What to Wear: Family Photos
What your family decides to wear to a photo shoot can truly affect the overall feel of the image itself.
But, you don't have to be a fashionista to look great in a photo!
Below are a five key pointers (as well as a slideshow with fun fall palettes and inspiration) to help
you decide the right clothing for family's photo shoot!
#1. Don't all match! While it might be tempting (and easier) to just put everyone in a white polo, jeans, and brown shoes, remember: you're a family not a bridal party! You want your own unique personalities to shine through the photo. By wearing the exact same thing, it takes away from this. It also is the first thing people will notice about your photo--this is not the goal! You want the focus to be on your faces and smiles. So, please, please, please color coordinate! But at the same time, try not to have every single member of the family in the same color or shade. (See sample color palette suggestions.) Just try to choose colors that pair well together. Some examples are earth tones (tans, browns, blues, sage, olive, burnt range, mustard yellow, etc.) or jewel tones (amethyst purple, emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, etc.) Sometimes it's fun to use an accent color (everyone in black, white, and grey with red as your accent). You can incorporate white into every combination. Denim jeans always work!
#2. Keep it simple! Avoid busy prints on everyone: screen printed shirts, various plaid and/or polka dots on everyone, logos, writing/images, thick stripes, (did I mention LOGOS), etc. More subtle, solid colors tend to photograph better than a lot of bright colors or a lot of white. Again, this is because you want the focus to be on your faces, and bright, busy patterns or colors can become distracting when looking at a photo. And remember, if just one of you is wearing the bright, busy pattern, all eyes will go to that person when looking at the photo.
#3. Take the trend out of trendy! What I mean by this is--while it may be tempting--avoid being too trendy. What?? I know, I know! But, think about this: parachute pants, tie-dye, and acid wash jeans were all very trendy at one point in time, right?? Well, when you see people in photographs from the 80's wearing those trendy types of outfits, the image looks very dated (and, often, somewhat comical). Your family photo is an item that will hang in your living room for years to come! So please, remember that this is a family photo not a modeling session for a fashion spread :-) Please wear items that lend to your personality, but are also classic, simple, and endearing.
#4. Location, location, location! Think about the location and theme of the photo shoot. For example, if the shoot is on the beach in the middle of summer, perhaps opt for a sun dress or khaki shorts. If the shoot is in the fall with the leaves changing color, flip-flops and a tank top may not work so well. Also, think about the background of the pictures. For example, if the background is especially green, avoid wearing lots of green--you'll become washed out in the image. Also, please avoid wearing white--it can be a bit of a challenge to photograph, and can also become washed out. And just keep in mind the season, background, surrounding colors, etc. of your unique photo session!
#5. Accessories! Accessories are a great way to show off your personality. Scarves, shoes, jewelry, hats, etc. Keep it simple, but have fun with it! Accessories can turn "blah" into "Ahhhh"! Accessories are very important, and when a child wears accessories (such as a hat, scarf, or layers), it adds more options and interest to photographs.
Hope this helps! Still feeling stuck? Feel free to contact me for more ideas and to chat about wardrobe ideas!
Here are a few more samples and palettes:
Here are a few more samples and palettes: