How to Dress Your Kids for Your Photography Session on a Budget | Pensacola Family Photographer
Dressing your family for your Pensacola family photography session doesn't have to break the bank, and creating timeless memories can be fun! With a bit of creativity, know-how, and resourcefulness, you and your family can look your best without spending "an arm and a leg" on new outfits. AND, everyone will be comfortable too! And you know what kids are when they're comfortable? They're happy and cooperative.
Below you'll find some great tips I've put together not only to help you select budget-friendly outfits for your next northwest Florida or south Alabama photography session, but outfits that are comfortable and can be worn again.
this Wonder Nation Henley was $5 at Wal-Mart and the shorts were borrowed
this Tahari dress cost $10 at TJ Maxx
this Tommy Hilfiger t-shirt cost $12 at TJ-Maxx and we already owned the jeans
Shop Your Closet:
The first rule of budget-friendly outfit selection is to shop what you already own! Raid your closet for pieces that make you feel confident and reflect your personal style. Mix and match different items to create unique combinations you might not have thought of before. You might be surprised at what you find hidden in the back of your own wardrobe.
Rent, Borrow, or shop Off-Price Retailers:
Consider renting outfits instead of buying. There are plenty of online platforms that offer affordable rental options for formalwear and even casual attire. Ask a friend with a similar style if they might have something you could borrow. Or check out your local Off-Price Retailer such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Plato's Closet, etc.
Prioritize Comfort:
Comfort is key when it comes to photography sessions - especially when talking about children. Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident, as this will translate into natural and relaxed photos. Avoid clothing items that are too tight, too big, itchy, or restrictive, as they can make children uncomfortable during the photography session.
Consider Neutral Colors & Earth Tones:
Neutral colors such as black, white, beige, and gray are timeless and versatile. They tend to photograph well and can easily be mixed and matched with other pieces. Opting for neutral tones also ensures that your outfits won't distract from the main focus of the photos - you! For beach photos, Earth tones such as soft green, blue, plum, and peach also work well.
In the picture below, you'll see a mixture of neutrals and earth tones. I found the dress first and used it as inspiration for the boy's outfits. If you look closely, you'll see the colors in both of their tops as well as the shorts worn by the boy on the right reflected in the pattern of her dress. I always suggest to my Pensacola Family Portrait clients - choose a pattern for one person and use the colors in that outfit to style the rest of the family. It works well no matter the size group.
*And don't forget, the total spent dressing all three kids was $27 (and an additional $6 for 3 ring pops used as a bribe after the session).*
Don't forget to let the kids have a little fun during the beach photography session too. I photographed this entire session in under half an hour, and this blog contains only a small sampling of all of the great pictures I was able to capture. I love being allowed to capture not only posed photos, but pictures of the kids playing and exploring and just being kids! And here's a secret, they were also more cooperative knowing that they weren't going to spend the whole session being moved from one pose to the next.
Choosing outfits for a Gulf Shores Family photography session doesn't have to be a stressful or expensive ordeal. By shopping smart, getting creative, and prioritizing comfort, you can put together stylish and budget-friendly looks that will enhance your photo session experience. Remember, it's not about how much you spend on your outfits, but how you feel in them that truly matters! So, go ahead and send me a message to book your next session - affordable style awaits! (And if you're still struggling or have questions, send me a message. I love helping to put a family's wardrobe together!)
