What To Wear – Summertime Sessions | Maryland Photographer

Planning wardrobe for your summer portrait session in Maryland can be a daunting task but we offer styling at no additional cost. My heart is in making portrait sessions a genuine memory that’s worthy of recording and that’s hard to do when it’s a stress-filled event.

We worked with this couple to coordinate an androgynous/masculine-of-center style with a dress from their closet.

Let’s take the stress out of planning – give us at least 6 weeks notice and send your general style/inspiration, your sizes and budget. We will shop for you and send links – we favor easily accessible stores like Target, Old Navy, H&M and Amazon but also shop smaller online boutiques.

In addition to shopping, we do have a feminine wardrobe available for borrowing in the studio. I find most often the masculine styles can be more day-to-day wearable so I aim to keep the studio wardrobe stocked with clothes that are likely to get one time use for images. The current selection ranges from XS-4X. Complimentary appointments are available to try on and select options to borrow.

Gown by Reclamation available to borrow – Size XS-XL and pregnancy.
Two more sessions with the Reclamation gown. Girls dresses also available to borrow from the studio.
Black slip dress fits M-XL. Lace gown fits size L-4X and pregnancy. Both available to borrow from the studio.

When you’re shopping for your own family here are a few guidelines that help – keep in mind these aren’t rules, just general ideas:

  1. Choose earth tones and neutrals. Moss, Olive, Burgundy, Navy, Pumpkin, Mustard are my favorites. Jewel and pastel tones are less likely to match my style but if they are yours, go for it. Avoid all neon tones in accessories and accents.
  2. My style is casual – pick clothes that will be weather appropriate and comfortable. I love classic baby and toddler styles.
  3. Go with natural fibers, especially for kids. Cotton, denim, linen, muslin are comfortable and typically cool enough.
  4. Shoes matter. I love barefoot families but often we find broken glass on the beach or itchy grass in other locations. Avoid athletic shoes and opt for styles that are easy to walk in. Most often on location sessions are not a good match for heels.
  5. Rather than accessorizing, look for fabric with movement. Jewelry and hair accessories can be distracting but fabric with movement adds dimension to an image.
  6. Plan for make-up and hairstyles that look like you. Picture day is not the best time to try a new look – you want the images to look like you. Professional make-up can be the best investment you make on picture day – I highly suggest Melissa Collazo.
I worked closely with this client to style complimentary outfits. Wardrobe purchased from H&M, Target, Old Navy and Amazon. 18 mo. romper available to borrow from the studio.