Don't show up to a session in neons...

So many little mommas STRESS OUT to the max about what everyone should wear to their session. Well, I'm here to help! I'm gonna break it down with these FIVE tips for fashion success at your next photo session with Brook Hollis Photography...it goes without saying...no neons.


1 DO YOU (FIRST) BOO

My first rule for every session that involves a "mom" is get the MOM outfit first then style the rest of the family around YOU. Let's be real honest here...us moms are very critical of ourselves. We nitpick the shit out of every wrinkle, pooch, misplaced hair, and does our ass really look like that? Yes, your ass does look like that and in my humble opinion it's perfect. It comes with age, but accepting what you look like RIGHT NOW is so important. We're all aging by the minute and it's an unstoppable truth. You NEED to be in these photos so your family can look back at them and see how gorgeous you are. I love looking at images of my mom and grandmother from the past. They were so young and full of life...all that promise of the future twinkling in their eyes. Don't deprive your kiddos of having that to look back on one day.

Once you get the mommy outfit picked and all set then start picking pieces for the rest of the family that coordinates with your style and colors. If you MUST alllllll wear fucking white...dear lord please throw in a pattern or two for my mental stability. This is why I drink and other things.


2 BAGGY IS BAD (MOST OF THE TIME & in some spots)

So many women show up to a session with very loose shirts or dresses thinking that this will hide the extra pounds we may have accumulated while keeping our families alive and mostly happy. STOP IT...just stop. Only 110lbs 6'4" models look good in that boho moo moo or that paper bag dress. If you're on the thicker side or just not real happy with your body...going big isn't always better in photos. For example, I am built like a 16 year old boy who's already starting varsity for high school football. I have no waist, man arm muscles, and ribs that protrude about 2 inches more than my boobs. Yes, I'm built for war and a bloody viking's dream girl. Its super cool...in high school kids would chant "basketball ass" at me while I schooled their fucking lame ass girls basketball team...I digress.

When I need to actually spruce it up a bit I have to pick outfits/dresses that create a waist. Here are a few examples:

Obsessed w/this jumpsuit from Three Bird Nest - it creates a waist and the flair helps too

Same dress from Baltic Born just different colors and body types. The belt waist creates nice curves and FLOWY is good!!

Dada Apparel is a local GEM...I own this jumpsuit and its as comfy as it is cute...seriously...plus...FRINGE! Country hipster yes.

3 DON'T KEEP UP WITH THE JONES'S

For the love of all that is good and holy in this world...dress like YOU and let your kids be comfortable. My sessions are HIGH energy and playful so being comfy while also looking great is recommended. If you're squeezed into a dress like a summer sausage everyone will suffer...trust me...everyone. You're already pissed at your husband because you know he hates this shit, your kids will be extra annoying on photoshoot day - its just science at this point - expect it, you're stressed about everyone "smiling with their eyes open, and not being able to breathe and uncomfortable will make allll that way worser. Here are some outfits that are comfy and also look great in photos:

Yes please! This whole outfit is a YES from Three Bird Nest

Vici casual colder weather option. I adore this.

4 MATCHING IS OK

I have nothing against matching...I think its adorable. Bailey's Blossoms is super affordable and has several matching options for the mommas and girls. Sorry fellas...oh like you give a good hot terd.

Matching options from Bailey's Blossoms

5 BRING OPTIONS

Yes I'm serious! I had a client (who sadly moved away) that would bring a suitcase to her sessions...now that is a bit overboard, but I loved that she wanted my input. I highly recommend bringing a quick change option, especially for the kids. This outfit change can be a bribery option - AND OH MAN DO I USE BRIBERY! HOT TIP - instead of promising your kid the world or all the candy they can stand - let them pick out their own outfit for the end of the shoot. It can be their baseball jersey, last year's halloween costume, something with their favorite stuffed animal, or just their PJs!! The whole reason that you're getting a photo session in the first place is you want to capture who THEY are at this moment...so let them be THEM. One of my most favorite sessions used this tip and its one of my alllll time favorite images - get it Captain America aka Lincoln!!!! See below.

To wrap this show up,

  1. DO YOU FIRST BOO
  2. BAGGY IS BAD (MOST OF THE TIME & IN SOME SPOTS)
  3. DON'T KEEP UP WITH THE JONES'S
  4. MATCHING IS OK
  5. BRING OPTIONS

be YOU, be comfy, create a waist, bribe your children the right way (candy is ok too), and yes you can bring booze too. Love Brook