DOES IT REALLY MATTER WHAT SHOES YOU WEAR TO YOUR PHOTOSHOOT?
I'll tell you what I think, but ultimately, it's up to you. You're the keeper of your photographs. If you love your photos, then so do I!
match the environment
Most of my family portrait sessions take place around local parks. You're going to be walking and standing in grass. It's not that you can't wear heels, but I wouldn't wear stilettos. You want your shoes to make sense in the environment where we're shooting. If we're at a farm or out in the woods, for example, boots are my number one choice for shoe. If we're downtown or shooting a headshot session, you can rock a dress shoe. Sometimes, it can be a fun editorial choice to wear really fancy clothes in a casual environment. If that's the aesthetic you want to achieve, then wear your fanciest shoes and slay! But otherwise, don't go too dressy.
try to be consistent as a group
If your entire family is in casual shoes, and you're in glossy high heels, you're going to look mismatched, and probably not in a quirky way that works. Likewise, if everyone is wearing cable knit sweaters and khakis, leave the neon orange gym shoes at home.
In warmer months, it's perfectly fine to go barefoot! If you don’t have nicer shoes that compliment your outfits, I think it looks better to just be barefoot versus wearing shoes that don’t really match. But it's an all or nothing choice. Either everyone goes barefoot, or no one does.
You want some kind of uniformity when it comes to what's on your feet. The goal is for everyone's shoes to essentially blend into the background, not draw your attention.
STAPLES
Adidas, Vans, Converse
Classic, low-profile athletic shoes are a safe bet for almost any session. If you can't afford these name brands, many big box stores and online retailers have affordable knock off versions. I think they have potential to work with just about any outfit, including dresses. And they work in every season.
A Chunky Mary Jane
I've had these shoes from b.o.c. for YEARS, and I wear them all the time for photoshoots. They're super comfy, and they work year round with almost any outfit, even jeans.
A Good Boot.
My favorite boots right now are my black leather Doc Martens. I was skeptical about purchasing them when I saw the price tag, but they are actually so comfortable, even more so after I broke them in. I get compliments on them all the time. I love wearing them with barrel jeans and skirts. But if combat boots aren't your style, go with an ankle or knee-high boot. Brown or black, doesn't matter.
Guys: Unless you're getting married or taking pictures for work, don't wear anything that might require shoe polish. Go with a dressy sneaker or a suede boot instead.
Native for Kids
Native makes a great rubber play shoe that looks more like a sneaker. These play shoes, even the knock off versions, can be a great option for kids if you get them in a neutral color. I don't want you to force your child to wear shoes they hate. So something like this can be a good compromise!
Make sure your kids' shoes fit!
kids are unpredictable. asking them to squeeze into shoes that are too tight or hold onto shoes that are too big, even if only for 15 minutes, is a gamble, and it can backfire.
I've seen kids have meltdowns because of their shoes not fitting right, and it can be hard to overcome in such a short amount of time.
NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT SHOES?
I love shopping, and I'm happy to help you find shoes to match your outfits!
But don't forget to ask family and friends about borrowing shoes! I would not expect you to buy new shoes that will only be worn once or twice. It's perfectly fine to get thrifty!
