Below are ideas on what to wear to our photo shoot. I can be as involved as you would like me to be in this process. i love receiving text of ideas your brainstorming to prove you and your family with a classic but creative look. 

What to Wear From

Zella Urmson Photography

Below are suggestions on what to wear to our photo shoot. 

White is not the Only Neutral

 When you’re thinking about what to wear and/or how to dress your family for our photo shoot, remember white is not the only neutral. Mixing navy and blushes is still neutral. You can spice up your neutrals by adding textures, patterns and playing around with different prints. Picking three to four different colors and mixing them within your families’ wardrobe will add cohesiveness to your portrait.

Use Patterns & Colors

 Make sure to bring in some colors and patterns to your photo shoot to really make your family photos a stunning success. Always make sure there is a balance between patterns and solids. For example, in a family photo shoot, if the daughters are in a floral dress, the dad could be in a striped shirt, and the mom and son in solids. Have fun and mix these patterns and textures to bring out your families personality. Stick with one to two patters amongst the family members paired with solids. Think about the feel you want your photo shoot to have. Patterns and colors really add to the photo and will both add personality and make the models pop. 

Layer it Up

Wear jewelry, cardigans, sweaters, boots over pants, belts, scarves, hats and any other textures that will add interest to your personality even more. Layers add depth to a photo. They also allow me us to change your look depending on the environment.

Let your Personality Shine

Do not stick to the tradition of all wearing one color. Show your personality through your outfits. Preview your outfits as a group prior to the photo shoot to make sure it works. Feel free to lay the outfits out on a plain sheet and text or email me a picture to give me a quick overview of your color scheme or if you want a little feedback. These are photos you will have for years so we want to make sure your attire reflects your family’s personality.

  Outfits with Movement

Depending on where you will be taking your photos, your outfit should work with your location. This is where Zella Urmson can help! Make sure your

outfit is comfortable for your surroundings. Be open to being creative and following my lead. I am the artist. The shoot may require movement so make sure your attire allows you to engage in the creative.

Make-up and Sunblock

Make-up should reflect your natural daily self. Balance your lips, checks and eyes with a little more than you normally would wear. NO SUNBLOCK THE DAY OF THE SHOOT ON ANY SUBJECTS. Sunblock is reflective and can create “white face” in your photo. EVEN TINTED MOISTURIZER can cause this effect.

Meaningful Props to Add Color and Emotions to Your Portrait

I encourage you to bring something sentimental or meaningful to you, to your photo shoot. Capturing you and your family using the object can bring even more emotions to your photo. I encourage you to bring props that are important to you and your family.

Pick your Setting

 The Bay Area has so many options for backdrops: from California’s fields of gold, green grasses, a variety of trees with colors, modern industrial backgrounds, coastal areas, lakes, rustic metal, and bucolic settings such as stone, wood and vineyards. I will work with you to find your perfect setting for your photo-shoot in an environment where you feel most yourself.

Visit zellaurmsonphotography.com to view all the different backgrounds the greater Bay Area has to offer. 

For 2023 “Fall Fashion Color Report”, see below.

Feel free to contact me with any questions! I am excited to be working with you!

Sincerely,

Ashlee Urmson

Zella Urmson Photography