What to Wear: Lysandra Cook Oahu Family Photography

With every session I offer a free consultation, either in person, on the phone, or via email. Without fail every consultation I am asked "what should we wear?"

In general I suggest you wear something you feel amazing in because that really shows in the photographs. Here are some more specific suggestions:

1. Show your personality! You are more than just khaki pants and a white dress shirt show it! If orange is your favorite color, wear orange. Like stripes? Great! Bring them with you. Simple patterns and bold colors look great on in person AND in photos. Choosing a bold color that is similar to your eye color is an awesome choice too. Choose clothing and locations to suit your style.

This family rocked it out matching their clothing to the location and style of the shoot they were after.


2. Add LAYERS and TEXTURE. Think scarves, hats, jackets, blazers, ties, denim, knits and corduroy. Long sleeves under short sleeves, leggings under skirts/dresses. Fun shoes like tall boots or sassy heels. A variety of textures will give your photos some extra punch to go with your great smile.

3. Be a head turner. Wear that top that fits just right. Or that dress that makes you feel like a million bucks. It is a fact; clothes that make you feel good make you LOOK good. If you have the option, why not wear something that makes you want to smile?

4. Avoid logos, bold patterns and character-wear. Leave Dora and Diego at home. Character-wear and logos may be precious in person but will leave you clueless in twenty years when you look back on your photos and try to figure out who that is on your shoes. Keep it timeless and focused on your faces, not your clothes.

5. Along the same lines, pick clothing that fits nicely. It should be neither too tight nor too loose. The clothes should hang on the bodies well, without folding or creasing. If you want the focus on your beautiful face don't skimp on the clothing.

6. Dress for full-length shots, which means socks and shoes that also match and are in good shape. For beach sessions I think barefoot is best.

7. Dress for the location we are shooting. Beach sessions are casual, fun, romantic, not stiff and stuffy. The light is soft and beautiful and we want colors that are enhanced by the lovely light and do not fight against it.

8. Coordination is the name of the game for family shoots. Don't wear a uniform but do coordinate the color palette and style. Please don't mix board shorts with ballgowns (unless that style expresses your inner freak).


This wonderful family came to me and agreed to show you an example of what to wear and what not to wear.

Leave a comment and tell me something great about their styling for this shot and you may be picked to win a free $50 print credit for your next session (1 random winner selected 3/15/12)




Here is a shot of things to avoid.