WHAT TO WEAR FOR SCHOOL PHOTO DAY

Preparing for your kids personality portraits? Choosing the right outfit for your child can make a big difference in how their portrait turns out. As your Whidbey Island photographer, I'm here to help guide you through selecting the perfect attire that will ensure your child's photo looks timeless and beautiful.

A fine art portrait showing a child with curly hair wearing a brown shirt against a dark background.

Keep It Simple

For Fine Art Personality Portraits, solid colors are a great choice. Earth tones blend really naturally with skin and hair and look nice against the black background.


A material with some sort of texture will also add dimension. These help in keeping the focus on your child’s face and expressions without any distractions.


Solid colors create a classic look that won’t date the photo as trends change. Avoid loud, neon colors which can reflect oddly on skin tones and detract from the natural beauty of your child’s features. I can’t say this enough.. NO NEON or your kids face will be neon.

Choose Comfortable, Classic Tops

Since all shots are shoulder-up, the focus should really be on the upper part of your child’s outfit. Choose a top that is comfortable for your child, as a relaxed kid is more likely to show genuine expressions. Opt for classic collars or simple necklines that frame their face well. Think about textures too; a soft, knitted sweater or a smooth cotton shirt can add a nice touch without overpowering the photo. Also, make sure the child’s shirt fits well.


Avoid Distracting Accessories

Hats and large bows might look cute, but they can overshadow your child's face in a portrait. It's best to avoid these as they can also create shadows or obscure facial features. Similarly, keep hair accessories simple and functional rather than decorative.


Hair and Grooming

Make sure your child’s hair is neat and tidy, keeping it out of their eyes. This not only helps in capturing their full expressions but also ensures that their face is clearly visible, contributing to a polished and professional-looking portrait. A simple hairstyle will complement the classic nature of the portrait without causing distractions.

a child with blonde hair and a green shirt smiling against a dark background.

What to Avoid

It’s best to steer clear of tops with logos, graphics, or bold patterns. If you do choose a pattern make sure the colors are not bold. A soft earth toned pattern like cream and brown will be nice, a bold contrasting pattern like black and white stripes or bold plaid will take attention away from your child's portrait.


These elements can distract from the main focus of the portrait—your child’s expressions. Also, overly bright or neon colors can create unflattering shadows and highlights on the face, so it’s better to choose more subdued shades.


Final Thoughts

Remember, the goal is to capture the essence of your child’s personality through these portraits, so dressing them in something they feel good and comfortable in is key. If you have any doubts or need further advice on what to choose, don’t hesitate to contact us at Kristen Saulnier Photography. We’re here to make sure your child’s photo day is a success!


Looking forward to capturing beautiful, timeless portraits of your children this year!