Last week a Wardrobe Wednesday fan posted a note asking for advice on pairing outfits with military ACUs (Army Combat Uniforms). To help us out, we decided to enlist military wife and photographer Rachel of Rachel Brenke Photography. She brought her unique perspective and came up with outfits for a couple as well as an entire family. They did a fantastic job!
Thank you so much, Rachel!
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As a military spouse, working intimately with clients who are going through deployments/homecomings can be really emotional. Getting ready for a homecoming or deployment session is completely different than one of family portraits that are done yearly. There’s always the real possibility this may be their last; at the very least, this is one of the things that will help the family get through the rough separation. Being in a military community, the majority of my clients are military, even if they prefer to shoot not in uniform. My biggest goal with getting ready for a session — especially one that is during or before a deployment — is to ensure that they have FUN because you are essentially taking up their limited time together and want to make it more than a session. Make it a memory. Of course the goal is for ALL clients to feel this, but with military it just seems to have that air of privilege that you get to be the one to document.
I chose the colors for the styled outfits because they are reminiscent of the yellow and blues that are often associated with the United States Military and flag. I avoided reds because red is not flattering on many individuals. The use of cooler tones helped tie this patriotic theme together, but also is more flattering for most body types and skin tones.
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SHOPPING GUIDE
Army Couple:
Dress – Old Navy– $35.00
Shoes – Target – $29.99
Necklace – Old Navy – $16.94
Bracelet – Old Navy – $10.94
Army Family:
Mom top – Old Navy – $18
Mom capris – Old Navy – $29.94
Mom sandals – Target – $14.99
Boys shirt – Target – 10.99
Boys Jeans – Crazy 8 – $19.95
Boys shoes – Target – $19.99
Girls Dress – Target – $17.99
Girls sandals – Payless – $9.99
Rachel Brenke Photography is a Texas-based Wedding & Senior Photographer, as well as a business consultant for photographers. She offers online and in-person workshops for all levels of photographers to aid in establishing and growing of their business.
