The dos and don’ts of What to Wear for School Picture Day | Pierce County School Photographer
Picture Day at school is highly anticipated. There is a lot of prep that goes into looking your best in hopes that your photo will be perfect!
I remember when I was in school, the older I got the more important what I wore became. I also look back at some of the things that my mom put me in as a kid for picture day and think “but why?”.
As a professional pierce county school portrait photographer I am going to give you the 5 dos and 5 don’ts when it comes to what to wear for picture day!
Don’t Wear Neon! Do wear neutrals!
Neons are a big NO NO! Neon colors are highly saturated and light will absolutely reflect off your child’s shirt and onto their face! Yikes! This will result in Aiden’s Neon yellow shirt shining brightly under his chin and casting a neon yellow color on his neck and jaw line. That, dear friend, is not what you want. Neutrals like Cream, Tans, soft Blues and Grey are great choices!
Don’t wear a hoodie! Do wear a crew neck sweater!
Hoodies are bulky and bunch up behind the head. If a sweater is the look you are going for its best to stick to a crew neck. Be very mindful of what you wear under your sweater though because if the neck line is large or slides to one side you will be able to see your shirt underneath and we want to avoid it peaking out unintentionally.
Don’t wear shirts with Graphics and Text! Do wear simple patterns!
Text and graphics on shirts is really cute. I mean I loved my kids “I love my Mom” shirts a lot, but for picture day we are going for a timeless feel. If you don’t want to send your child to school in a solid color and want something a little more fun, try a simple or subtle pattern. Think polkadots, stripes or a thin plaid.
Don’t wear tank tops! Do wear short sleeves!
It can still be warm during the season picture day takes place. In that case opt for a short sleeve rather than a tank top. Just don’t do it. You will thank me later.
Don’t Pick something out morning of picture day! Do set out clothes the night before!
If you are like me you are a last minute prepper. But if there is one thing I have learned in my years as a photographer and having my own photos taken each year, its to plan your outfit in advance. So go through your options, try things on and set out your chosen clothes the night before picture day. It will help you and your child feel relaxed and ready for picture day.
A fewest dos and don’ts for picture day!
Do wear tops with texture. Tops with texture add a little bit of interest to the photo.
Don’t have your child wear a hat. The brim of the hat will put their face in shadow and/or cause uneven lighting on their face.
Do let your child help in picking out his/her outfit. A comfortable kid who helps is happier for picture day.
Don’t stress too much about the bottom half of their outfit. (Unless it’s neon). it’s likely that only the chest up will be captured in their pictures.
Do dress your child in a top that fits. This is not the time for sizing up for room to grow. The baggy fit can photograph sloppy.
If you are feeling overwhelmed after reading this blog just keep it simple. Choose colors that your child looks great in, stay away from distracting graphics and make sure the clothes fit well.
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