What to Wear for Family Photos
My recommendations for planning your family portrait session…
It’s hard, I get it. Figuring out what each family member should… and will agree to… wear can be a lot! You want these family pictures to capture you each looking your best, but you also want harmony among everyone’s outfits.
And I want you all feeling your best for your family portrait session, so here are my go-to recommendations...
Keep it easy when thinking about what to wear… wear what you feel good in!
#1 Be you, very well
My main piece of advice, is for each family member to wear what they are comfortable in. When you feel good, you shine through in your photographs. Stick with your personal style, and work within that space.
• Casual dressers: forget cocktail dresses and suits; instead, stick with casual outfits and we'll create a fun photo shoot around what you like to do
• Formal dressers: don't wear something just because it’s the new Pinterest thing. Dress as your classic self and we'll deliver a sophisticated look.
#2 Whatever it is, it needs to fit well
Whatever the style, it really needs to fit. Hems and sleeves need to be the right lengths, and waists need to be fitted. The right fit matters much more than brand or fabric when it comes to photographs.
Note on dresses… when in doubt, go long or mid-length.
Note on sleeveless… if you love your arms, then awesome! If you don’t, think about sleeves:)
#3 Portrait-ready skin
Facials, waxing, exfoliating are great, just do them several days in advance to allow inflammation to subside
Rest. You want to look well-rested. Go to bed earlier the day before to get those eight hours.
Water! Arrive to your portrait session fully hydrated for the healthiest skin
A makeup artist is always welcome. If you’re doing it yourself, keep it simple – a coat of mascara, a subtle nude or rose-toned lip, a natural blush, matte eyeshadow, and matte foundation
Men: get a haircut, carefully shave or trim facial hair, and make sure your face is freshly washed to avoid the oily look
Outfits with blue nicely complement natural green spaces.
#4 Identify your favorites
Spend time looking through pictures of yourself, and select three favorite images. They don’t need to be professional or any certain way; you just need to like them. Why are they your favorites? What is it about the clothes, the poses, the light, or the background that speak to you? Share these with me to create your unique "mood board" to guide our family portrait session and create a look that represents you.
#5 Add pop with accessories, layers, and textures
- Girls: A wide-brimmed hat looks great on, as well as when you’re just casually holding it in your hand
- Guys: If you’re always wearing a ball cap, bring it
- Bold texture like fur, leather, or lace create visual interest
- Jackets add depth and character, and can even look great slung over a shoulder
- For a whimsical touch, bring flowers, balloons, or sunglasses!
- Your dog. Just make sure you've got someone to manage them for parts of the session where its just you two
#6 Same palette, without matching
Matching outfits aren’t necessary, but try to keep your family in the same color palette. Think about the location and its colors:
If your session will be in a natural space with green trees and grass, clothes with blues and yellows in your clothes are nicely complementary.
If your session will be in the Fall with changing leaves, then warmer earth tones are spot on. Think faded reds
Note on bright whites and colors… Our eyes are drawn to the brightest part of a picture. If your outfits include a large area of bright white or color, just make sure it’s where you want the focus to be.
#7 What to bring to your session
Mom, Dad, or someone that really knows you and you trust. From carrying your outfits to knowing exactly how you like your hair to fall, it’s great to have a companion.
Water. We’ll probably be moving around, and you’ll want to stay hydrated
Frizz control. Brush or hairspray or whatever, make sure you can tackle frizzy hair. This is especially important when we’re outside on a humid Charlotte day.
I hope you found these recommendations useful. Follow the tips above, and you'll have timeless images you and your family will cherish forever. And if you have questions at all, I'm really glad to talk. Family pictures can really mark a special time in your lives, and I want your portrait session to be a great experience.
