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What to wear for your photo session? I get this question a lot and I am happy to help. Then sometimes the client never asks and I find out later they struggled and agonized over it all by themselves. Or I also hear “We couldn’t afford all new outfits for everyone.” Well I am hear to help.
During a season when money just seems to flow out for the holidays & different events, I know it can be hard. I get it, I really do. I have the same struggles. Photo Sessions are an investment and you really do have to look at them that way… but that doesn’t mean you have to go crazy. That is why I thought some budget friendly tips to point in the right direction could set you up for success.
First lets talk about why you want to invest in special outfits for your photo session anyways. Well for one you want to be proud of these photos. Most likely you are planning on sharing them with your friends and family or displaying them in your own home. You also want to feel confident, it really will come across in your images. Also take into consideration what colors would go with the décor of your house & what colors everyone looks good in. These photos are meant to last, so invest the time and money into making them something you are proud of.
New clothes always make you feel good. I always suggest starting with the mom & dressing her first. Females have the advantage in this department, there are a lot more colors & accessories you can use. Maybe all new outfits are not in your budget for everyone. Start with some awesome basics and work up from there. Dressy t-shirt & dark jeans with heals and a colorful scarf can be a totally rockin’ photo outfit. Or maybe there is a dress you love and you can pair it with a fun blazor of jacket to add something new and a fun pop of color. Start shopping early too. Nothing like stressing yourself out the week before you session to make this all harder than it actually is. Sometimes saving money takes a lot of time. I promise it will be harder to save money and find deals if you wait till the last minute. Even if you are just *dreaming* of a session but haven’t booked yet START LOOKING! lol. Depending on your area try and shop consignment for yourself. Some of my best dressed friends shop consignment most of the time.
If you are successful in saving money in some areas maybe you can splurge in others…Don’t be afraid to spend money in other areas to prepare for your shoot. Having your hair and make-up done for a photo shoot has a huge impact. Don’t worry you don’t have to be so done up that no one recognizes you… that is not what I am talking about but spending the time to make sure you love how you look in your portraits will make all the difference.
After mom has her outfit move onto the kids & the hubby. What coordinates without being too matchy matchy? Dont’ be afraid to mix some patterns. Lay the clothes out on your bed and see if it pleasing to your eye. Someone in a plaid and someone in a floral can be super cute & keep things interesting. How do the colors flow together? Who’s outfit needs to change? Maybe add layers. Fun color puffy vests for boys or a flannel button up over a t-shirt…. what looks cute and current. Fun tights for your daughter. What fits your families style?
It’s a little easier to save money on the kids. Lately I have been finding some great kids pieces at used clothing stores. I just bought my son some adorable button down shirts with fun plaid patterns for about $3 each!!! $3!!!! Who can’t afford $3? I also found dark denim jeans for him there for around $6. Though they are used or should I say “previously worn” they do not look worn at all. My oldest is a little hard to buy for at those stores (he is 6), but doable if hunt for long enough. In my opinion Target has the best selection of stylish clothes for cheap. Usually they have several different pieces in a series that can go together. Old Navy is another great one. Varity of sizes and their clothes already go together and are similar.
I often find used dress shoes for my boys at 2nd hand stores. Kids don’t tend to wear dress shoes much so they are in great condition. I’ve picked up some high brand shoes for less than $10! A nice pair of brown shoes can really dress up the look and make it look better. Leave the sneakers at home if at all possible. When I saw dress up shoes I am not talking about those shinny black shoes, that might really look out of place… go for something that matches your look.
These are my extreme budget tips! Maybe you are not as “budget” challenged as others but saving money is always a plus :). Hope my tips can help!
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