavender
Baltic Born
Anthropologie
Mint Julep
J. Crew
Favorite Shops
Pink Blush
Amazon
Ivy City
Joyfolie
Free People
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
find it fast
For shirts, I recommend a button-up dress shirt (rolled up to the elbows if the temperatures allow! It helps create a dressy, but not stuffy look). I would avoid polo shirts, at least for my particular style.
For bottoms I highly recommend keeping them a light color. This can make a HUGE difference in your photos. Khakis, tan pants or light grey will work. If you'd like to go the denim route, choose a very light wash. I highly discourage dark pants (black, navy, dark brown, etc.) because of the contrast it creates with other light colors. Your eye will go right to it!
*Adding layers and textures by way of blazers, suspenders, vests, etc. is always a good idea as long as the colors stay muted.
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
find it fast
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
Styling Tips
shop for mom first
Mom is generally the hardest to dress, so start there first! Once mom has something she loves, find coordinating pieces for the kids. Finally, tie everything together with something light and neutral for dad!
DON'T FORGET ACCESSORIES
Add a little visual interest with accessories. A wide-brimmed hat and trendy sunglasses add fun to your portraits, while vests and scarves help keep everyone warm in the cooler months.
BRING A BACKUP
For young children, I highly recommend having a backup outfit on hand just in case of spills or accidents.
STOCK THE CLIENT CLOSET INCENTIVE
Don't want to purchase a dress you'll only wear once? I totally understand! See below for details.
The Client Closet is our newest incentive for AWP portrait clients! The wishlist below is a carefully curated, ever-evolving selection of pieces that are guaranteed to work perfectly for any portrait session. Shop the links below to remove the headache and overwhelm of trying to find pieces on your own!
If you don't want to purchase a dress you'll only wear once, simply send me an email with the dress and size you'd like, along with your mailing address. I'll purchase the dress and have it shipped to you before your session. After the session is complete, I'll take it with me to add to the Client Closet!
If you choose to take advantage of this option, I MUST have your dress choice at least 3 weeks in advance to allow time for shipping. Additionally, don't forget to bring a change of clothes to the session for the ride home!
Optional Incentive: Stock the Client Closet
NOTHIG FITS BUT
KIKO DRESS, BLUSH
NOTHING FITS BUT
KIKO DRESS, GREY
NOTHING FITS BUT
KIKO DRESS, CREAM
NOTHING FITS BUT
SAKURA DRESS, BLUE ROSE
NOTHIG FITS BUT
HANA ONESIE, BLUSH
NOTHING FITS BUT
HANA GIRLS DRESS, BLUSH
NOTHING FITS BUT
HANA ONESIE, CREAM
NOTHING FITS BUT
GIRLS DRESS, BLUE ROSE
NOTHIG FITS BUT
SAKURA DRESS, PINK FLORAL
NOTHING FITS BUT
KIKO DRESS, BLACK
NOTHING FITS BUT
YUKI DRESS, ORANGE POPPY
MORNING LAVENDER
LORAINE MAXY DRESS
NOTHIG FITS BUT
GIRLS DRESS, BLUE TOILE
NOTHING FITS BUT
HANA ONESIE, BLUE TOILE
NOTHING FITS BUT
HANA ONESIE, WHITE
NOTHING FITS BUT
GIRLS DRESS, FLORAL GAUZE
NOTHIG FITS BUT
KIKO DRESS, ROSE GINGHAM
NOTHING FITS BUT
KIKO DRESS, BLACK
NOTHING FITS BUT
KIKO DRESS, BLUE TOILE
NOTHING FITS BUT
SEINE DRESS, WHITE
BALTIC BORN
FABIAN DRESS, BLUE FLORAL
BALTIC BORN
VERONA DRESS, BLUE PRINT
BALTIC BORN
MARSEILLE, BLUE BLOSSOM
BALTIC BORN
MARSEILLE, CHERRY BLOSSOM
IVY CITY
DIANA DRESS, LILAC
MORNING LAVENDER
WENDY DRESS, NUDE TULLE
MORNING LAVENDER
WENDY DRESS, BLUE TULLE
PINK BLUSH
WHITE SMOCKED MIDI DRESS
IVY CITY
MINI DIANA DRESS, LILAC
IVY CITY
MINI MADISON DRESS
IVY CITY
MINI MADISON ROMPER
IVY CITY
MADISON DRESS
Can i try on client closet dresses in advance?
Can you help me choose outfits?
Absolutely! Email me to schedule a time to meet locally to zip code 20657. If it's not in the cards to meet beforehand, rest assured that all items are stretchy, flowy, and designed to fit a wide range of sizes!
Of course! I'm here to help however I can. Feel free to email or text me links/images of outfits you're considering - always happy to weigh in and provide and expert opinion!
Frequently Asked Questions
IS THERE ANYTHING WE SHOULD AVOID?
In order to achieve the style you love me for, I highly recommend staying away from: bold/dark colors, exact matches, dark blue jeans, ill-fitting clothing, and anything with words on it. Keep it simple and light in color, and you'll be golden!
SEE YOU SOON!
If you have any remaining questions, please reach out via email! I can't wait to work together.
