Why Maxi Dresses are a Must for Family Photo Outfits!

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Maxi Dresses are a MUST for a Stunning Photo Session!

If you have made it to this page, chances are you are either thinking about booking a session, or you’ve already booked one. Either way, I am glad you are here! In this post I’d like to shed a little light on why I think maxi dresses are a must for family photo outfits!

Booking a professional photo session is an investment in art that will last a lifetime, and hopefully longer, so let’s talk about what will make your photos stand out. You might think about things like lighting, the cameras and lenses I use, the location, your expression, and so on. Most of that you are trusting to me, as you should. Additionally, you are hopefully trusting my creativity and vision for your shoot, which is why I am not going to beat around the bush about what you should and shouldn’t wear to your session!

Part of turning an everyday snapshot into a work of art is in what you wear. I’ll be the first to admit that we all love a cozy pair of leggings or sweats around the house. And when it comes to jeans, I wear them on the regular, and probably will wear them to your session! However I am behind the camera, not in front! Your photo session is not every day, so capitalize on this opportunity to break out of your every day routine. This is the perfect time to get your hair and makeup done, put on a dress you love, and really look and feel your best!

Read on for six reasons why wearing a maxi dress to your session is an absolute must! I think you might just agree with me 🙂

1. THEY ELEVATE YOUR SESSION

I am guessing if you have invested in professional photography you are looking for photos that stand out from your everyday selfies. Then let’s leave the every day clothes at home too! While I wear and love jeans and leggings on the daily myself, they just don’t add anything to your images compared to the elegance, movement and romance a maxi dress can give your photos. Walking hand in hand with your dress blowing in the wind is romantic! Twirling in jeans? Not the same! Dancing with your daughter in leggings? Blah compared to swinging around hand in hand with your little girl in dresses. Maxis are like art, poetry, fine wine…they just add that extra beauty to your session that other family photo outfits can’t!

2. THEY JUST FLOOOOOW

Sure, I specialize in still photography, but that doesn’t mean a still photograph can’t have movement. And Maxi dresses bring the movement big time. Envision with me the skirt of your maxi flowing in a gentle breeze, gliding with a flick of your wrist, and fanning out in a beautiful drape as you spin. Pants just don’t do that!

3. THERE’S A STYLE FOR EVERYONE

Not usually a maxi girl? I get it! But I assure you there is a dress to suit your personal style. Whether you are boho chic and have a mountain session planned, or city cool and want to accessorize with boots and a hat for a downtown street art shoot- the perfect dress is out there! I am happy to help you find it. Whether you want long sleeve, short sleeve, spaghetti strap, lace or crochet, silk or satin, velvet or cotton, floor length or hi-lo. I assure you the fashion world has made the dress for you to wear for family photo outfits!

4. THEY ARE A PROP

Normally I am not a huge fan of props, but what is better than a prop that is built into what you are wearing? Maxi’s are a natural prop for both you and your kids, since you can twirl and spin in them. You can hold onto the skirt, your kids can play peek-a boo behind the skirt, and you can run and let the wind carry the billowing fabric! 

5. THEY ARE EASY TO MOVE IN

You never know where our sessions may take us, but having a maxi dress where you can easily just pick up your skirt and hop over a big rock, climb over a creek or scramble up the side of a hill is much better than being stuck in a too-tight dress or stiff pair of jeans. With the versatile nature of maxis they look great paired with sandals, ballet flats, cowboy or combat boots, not just fancy heels or wedges! Which means you will still look great and you won’t be stuck in shoes you can’t walk in!

6. YOU CAN SAY GOODBYE TO INSECURITIES

As much as I wish all of us loved our bodies just the way they are, many of us nitpick at perceived flaws. Whether those flaws are real or not, the great thing about maxi dresses is they come in a multitude of shapes and styles. Whether you want a 3/4 sleeve frock to cover your arms, or an empire waisted one to cover a post childbirth tummy, there is a dress for you. Hey, I think you look perfect just as you are, but the maxi dress has got you covered! 🙂

If I haven’t convinced you to wear a flowy dress to your session with those six reasons, then my big ask of you would be this; try to find ways to bring a little movement to your session in other pieces. No matter what you wear, I know you are wanting to look your best during your session. Bring a little movement into your family photo outfits with pieces like a kimono duster, a long flowy maxi skirt or a fun pair of wide leg pants. If you spin around in front of your mirror and things move freely then great! If not, keep looking. We want to create lasting timeless, beautiful images that are fine art for your walls. I hope these suggestions help you in planning your next outfit.

Not sure where to shop? The stores below are some of my favorite spots for maxi dresses and the whole family alike!

JOYFOLIE | FREE PEOPLE | ZARA | BALTIC BORN | ANTHROPOLOGIE | TARGET | MANGO | LULU’S | ASOS | FOREVER 21 | H&M

Haven’t booked your session yet?

While dates are limited for fall sessions, there’s still a little room on the calendar! Whether you are in Colorado, Washington, DC, Michigan or Florida, don’t wait any longer because the prime slots are nearly full! Just get in touch to ask a question, or schedule directly to show off your new dress, and more importantly, your beautiful family!