A Dozen Top Tips for Dressing for a Children's Portrait

Your photo session is around the corner. Now go dig in your child(ren)'s closet for some of your favorite outfits. 

Need color inspiration for your clothes? Check out our backgrounds. We've included sample color combinations in front of each and every one. If this shoot is devoted solely to your kid(s) then make sure the clothes have a similar feeling and color cohesion for each background + clothing change.

Here are some great tips to get you started.

Embrace Textures

Light loves texture and cameras love light. So be good to your photographer and bring some textured pieces.

Black & White Tips

Medium tones + texture are great against black. Best tonal values will be colors darker than skin tones.

Coordinate 'Em

More than one kiddo? Don't match their clothes. Instead, coordinate them for a cohesive look. Pick three to four colors and spread them through everyone's clothes.

Put a Flower On It

Fun headbands, flowers and hats can all add a little sparkle to your kid's session.

Be Playful

Have fun with clothes and make sure they reflect your child(ren)'s unique little style. We can dress them up and have them play.

Make Sure it Fits

Make sure the kid's haven't outgrown their pant or shirt sleeves. Put matching diaper covers with short dresses.

Play with Patterns

They're fun! Consider sprinkling them in—especially on kids—for a little pizazz. Mixing patterns with solids works great. Avoid having two kids in the same pattern.

Bust Out the Iron

We know—it's a pain—but it makes a big difference in making your portraits perfect.

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Stay Seasonal

Keep everyone's clothes in the same season. In other words, don't mix sundresses and sweaters. If it's cold out dress kids appropriately.

Go Classic

Oxfords, blue jeans, khakis. Those all stand the test of time and will work great in a picture.

Don't Forget Feet

If you're not planning bare tootsies (which we love) then make sure you've brought coordinated shoes for your family's feet. Avoid white sneakers.

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Special Things

Bring significant toys or clothes that you'd like to remember for always and forever.