“What do I wear for a photography session?” This is one of the most common questions photographers are asked.

The following is from an article by Amy Wister where she does a great job of answering this question.

Coordinate, don’t copy.

Identical matching styles are rarely fashionable or flattering, and there’s no reason your mini-me has to wear what you wear. One way to keep the entire family looking unified is through coordinating colors. Pick two to three colors that are flattering for everyone, and work those colors into each outfit in varying degrees. Try one of these gorgeous color combinations: 1. Red-Grey-Silver-Khaki-Denim 2. Blue-White-Khaki-Yellow 3. Brown-Tan-Red-Denim 4. Blue-Purple-Beige-White.

Turn up the texture.

Add interest, personality and lift to your family photos with texture. Whether it’s a nubby sweater, a tweedy scarf or a fur vest, varying textures adds dimension and visual interest. Use texture in unexpected ways. A tulle skirt, a gleaming metallic shoe, or a denim jacket paired with a lace top or dress will add an element of surprise to the images. Mix patterns to create texture. The most foolproof way to do this is to contrast pattern size (i.e., a small pattern with an oversized one) while keeping the colors similar. If you choose to work with a stripe or a plaid, it’s most effective when used in small doses. Avoid both wavy designs and really tiny prints. Add texture through color. Pile on the rich jewel-tones for a glamorous look, working these colors in small ways into the whole family’s look. Or use varying shades of a particular hue to create a soft but interesting color palette.

Shine your shoes.

Nothing ruins a great shot like a beat-up pair of shoes Please leave the Crocs and cross trainers at home. Instead the entire family should don their best footwear for the occasion, or else ditch them altogether in favor of (well-groomed!) bare feet. Keep footwear age-appropriate. For children simple ballet flats, mary janes and loafers are best.

Statement shoes.

Every woman knows that shoes complete an outfit, and this is the time to pick a really fabulous, wildly impractical pair that will elevate the whole look.

Clean & pretty feet.

If you decide to go shoeless, make sure feet are well-groomed, and stay away from anklets or toe rings. Polish is nice but not necessary if you prefer a more casual look. Heels help. Heels are always a flattering pick for women by enhancing posture, creating a longer line, and generally making a more flattering silhouette than a flat shoe. Flatter your figure. If you’re going to immortalize an outfit, you might as well make it one that makes you look your best. Before the photo shoot take time to sit, stand and pose in front of a mirror to make sure clothes fit and flatter.

Tips for flattering a woman’s shape.

If a woman carries much of her shape in her hips, a beautiful short statement necklace, a gorgeous collar, or a top with interesting details at the shoulder will draw the eye upward. A-line skirts, empire waist dresses (fitted just below the bust), horizontal necklines and straight-leg pants are all flattering silhouettes for this body type. Keep pockets and other details around the hips minimal.

If her body is proportional (meaning the hips and shoulders are about the same) and the waist is defined, she will be more flattered by vertical lines, such as a v-neckline or a long necklace. Recommended are fluid lines, wrap dresses, belting at the natural waist, and boot-cut pants.

If the shoulders and hips are proportional but the waist is not defined, the illusion of a waistline can be created by adding interest at the hips and the shoulders with epaulets, collars, embellishments or color. Ruching at the waist helps to further define the waistline. The best pants for this type are a graduated flare.

All body types look gorgeous in wrap tops, A-line skirts, and jackets cinched at the waist.

Aim for classic but current.

Ditch the extremely date-able trends and stick to classic shapes like sheaths, straight-leg pants, and button-front shirts. Keep in mind that timeless doesn’t need to be dreary. If your style tends to be trendy, classic shapes can make the color or pattern of the season more palatable in years to come. Classicists can pull timeless pieces from their existing wardrobes and update them with current accessories. Details such as color and texture are additional ways to make these items your own.

Avoid makeup mistakes.

Makeup should be bolder than what you wear for your everyday look. Don’t be afraid of color. A woman should make sure there is definition on the eyes, cheeks and lips because these features tend to fade in photographs if they are not accented with makeup. And while the color should be deep or bold, it should also be flattering. Stay away from harsh, garish colors or overly trendy makeup looks. Berries, reds, corals, plums and pinks are your best picks for lips and cheeks, and choose deep jewel tones for eyes, as well as grey or black. Beware of doing a very dark, smoky eye, as it may cause the eyes to look like they are sunken. And it goes without saying, use powder, powder, powder to eliminate shine! Of course, an appointment with a professional makeup artist is a fun and pampering way to kick off the day of the photo session.

Groom the guys.

Some men are reluctant to switch up their style for family photos, so it’s important to make sure that he feels like himself no matter what he’s wearing. That said, the details for him matter as much as they do for the woman, especially because there are fewer of them. Make sure his shirt and pants are clean and well-pressed — no dingy whites. Shoes should be clean and shined. Socks should match the pants, not the shoes. Nothing like a white athletic sock peeking out from a pair of khakis to throw off a whole shot.

Accessorize artfully.

It’s trendy today to pile on a statement necklace, armfuls of bangles and multiple layered colors, but ten years from now, these details will date your photo. Instead, pick a couple of gorgeous pieces you love and limit it to that. For everyone in the photo, one or two carefully selected embellishments make a stronger impact than piles of careless ones. A statement accessory is called that for a reason. One is best, and two is pushing it. The eye needs the statement pieces to add interest, but it also needs a place to rest. If the accessories are sentimental or meaningful in some way, even better!

Children should look like children. Limit the scaled down versions of adult accessories. If a single, oversized bow suits her style, go for it, but then scale back her other accessories to perhaps an additional sentimental piece. Women can express themselves the most through accessories. A favorite way to add interest is through a gorgeous cuff in a strong color or a gleaming metal. If you prefer earrings, make sure they are visible with your hairstyle yet not too distracting.

Keep hair natural.

The ideal way for you to wear your hair is in the very best version of your natural, everyday looks. Mom can pamper herself and invest in a professional blowout for a polished look.

For kids, pick simple, flattering styles that will last the duration of the session without requiring too much fuss. If the little girl’s hair always ends up in her eyes, consider a headband or a clip to pull it off her face.

Make sure little boy hair is well-groomed but not so neat and slick that he is unrecognizable.

Men, if possible, should be clean-shaven, unless they wear a beard. No stubble.

Treat hair accessories as you do any other accessory, and keep balance in mind. A standout hair accessory, whether it’s a wide colored band for mom or a large flower hair clip for a girl, means keeping other accessories to a minimum. Limit the look to two statement accessories (anything bold, oversized, or colorful), and keep the rest of the adornments simple.

Smile.

You will look beautiful when you are having fun. Smiling, laughing, being affectionate, and enjoying your time together is the perfect icing on the cake.