It can be a daunting task to pick an outfit for yourself and the rest of your family members - especially if you're coordinating the photoshoot for an extended family! I’m here to make it a bit easier for you, and with a few helpful guidelines we will try to narrow your options and bring clarity to your wardrobe.
what to wear for family photos
A FEW THINGS TO AVOID
Giant logos: shirts that have giant logos on them can distract from your beautiful faces. This is a guideline especially for the kiddos.
Neon colors: just say no to hot pink and lime green. These tend to be distracting from the main subject and reflect on your skin.
Sunburn: I can edit some skin redness but it would be much easier for everyone if we avoid it in the first place :)
Spray tan: It tends to photograph orange even when it’s applied subtly and by a professional. Your actual skin tone will photograph the most beautifully and naturally.
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As much as it is important to consider colors and textures when choosing what to wear for a family session, the biggest consideration should be to choose clothing that fits well, is comfortable, and makes each of you feel good! The more comfortably you can move, the more natural you’ll look in your photos.
make it comfortable
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A flowy dress can add a lot of movement and beauty to an outdoor beach session, while a more form fitting option is great for showing off a baby bump! Just avoid short dresses - it's usually breezy on the beach.
shape
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The idea is to choose a color palette of three or four complementary colors, and then dress the family in shades of that palette. You can start with one statement piece that has a classic pattern – this is most often mom’s outfit – and then pick up clothing for the rest of the family that draws from the colors in that outfit. Another alternative is to keep the color palette neutral (think greys, beiges, creams), and then introduce a pop of color here and there.
COORDINATING THE LOOKS
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Subtle floral patterns are a great way to break up solid colors, however, it’s best to have just one person in a family unit wearing a patterned piece to avoid too much visual noise. When picking patterns, choose smaller ones that won’t distract attention away from the main subject.
Patterns
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When choosing colors for your outfits, I recommend selecting lighter tones and muted shades. By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors, it will help bring all the attention to your faces and let the eye focus on the way you feel about each other. The camera loves all neutral and pastel tones: shades of soft blues, blush or greens, mixed with light neutrals like white, beige, cream, gray. That softer color palette fits beautifully with beach and ocean backdrop.
Choose A Color Palette
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Use the season to help select color schemes for your outfits. Pick out clothes that are functional and will look cohesive with the setting. Think of all the beautiful, soft colors of the beach during warm summer evenings.
season and location
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family session
style guide
