If you’re already considering having a photo shoot with me in my studio in Armthorpe, Doncaster, I’m guessing you’ve probably spent a good few minutes browsing through my social media first!
One of the things people often tell me they love about my photography is how simple, natural and timeless the images feel.
And there’s a reason for that.
A big part of the look you see throughout my work comes from the simple, neutral colour palette I encourage my clients to choose when deciding what to wear.
When you book a photo shoot with me, I’ll send you my What to Wear hints and tips guide, which is an online brochure you can have a little read through before your session. It gives you lots of ideas and inspiration, but there are a few simple things I always recommend keeping in mind.
Keep it simple
My biggest piece of advice is to keep your clothing simple, neutral and comfortable.
If you’re coming for a family shoot, I wouldn’t recommend having everyone in lots of different patterns and colours. Try to avoid mixing stripes, polka dots, checks and bold prints all together.
Instead, think about simple, one-colour pieces in similar tones.
Whites, creams, beige, soft sage greens, olive greens and lovely neutral tones all work beautifully in my studio. If you’d like to introduce a little colour, a soft dusky pink can work beautifully too, particularly for newborn sessions.
The aim isn’t for everyone to be dressed identically. In fact, I much prefer a little variation. It’s more about choosing colours and textures that sit beautifully together without competing for attention.
Why do I recommend avoiding strong colours?
In everyday life, there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing bright colours!
But photography is slightly different.
When we’re creating simple, natural images, a very strong colour can have quite an impact on the finished photograph.
For example, if Dad arrives wearing a black T-shirt and then holds the baby, that black T-shirt can become the darkest and most dominant area of the image. Rather than your eye being drawn straight to that gorgeous little newborn, it can immediately be drawn towards the black.
The same applies to really strong colours such as red.
Red clothing can sometimes reflect onto the skin, particularly when you're holding a baby close to you, creating a colour cast that can make skin tones appear more pink or uneven.
This is something you might not even notice when you're getting dressed that morning, but it can make a surprising difference in photographs.
Sometimes clients read through my guide, go back through my social media and suddenly have that “Ahhh, I get it now!”moment.
They realise that the reason the images look so calm and cohesive is partly because the clothing isn't competing with the people in the photograph.
And that's exactly what we want.
You don't need to buy a whole new wardrobe
Please don't feel that you need to spend a fortune on new clothes for your photo shoot.
For family and everyday sessions, jeans are absolutely fine.
A pair of jeans with a simple white T-shirt or shirt can look gorgeous. A comfortable pair of wide-leg trousers with a neutral top can work beautifully too.
For children, we don't need fancy dresses or expensive outfits either.
If you already have a beautiful dress that you love, then absolutely bring it along. But please don't feel that you need to go shopping for something special.
A simple pair of soft-coloured leggings and a plain T-shirt can look just as lovely.
Because ultimately, I want you to look back at your photographs and see your family.
The smiles, the expressions, the cuddles, the little moments and the connection between you.
Not the outfit you spent £150 on especially for the shoot!
What to wear for a pregnancy shoot
Pregnancy sessions are a lovely opportunity to introduce a little more texture.
Things such as a chunky knitted cardigan worn over underwear, with your beautiful bump peeping through, can look gorgeous.
A simple linen white shirt, a lace kimono or a soft wrap can also create beautiful, feminine images without feeling overly complicated.
I love using texture because it adds interest to the photograph while still keeping everything soft and natural.
What about newborns?
I also have a small client wardrobe for newborn sessions, which you’re welcome to use.
I'll send you a link to my online catalogue, where you can see the little pieces I've collected over the years.
One of my absolute favourites – and something that clients always love – are my knitted bloomers. They are all from Isla and Fraser and are beautifully made and really lovely quality.
I always recommend bringing your baby to the studio in a white or very simple babygrow.
There's a good reason for this!
Your baby has often fallen asleep on the journey to the studio, so once you arrive, we can start with those lovely family photographs without disturbing them too much.
Once we've captured all the family photographs and some beautiful individual images, we can then strip baby down to their nappy and choose your favourite pair of bloomers from my client wardrobe.
This is when we can capture all those gorgeous little newborn details – their tiny feet, chunky little wrists, curled-up toes and all the things that you'll want to remember forever.
My simple rule: don't overthink it
If you're unsure about what to wear, don't panic!
You really don't need a whole new wardrobe or a complicated outfit.
Think simple, neutral, comfortable and natural.
Choose colours that complement each other, avoid anything too bright or heavily patterned, and most importantly, choose clothes that you feel comfortable in.
My studio is deliberately calm and neutral, so your clothing doesn't need to compete with the space. The beautiful natural light, simple surroundings and neutral tones all work together to keep the focus exactly where I want it – on you and the people you love.
If you're considering a newborn, family, pregnancy, sitter or one-year photo shoot with me, just drop me a message and I'm more than happy to send you all the information you need, including my full What to Wear hints and tips guide.
And if you're booking a newborn session and would like to have a look through my little client wardrobe, I can send you the online catalogue for that too.
There's no need to spend a fortune.
Keep it simple. Keep it natural. And let the moments do the talking.
