What to wear for your Mommy and Me Photoshoot – Maria Grace Photos, The Woodlands Photographer

You have booked your Mommy and Me session and are now wondering:

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR FOR OUR MOMMY AND ME PHOTOSHOOT?

We’ve had to dress our own family for yearly photos, so we know how overwhelming it can be to try to decide what to wear. There are just so many options! We’ve included some inspiration and starting points in this blog to help your Mommy and Me photos look amazing.

We’ll begin by telling you that this is our personal preference. We want you to be comfortable and wear what you want but also look amazing in your family photos. So, if you are wondering what the difference is between sessions that look good and those with the WOW factor, read on!

CHOOSE A COLOR PALETTE

When choosing outfits, we always recommend coordinating instead of matching. Choose a color palette and then stick to it, spreading those colors throughout everyone’s outfits using a mix of a few patterns and solids. You could all go for muted colors or neutrals, with one bold color to add some fun. Maybe Mom could wear a floral dress while everyone else picks colors from the same pattern. Just be careful not to go overboard with too many clashing patterns or bright, bold colors that might give off unflattering reflections to your skin tone(Trust us, neons are a big no-no!)

HOW DO YOU DECORATE YOUR HOME?

It’s always great to print and display your photos around your home. With this in mind, you should consider your home decor style. You want your family photos to fit in with your home and reflect your overall style. If you decorate muted and neutral, you may want your photos to also be in those tones. If you have a bright and bold home, then photos with similar colors would look fantastic on your walls.

TEXTURE AND LAYERS ARE KEY

Because coordinating loud patterns and bold colors can be challenging, we always suggest focusing on the texture and little details of clothing. When everyone is in neutrals, you can add interest with the type of fabric chosen, such as lace, embroidery, chunky sweaters, and flowing garments. Ladies, listen up! It’s crucial to wear clothes that flow and drape gracefully, adding movement and visual interest to your photos. Not only does it look stunning in pictures, but it’s also comfortable and flattering! Tap into your inner child who loves to dance and twirl! We assure you it can truly make a difference!

CHOOSE MOMS OUTFIT FIRST

Mom, you may not think so, but you are the priority in our shoot. Most likely, this shoot was your idea, so why not spoil yourself? You want to look back on these photos and absolutely love them, so start with your outfit first, make sure you’re feeling fabulous, and then style the rest of the family based on what you choose. Finding children’s clothes is much easier than finding your own.

Here are some beautiful pieces from some of our favourite shops: AYA Sacred Wear, Altar’d State, Free People, and Worth Collective—look at all the pretty little details, texture, and flowy fabrics!

WHERE ARE THE PHOTOS BEING TAKEN?

Consider the location of your photo shoot, as it will influence your outfit choice. Are the photos being taken at home or outdoors? What is the weather going to be? Is it going to be hot or cold? Is it at the beach? These are all crucial factors to consider. If you or your little ones are uncomfortable, it may show in the photos and lead to a less enjoyable experience. Lastly, if your location has lots of greenery (trees, grass, etc.), avoid wearing green to avoid blending in with the surroundings; we want to see you!

WHAT SHOULD THE KIDS WEAR FOR OUR MOMMY AND ME SESSION?

Once you have decided what you want to wear its now time to think of the kids. We understand the struggle of dressing tots, so use these points as guidelines. The main thing is that your child will be happy so think of your child’s preferences and comfort first. Our goal is to capture your love and connection, and if they are going to be upset wearing something that they find itchy or restrictive, then we probably won’t capture many giggles or kisses.

Some of our favourite brands for kids include: Zara, H&M, Indie Blue, Rylee and Cru, Carters Little Planet, Noralee and Jamie Kay.

CONSIDER THE AGE OF YOUR KIDS

If you have little ones you will be holding, ensure they wear a different color from what you have on. Matching colors may cause their outfit to blend in with yours, hindering them from standing out and getting the attention they deserve. If your children cover a range of ages consider if any of them will want to hold any of their younger siblings. This tip also needs to be followed for them.

Here’s where the magic of contrasting colors and patterns comes into play! Dressing your baby in clothes contrasting with the parents’ attire lets them and their personality shine!

Consider pairing vibrant hues with neutral tones, or bold prints with solid colors, or playful patterns to add a touch of whimsy. The options are limitless, and the outcome is truly stunning.

THINGS TO AVOID

Here is a quick list of things that we recommend avoiding to make your photos that much better.

  • Avoid black, as the details get lost in the darkness. A small bit of black is fine, but an entire dress or shirt is not recommended.
  • Avoid bright white, as it tends to look blue in photos. It takes a lot of work to get it to look correct in editing. Bright white can also cast bright white onto faces and wash out the skin. Off-white, like ivory or cream, is great, though!
  • Avoid neon or any bright colors. They are very distracting to the eye in photos, plus it casts funky colors onto the skin. 
  • Keep clothing free of logos that can be distracting
  • Avoid giant bows that may overshadow adorable faces
  • Younger girls should wear bloomers rather than only diapers or underwear.
  • Avoid bike shorts as they tend to peek out under dresses.
  • Sneakers – Don’t forget that shoes will be visible!

Here are some examples of Mommy and Me outfits.

We have outlined these guidelines primarily to address the most frequently asked question we receive. However, we are going to switch things up and mention that, ultimately, your attire doesn’t really matter! As we mentioned before, our sessions are laid-back and enjoyable. We emphasize the love and bond between you and your children, especially for a Mommy + Me photoshoot. Authentic smiles, a relaxed mom, and a positive attitude surpass coordinated outfits any day! Just come as you are and bring your best self.

Are there any fantastic shops or brands that you adore and would like to recommend? Please leave a comment so we can explore them and share them with our followers.

FULL-SERVICE PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS IN THE WOODLANDS, TX, NORTH OF HOUSTON

If you’re in the Greater Houston area and looking for a mommy and me photoshoot, contact us for more information. From wardrobe and styling to creating artwork for your home, our full-service photography business takes care of all the details. Contact Us

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