You booked your family photo session. Now it’s time to get everyone’s outfits ready. Here are a handful of stylist-approved tips to consider when deciding what to wear for family photos.
Plan Ahead
Waiting until the last minute, especially with family photos, is a risk we don’t recommend making. Do yourself, and your family, a favor and plan out everyone’s outfit ahead of time. This will give you a chance to make sure everything fits everyone (essential with growing kids!) and is comfortable. Keep in mind you may be posing in different positions so the outfits should be comfortable sitting, squatting, etc. Don’t forget to prep the clothes before the day of so they’re wrinkle and stain free.
Consider your home decor
It’s safe to assume you’re going to want to display your family photos in your home. That’s why you should consider the color scheme of your home, when selecting everyone’s outfits. For example, if your home is primarily decorated in neutrals you likely won’t want to dress everyone in bright colors. Go with a color scheme that’s similar to your home décor so when the photos are displayed it flows with your home.
Stick with Solids
While patterns and prints can be fun, they can also be overwhelming if your entire family is dressed in them. Focus on solid colors for the majority of the outfits. Solid colors tend to photograph beautifully and don’t take away from your beautiful family. To add some personality and dimension to everyone’s outfits, mix different textures together instead of the use of a lot of patterns. If you want to add a pop of pattern, just be sure it’s done in moderation and not included in every family member’s outfit. Be sure to use the other outfits to complement the patterns, with solid colors.
Start with one outfit first
Trying to style every family member’s outfit at the same time will lead to major overwhelm. Instead, start with one outfit and then another and another. Styling looks one at a time makes it easier to visualize how the looks will complement one another.
Coordinate, don’t match
Gone are the days of the entire family wearing the same exact outfit. Selecting outfits that coordinate, rather than matchy-matchy gives your family a complementing aesthetic that’s much more modern. It also allows each family member to be an individual and stand out.
Don’t forget shoes and accessories
Two areas that are often overlooked? Shoes and accessories! Remember to style complete head to toe outfits for every family member. Shoes are crucial for everyone, and anyone who needs an accessory or two to tie the outfits together.
Still deciding what to wear for family photos?
When it comes to family portraits, one of the most common questions we get is, “What should we wear?” It’s a tricky decision! Since these photos will last a lifetime, you want to make sure your entire family looks as good as possible. But at the same time, you also want them to look like themselves — not wearing stuffy clothes that make them feel uncomfortable. We always recommend wearing clothing that makes you feel and look your best, which can be different for every person.
Have you booked your fall mini session?
Fall is here and that means that mini session season is too! Mini sessions are a great way to update your family photos. We offer mini sessions once a year and book limited spots on a first come, first served basis. Whatever your style, we have a backdrop to match this year! Having photos taken can be hard! Blocking an entire hour or more out of your life can be extremely difficult, especially if you’ve got a family in tow. Sometimes you just need a quick little session to get some great photos of you and yours! Well, here’s your shot!
