CHOOSE A COLOR PALETTE
The biggest thing you can do before your photo session is to plan what you will wear. Ideally, this will happen a few weeks before the session. Having things in place before hand will allow you more time to realize things like, "I don't have any shoes to go with this outfit" or "Timmy is all set but I'd love to get him a fun hat to tie it all together". Start with gathering the main pieces and then polish it off with accessories - and hopefully a decent pair of shoes.
My favorite method of choosing clothing and accessories for a photo session is to use a color palette. It's super easy for everyone - including the fashion-challenged folks like myself. It takes the mystery out of it and adds a simple way to make you look amazing. First, you choose a color palette. I love the color palettes at design-seeds.com and feature many of them on my Pinterest pages. I tell clients to select a color palette that will go well with their home decor. If you're home is bright a full of color, then go with a similar palette. Is it neutral with a pop of blue, then go with that. The next step is to select all clothing with the palette in mind. All tops, bottoms, shoes, and accessories should match a color in the palette. I recommend avoiding matching outfits where everyone has one color top and one color bottom. By mixing it up for each person, you will add interest and variety to your photo and allow each individual's style and personality to shine through.
In my experience, people are so much happier with their photos when they have taken the time to coordinate using a color palette. Those are the photos that get hung on the living room wall and enjoyed day after day. So, give it a try for your next photo session and let me know how it goes.
Check out the What to Wear for Spring Photos Pinterest page and let me know your favorite color palette in the comments below.