So, you've booked your family photo session, now what do you wear?
My kids tend to pick one or two favorite t-shirts and want to wear them on repeat, so when it comes time for family photos, I'm left thinking, what are we going to where? Picking out outfits that will coordinate, look good, and keep everyone happy during our session can feel stressful, but hopefully these tips will help check this off the list so you can take a deep breath and relax a bit before our session.
Start with one person and work your way out.
I will often start by focusing on one person's outfit and working my way out from there. If I have a dress that I know I will be stunning in, I'll pick that and then choose colors for my family based off of that. Or maybe you have one kid who will only wear blue (is this just me?) So, I'll pick his outfit out and then make sure the rest of us coordinate. Is this session a birthday gift for grandma? Start with her and build your way out. In this photo, mom had a stunning white wrap and blue jeans. She then gave everyone shades of white, blue and gray to complete the family look.
Avoid Neon Colors and Words
As cool as my oldest son thinks his bright orange polo is, it is just not the best for pictures! Neon colors can cast colors on to your skin and may not be the most flattering. Shirts with words on them distract from the most important part of the photo...you and your family! By sticking to solid colors and simple patterns, we will highlight the love in your family in these photos.
Coordinate, but don't Match
It may be easier to tell the whole family to come in jeans and a white shirt to your family session or extended family session, but that doesn't show the uniqueness of each member of the family or provide interesting elements to your photos. Think about where you might want to display these photos. Our home has very neutral walls, so the pops of colors of the jewel tones gives a flair of color when hung on our wall. I use the tips above as my starting place. If I start with one color that looks good on someone, then I expand out to the whole crew with complimentary colors.
Make sure clothing fits and you are comfortable
I always try to get as many wears out of a new pair of jeans or shirt for my kids by trying to buy up a size, but for family photos, try to make sure clothes are in the Goldilocks sweet spot of just the right size. Too big will leave lots of wrinkles as you cuddle and too small will make for uncomfortable kiddos. Same goes for grown ups. You are going to be sitting and standing and cuddling with your kids during our session, so you want to make sure that you are comfortable in your clothes too.
At the end of the day, your clothes are not the most important thing
These photographs highlight the love of you and your family. If one kid wants to wear their favorite pink shirt and another their favorite red, then that is really okay and you will laugh about their unique style for years to come. As long as your family is comfortable and ready to spend quality time together, we will create beautiful images for you to cherish.