Thoughts about "dressing up" for a photo …

When I look at photos from the past, it is usually the faces and the location I am interested in.  However, clothing is still important. So to create a timeless photo, I like to think that it's not necessarily what you wear – but your clothing should suit your goals of the photo.

• Wear something that is comfortable physically and mentally.  Just because Gramma gave you that outfit doesn't mean it has to be worn if it's not working for you.  She'll love you just the same.
  
• Simple is usually a good thing.  Solid colors and classic styles let the focus be on the important thing: the person.
• Be versatile: Having a layer or two to add or remove can add variety.  Having a change of clothes can have the effect of looking like you had two or three photo sessions instead of one!
• The obvious: Dress for the occasion.  If you're going to be on location scraping honeycomb at a bee farm, you better wear on of those mesh suits ;)  If it's winter, don't wear a tank-top … as if you didn't know.  But seriously: since I shoot on location, keep it real and fun.
  
• Lastly, if you have more than one person together, it might be smart to do a "test-run" to make sure you don't have one person wearing the soft side of velcro and the other wearing the hard side. I assume you get the funny.

But when it comes down to it, it's you that get to keep and share these photos for eternity, so use your best judgment and remember … life goes on.