Can you believe September is basically over already?! Family sessions are in full swing this fall, and one of my favorite parts of planning these sessions is helping my clients pick out outfits for their family. Whether you want to go traditional, simple, trendy, etc., here are my top tips for dressing your family!
Limit patterns.
Patterns are great here and there, but if multiple people are wearing patterns it can draw attention away from what is really important. The more patterns involved, the more you may clash with the environment as well depending on the location you choose. Here is a good example of smart pattern choices (c. 2018)! The patterns are simple, and don’t draw attention to one individual person or outfit. With that being said, I do think well thought out pattern choices can enhance your photos if done right. Keep them a small part of the overall outfit choices and you’re on your way to a well balanced photo.
Think coordinating colors, not matching
We have all seen it— the classic white t-shirt and jeans family photograph. A sea of white and navy blue where it’s hard to tell where one person ends and another one begins. While it is a good idea to have everyone generally matching, individuality is key. Two people wearing the same color next to each other may blend together. Look for specific color palettes for outfits on Pinterest. There are a lot of great ideas, even specific options for each season. I personally think neutral tones are best with the occasional pop of color.
Leave shirts with words or characters at home
I have many clients show up to sessions with cute shirts that have special sayings on them, for example, “mama bear” and “papa bear”. While I do think these shirts are adorable, they are best left at home and worn for other occasions. If you are really hoping for a picture in these shirts, we can do a quick outfit change and take a couple shots of everyone in them. However, it can be hard to read what is written on the shirts, especially in a photograph. For the words to be readable in a picture, everyone has to stand straight, stiff, and still. This is not quite my style! I am always asking my clients to move or interact with each other. Also, steer clear of shirts with brand names or characters. These can be a cause for distraction as well.
Dress comfortably, but think business casual and timeless!
A lot of my locations require a good amount of walking, so make sure to wear something you would be comfortable walking around in. Wear shoes that you wouldn’t mind getting a little bit dirty (and make sure you can walk in them!), and pants you might not mind kneeling down or sitting in. Have the kids wear something they feel comfortable in as well and not something you have to convince them to wear. If they feel comfortable, the higher chance they will look and act comfortable in the photos as well. Simple, plain dresses and shirts are the way to go, in my opinion. Neutral color palettes are also a plus. Try to steer clear from anything too trendy that may go out of style in a couple years.
Use accessories and outerwear to create layering and depth to your outfits
A good necklace, scarf, or jacket can add some great layering to your outfits. This helps create depth within the outfit and the photo. Textured items can also make the photos more interesting. For guys, try rolling the sleeves up 3/4 length, adding a casual jacket, or a vest. For kids, bows in the hair, textured pants or shirts, and cute shoes are also great ways to add points of interest to your photos.
Consider matching your home decor
This might seem a bit odd to some, but if you plan on displaying your photos in your home, you may want it to match your overall color scheme and styling of your home. If you like neutral colors, for example, or have a pop of color you decorate with, consider matching your outfits to these types of things. It’s really the little things that make such a big difference once it’s all said and done!
With all of that being said, choosing outfits can be one of the most overwhelming parts of planning your photoshoot, which is why I am here to help! I absolutely love helping clients dress their families, and eagerly welcome any photos or outfit examples you want to send my way. At the end of the day, there isn’t one perfect color palette or style that I can recommend. It all boils down to who you are as a family, what you feel good in, and what you want to look at when your images are displayed on your wall or printed in a keepsake album.
I can’t wait to help you plan your family session! If you haven’t booked one already, fill out my contact form to get the process going. Happy Fall!