As a portrait photographer who specializes in child photography, one of the questions I get asked often by parents is how to choose clothing that will really make their child shine. The truth is, it all depends on what kind of portraits you are looking to create. If you want something whimsical and lighthearted, you’ll want to dress your kids differently than if you’re going for a timeless portrait look. Both can be stunningly beautiful. But if you’re planning to make a piece that you’ll proudly display in your home for many years to come, you’ll want to spend some time thinking through the look you’re trying to achieve before you even start thinking about how to dress your child for their portrait session.
Some things to consider when you choose a portrait style:
- What's the style of your home? Think, especially, about the look and feel of the room where you plan to display your portrait.
- How long do you plan to display your artwork? We believe in family heirloom's that you pass down from generation to generation. For this reason, I recommend you go for a more classic and timeless look that will not date.
- What’s the personality of your child and your family? If your family loves being outdoors and doesn't mind getting a little dirty, you might want to capture this through your portrait. A good portrait artist will be able to help you find a portrait style that will complement both your home and your family’s personalities
What is your portrait style?
There are many different ways to do a child’s portrait: playful, traditional, vintage-inspired, or modern. What do you want to feel when you look at these portraits on your wall each day? It is worth spending some time thinking about the style, feel, or mood you would like to achieve in your child's portraits. Once we are clear on the style and mood of the portraits, it becomes a lot easier to choose clothing, colors, props, and location that would fit the vision you have in mind.
1. Keep it simple
Less is always more when it comes to portraits. You don’t want the clothing to be the focus and outshine your child and their personality. Avoid loud patterns and lots of crazy, bright colors—especially if your portraits are to be taken in an outdoor setting. Solid colors and simple lines make for the most beautiful, timeless portrait photographs. Consider going with neutral or muted tones for a look that will never go out of style.
2. Opt for natural fabric
Consider choosing clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, or wool, as these materials often look and feel more organic and earthy. Natural fabric keeps the kids cool and comfortable during the warmer months, which will show in their demeanor and expressions.
3. Use layering to create interest
Layering different natural materials and textures can add depth and interest to your child's outfit. Consider buying a chunky knit sweater with a flowy skirt or layering a linen shirt over a cotton dress. During the winter and autumn months, layering can also include wool scarves and beanies.
4. Make sure sibling outfits go together
You don’t have to go crazy with matching everything. (Please don’t, actually, because getting TOO matchy-matchy is boring.) It is a good idea to at least give some thought to how the outfits look next to each other. Going bold with colours can work great as long as the colours are complementary. It is important above all else that they have the same general style. A great way to know if you have selected the right clothing is to lay ALL the clothing out on your bed—take a picture with your phone . . . does anything stand out? If it does, replace that item! No sure? Don't worry, I can help you put outfits together in our pre-shoot consultation.
5. Let nature be the inspiration
Once you we've decided on the location of your child's photoshoot, it becomes a great starting point for choosing colors for their clothing. Good color harmony can have a huge impact on the final portrait. Choose colors that reflect the natural surroundings. Consider the colors of the flowers, trees, and other elements in the environment, and select clothing in similar shades. For example, if the photo shoot is to take place at a beach, you might use clothes in the shades of light blues and browns. Similarly, if the photoshoot will take place in a forest, you might choose clothing in earthy greens and browns
6. Make it sentimental
Did your grandpa wear a certain type of hat that your 3-year-old would look adorable in? Maybe you could capture his photograph wearing the hat (or, if it’s too big, one that looks a lot like it). Do you have a string of pearls that’s been passed down from generation to generation? How sweet would it be to let your granddaughter wear them in her portrait? Do you have traditional clothing of your country or costume passed down through generations that you will like to incorporate in the photos? Or perhaps you could include a family pet or your child's favorite toy. Incorporating sentimental items can create portraits that are a powerful reminder of their childhood, identity, or heritage—far more powerful than a memory alone.
As a child photographer, I help you with all the little details for a perfectly styled photoshoot. With years of experience, I know what looks good on camera and in the photos.
