What to Wear for School Photo Day
Preparing for school photo day in Boston? Whether you are working with me or another photographer, choosing the right outfit for your child can make a big difference in how their portrait turns out. As your Seattle school photographer, I’m here to help guide you through selecting the perfect attire that will ensure your child’s photo looks timeless and beautiful.
Keep It Simple and Solid
For Fine Art School Portraits, solid colors or very delicate patterns are the way to go. These help in keeping the focus on your child’s face and expressions without any distractions. We want to create a classic look that won’t date the photo as trends change. Avoid loud, neon colors which can reflect oddly on skin tones and detract from the natural beauty of your child’s features. I can’t say this enough… NO NEON or your kid’s face will be neon!
What’s the deal on patterns that can work? Think of doing a “squint test” — just look at it, squint your eyes, and if the clothing item looks like a solid color or close to it, it’s good to go! If it still looks pretty busy and patterns can be easily distinguished, it’s better to go with something more delicate.
I also recommend against any clothing with words on it. It won’t be readable in most of your photos … and you never know what new words will form when the fabric folds.
Squint test: loud patterns vs delicate ones
Choose Comfortable, Classic Tops
Since all shots are shoulder-up, the focus should really be on the upper part of your child’s outfit. Choose a top that is comfortable for your child, as a relaxed kid is more likely to show genuine expressions. Opt for classic collars or simple necklines that frame their face well. Think about textures too; a soft, knitted sweater or a smooth cotton shirt can add a nice touch without overpowering the photo. Also, make sure the child’s shirt fits well.
Avoid Distracting Accessories
Hats and large bows might look cute, but they can overshadow your child’s face in a portrait. It’s best to avoid these as they can also create shadows or obscure facial features. Similarly, keep hair accessories simple and functional rather than decorative.
Hair and Grooming
Make sure your child’s hair is cut or styled to be out of their eyes. This not only helps in capturing their full expressions but also ensures that their face is clearly visible, contributing to a polished and professional-looking portrait. A simple hairstyle will complement the classic nature of the portrait without causing distractions.
What to Avoid
Again it’s best to steer clear of tops with logos, graphics, or bold patterns. These elements can distract from the main focus of the portrait—your child’s expressions. Also, overly bright or neon colors can create unflattering shadows and highlights on the face, so it’s better to choose more subdued shades.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the goal is to capture the essence of your child’s personality through these portraits, so dressing them in something they feel good and comfortable in is key. If you have any doubts or need further advice on what to choose, don’t hesitate to contact me at AM Family Photography. I’m here to make sure your child’s school photo day is a success!
Looking forward to capturing beautiful, timeless portraits of your children this school year!
