What to wear for your family session.
The question I'm asked most often before a family photography session is 'What should we wear for our family photos?' The single most important consideration when choosing your outfits is that everyone feels comfortable and confident. It's important to like how you all look in your pictures since you'll be keeping them forever. Focus on achieving a cohesive look and dress in outfits that will allow your photos to have a timeless feel.
Based on my family photography experience, I'm sharing some suggestions here that will improve your pictures and ensure they'll look just as good in thirty years' time as they do today. Your clothing should reflect your family's style.
I always recommend that mom finds something she feels amazing in, and then work the rest of the family's outfits off of that. I encourage Moms to wear long dresses that have movement and allow for beautiful movement photography. Of course, the most important part of your family portrait is to document the love that your family shares.
Pick a Palette
Start by picking a palette of 3-4 colors. Let this be your starting point. When putting together your palette, think in terms of color tones: blue tones, earth tones, neutrals, pastels, etc. Consider tones that you like. Everyone in the family can express their own sense of style within the chosen color palette, and the whole group will coordinate beautifully.
Coordinate, don't match
Choose colors that complement each other but are not overly matchy-matchy. For example, avoid wearing the same color top as your spouse or putting your kids in the same matching dresses. By selecting a color scheme and using hues that complement each other, you can achieve a more natural look.
Muted Colors
Skip the tiny prints and patterns because they do not show up in photos. Big stripes, polka dots, and other graphic patterns look great. Try to have only one patterned outfit for family shoots for every two people. Decide on a color scheme and stick to it. Keep your family's favorite colors in mind and try to coordinate the colors within the scheme. Don't choose one color for all family members, but instead, choose a couple of colors that are in harmony.
Layering
Layers are a great way to add depth and variety to your outfits, as we can shoot the base outfit both with and without the added layer. During the colder months (fall and winter), adding layers to your outfits always looks stunning in portraits! For example, a sweater with a flannel underneath paired with a vest, statement necklace or scarf adds so much dimension to your images and makes for super fun posing options! Even during the warmer months (spring and summer), you can add these layers and dimension by wearing a tank top with a cute sheer cardigan or by throwing a denim vest over a dress. Layers also offer variety in posing and movement, such as utilizing pockets on a jacket or twirling in a long cardigan. Using Pinterest boards for inspiration is your best friend, so don't hesitate to use it!
Fit your style to your location
This one is HUGE! We live in VT folks, so that means if we are in a field…. You may not want to wear heels! OR at least bring a change of shoes for walking.
Always keep your session location in mind when choosing your outfit. Are you going to be on the beach where there are plenty of neutral tones or under a tree surrounded by bright fall foliage? Select a color palette for your outfits that will complement the setting. Pick out items of clothing in colors that will complement your background and not compete with it.
Be comfortable
Avoid including any clothes in your family session wardrobe that make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, as we will be doing various activities that require comfortable clothing. We will most likely be sitting on the ground, laying down, walking and doing other things that could be difficult if your clothing is uncomfortable!
