What to wear for family photos
I've done enough client sessions in recent years to know that picking out attire for family photos can be a daunting task. I'm here to help! If you book a session with me and want a second opinion on your selections, feel free to shoot me an email or text message. I am here to be your sounding board!
Here's 8 tips I suggest when styling your family for your next photo session!
Build the family wardrobe around one piece. Typically this piece is a statement piece, perhaps multi-colored or patterned. Think a plaid men's shirt or a floral dress. The colors in this piece can inspire the color palette for the rest of the family.
Stick to 3-4 colors for your color palette. Soft neutrals, such as denim, khaki, gray, navy and cream, are your friends. Muted tones are more appealing than saturated ones ... think mustard yellow, not hot pink!
Don't get too "matchy-matchy". Not everyone should be in a yellow top and blue pants. Don't feel the need to have the exact same shade of yellow or blue, either.
Layer, layer, layer. Layers give some options to work with and provide visual interest to the photo. This is harder to do in summer but pretty easy to accomplish in fall. Scarfs, tights, jackets, vests, sweaters and hats can all add dimension. Textures are also fantastic!
Don't forget about the shoes. They will show in some of the photos, so be sure they coordinate with your outfits. If you plan on wearing heels, it is a good idea to bring a pair of flats along. There's often a little walking involved in a photo session!
Keep your backdrop in mind. Are your photos in an outdoor setting or an urban one? What colors will be most apparent? What you choose to wear should somewhat go with your setting.
Prepare in advance! Make sure you lay it all the items together prior to the day of the shoot. This way you can ensure it all looks right and if it doesn't, you have time to make returns or go shopping again.
Most of all, be comfortable! You want everyone dressed in something they feel confident wearing. The clothing should fit your family's personality, too! In the end, if you feel good, it will come across in the photos!
Below is a photo of a past client family from last fall. As you can see, the daughter Nadia's floral dress established the color palette for the entire family. Brother Advin is looking very dapper in his layered look. And, mom and dad's looks complement each other in the best way. Add in a beautiful fall scene, and we have a great family photo! I love seeing it all come together. The effort put in by you, mamas, pays off!
