Dressing your family for family photos is stressful! Add in some sensory issues and it becomes a totally different beast. You may even be putting it off for that reason. Here are some tips for how to dress your kids with sensory issues for family photos without pulling out all your hair. (From a photographer and mom who has been there).
- Look for fabrics that they already like. Your kid probably gravitates towards certain fabrics and we can totally work with that. Generally, we want to pick either solid colors or simple patterns. Avoiding graphic t-s (not always but usually). Also avoid neon colors or colors that may cast a strong color onto their face.
- Try clothes on ahead of time. Do NOT spring new clothes on them in the parking lot. It does not work.
- Let them help pick. Give them options to choose from (from clothes you or your photographer has already chosen).
- Wear something underneath. One year I had a dress for my daughter that I was in LOVE with. She was ok with it until she tried it on and the smocked top was uncomfortable. We were able to layer a swim suit top underneath and it worked great!
- Bring their favorite PJs for the ride home. If they still are iffy with what to wear, remind them they can change IMMEDIATELY after we are done.
- Safe fabric choices: cotton, modal, muslin, jersey.
- Wear to shop for basics that are comfy and photograph well: Remie Girl, Old Navy, Jamie Kay, Target, primary. Comment with your sensory friendly shops!
- Let them wear whatever the heck they want. It’s more important to have photos together than to have a perfectly coordinated outfit.
Photographers: add this post to your client prep to help your clients feel taken care of!
