Something different and new from Wardrobe Wednesday! Kelly of Kelly V Photography created this fabulous post about how to create a working color palette for your session…and it’s taken from a real-life client!  Simply AWESOME!

“When we first started Wardrobe Wednesday, I knew it would be a useful tool and an incredible visual database for those planning a portrait session, but I had no idea how much my clients would rave about it. I’m not exaggerating when I say ALL of my clients mention that they’ve checked out this series for tips in preparing for their closeup. It’s music to my ears because believe it or not, your photographer wants you to look good, too! Clothing definitely impacts the feel of a session, not to mention we want you to be comfortable and confident.

So when I was talking to one of my clients during her pre-session consultation recently, she mentioned that she had taken a few snapshots of the clothing she was considering for her kids and asked if I would take a look at them. Not only did I think that was a great idea, I loved it so much that I asked her if I could use them as examples. So here we go!

Here are the four photos that Eva sent me as options for her 4-year-old twins:

Option 1: Although I love both outfits individually, I think the patterns are too powerful and overwhelming when paired together. The navy shirt matches the waist and neck bands in the dress perfectly, but it just feels a little too plain.

Option 2: With the collar and buttons, this shirt is definitely a little more “dressy casual” and compliments the outfits better, but the color isn’t quite right, and we still have the problem with competing patterns.

Option 3: Love the dress in this picture, but the shade of the shirt doesn’t quite match the blue in the dress and they end up looking uncoordinated. Personally I adore boys in purple, so I might pair it with a matching purple polo if I could find one in the exact shade.

Option 4: Bingo! This is a perfect example of complimenting patterns. The shirt is dominant with the bold plaid, but the dress still holds its own without looking overpowered and plain. I also love that there’s a pop of turquoise on the neckline, giving a secondary color for mom to work with in her outfit. Add in some classic neutrals like khaki and denim and you’ve got your color palate!

Keeping this in mind, I started with khaki shorts for Eva’s son. I would’ve preferred them without cargo pockets, but I had trouble finding them, so I went with it.

I didn’t want Dad to be too matchy-matchy in identical khaki, so I suggested navy shorts for him. Paired with a light blue polo and neutral tan shoes, he looks put-together and well-coordinated. A white polo would also work perfectly.

Knowing I wanted to play with that pop of turquoise from the dress, I decided an accessory would be perfect for Mom. I chose a scarf in this case, but a chunky ring, bracelet or necklace would also work. I know the scarf competes a little with the top I chose, but I figured if arranged correctly, it would cover the flowers and the rest of the tank would act as a neutral. And the best part about scarves is that it can quickly create a different look without much effort by taking it off. Then you’re left with the pretty flower detail that also stands well on its own without being too plain.

Here’s the final look!

And, again, there are so many different ways to personalize this look as long as you stay in the color palate. Mom or Dad could substitute a white top. One of the girls could wear a turquoise headband. The boy could be in navy shorts and Dad could be in khaki … you get the idea.

But if you like the options I put together, here’s where to shop! (And Eva was kind enough to share her shopping destinations, too.)

SHOPPING LIST

DAD
Shorts
Polo

MOM
Scarf
Tank
Skirt

BOY
Shirt
Shorts

GIRL
Dress

I really love this adorable post by Jenn at Minor Impressions Photography. It’s all about the boys. Be sure to scroll down and see the adorable photos of little (and big) guys in the cutest ties by Trendy Ties!

“Father’s Day is this coming Sunday, so there’s no better time for us to focus on all of the men (and boys) in our lives! When giving advice on wardrobe compilations, we usually start out by having the outfits revolve around the little gals or moms. So, when there’s not a female involved in the session, it can be difficult for the guys to plan what to wear.

It’s best to keep it simple and introduce just a couple of basic coordinating colors. An easy way to do this is with plaid shirts or shorts. Be sure not to involve too many different plaids, otherwise it becomes too busy. With button-up shirts, you can roll up the sleeves, and leave it untucked to have it on the casual side, or tuck it in and add some accessories to dress it up.

One of the simplest ways to add a little class to your outfit without putting too much effort is by including a tie.  Who can resist a bare-bellied baby with some adorable polka dots, a handsome father with his precious newborn son, or a young man dressed to impress? Just add a tie to the basics you already own, and people will think you spent hours putting the outfits together! A great place I’ve found to purchase these ties with style is Trendy Ties. Not only do they have modern neckties and bowties, but they can also create hair flowers and brooches for sister and mom. You can check them out on Facebook or Etsy! She just completed a crazy sale, so she’s taking a short vacation, but be sure to visit her starting June 20!

SHOPPING LIST

Boy’s Outfit
Shirt
Pants
Shorts
Polo
Shoes

Dad’s Outfit
Shirt
Pants
Shorts
Straw Fedora
Sandals

Teenager’s Outfit
Shirt
Shorts
Shoes
Jeans

I am just LOVING this post by Erica May Photography. I love navy, white and red for photos…especially in the summer!

“I have to admit I love summer and all the bright colors that go along with it! Summertime is great time to get outside with your family and have fun! Why not capture that sense of fun with a summer photo shoot? Maybe you have done fall sessions the last few years and your pictures are all starting to look the same, or maybe you want to get photos of your kids adorable bare feet, or maybe you just want to capture that summertime fun! Whatever the reason is, you need an awesome summer wardrobe to wear for your portraits. Nothing reminds me more of summer then a good nautical theme! You wouldn’t need to be near a beach to pull this look off either! The bright colors, stripes, and beautiful blues are sure to make for some fun and interesting portraits. When choosing this ensemble I chose the little girl’s dress first and then the boy’s outfit. Once you have the kid’s outfits picked out it is much easier to pull from those colors to pick outfits for mom and dad. I also decided to highlight a few fun props that might be fun to go along with it. Giving your family something to “do” for part of your photo shoot is always a great idea to capture those less posed moments that really let your kid’s personalities shine through! So get out there and have some fun with your family!”

Shopping List:

Girl’s Outfit:
Marina Drop-waist Dress   $49.00   Tea Collection
Salt-Water Original Sandals    $34.00  Tea Collection

Boy’s Outfit:
Striped half-zip hoodie     $24.95   The Gap
Convertible chambray pants   $26.95  The Gap
Red Bimini Youth Classics    $38   Toms

Mom’s Outfit:
Halter Maxi Bra Top Dress    $69.50    Victoria’s Secret

Dad’s Outfit:
Dobby shirt    $49.95   The Gap
Straight denim shorts (beige wash)   $54.95   The Gap