What to Wear for Your Family Portrait

What to Wear for Your Family Portrait

 Clothing, Color and Style...

What do you want your family portrait to say about you and your family?  When thinking about the style of portrait you would like, consider the personalities of your family members, what you enjoy doing together and where you are going to display it in your home.  If you are a casual family, a very formal traditional portrait may not be your style.  Remember, you want this to be  a memory of your family as it is today.

As the photographer, it is my goal to create a portrait that draws the viewer's attention to your family's faces and their expressions.  To do this effectively, it is helpful to contrast the skin tone with the other colors and tones in the image. 

Clothing for your family should be simple and in the same tonal ranges, but that doesn't mean you have to match exactly, just coordinate!

Colors that are good to choose are dark solid colors.  Choosing colors  you see in nature also helps to bring out the color in your images.  For example, wearing blue and green in summer will look good, while browns, oranges and reds will look good in the fall.  Denim is also great for standing out in your pictures. 

Keep in mind, that you do not need to be matching, just choose colors that compliment each other.   Husbands try to use colors that compliment your wife's outfit.  Layers are great - especially on the skinny girls.  Examples of good layering are wearing colors that would not necessarily look good alone (ex.  red, yellow, orange) but using them as a layer in your outfit as a sweater, top, jacket or undershirt, can really make your outfit POP!  Curvy girls often look good in a longer top or nice dress.   Try to avoid wearing stripes, polka dots or baggy clothing.  This can make you appear larger in images.

Don't be afraid to ask for my assistance if you would like some help.  I am always happy to help!

Adding accessories like necklaces, belts, scarves, hats and sunglasses are fun and look really good.   And if you would like your family portrait to have a theme, try to choose outfits that go along with the theme.  Adding props of things that are important to your family makes your portrait more personalized. 

Don't forget your hands and feet.  Your hands will show in the portrait, so keep mindful of keeping nails neat and trimmed.  If your portrait session is more casual, you may want to consider some barefoot shots, so its important to not forget about keep those toenails neat and trimmed as well. 

De-Stress Your Day!

A family portrait can be stressful for every member of your family.  Just take a deep breath and relax.  My favorite saying is, "Have faith, it will all come together!"

To lower your own stress level, set aside your family's portrait clothing ahead of time.  This will make the moments before departing to meet me much more pleasant. 

Think about getting all haircuts a week prior to your photo session.  Ladies, if you color your hair, the same recommendation applies.

Its simple and seems silly, but this works - listen to music that will calm your stress and improve your mood.  Listening to music can help alleviate any last minute tension. 

To help ease the kids tension, make a concerted effort to maintain your composure.  Kids pick up on stress far more easily than adults, and a child's reaction to stress can completely derail even perfect preparations.  But don't worry, I have 3 kids of my own and I understand that patience is key! 

For Maternity Photo Sessions:  Nice snug around the belly clothes look great.   Embrace your beautiful belly because it holds such a blessing inside!  And even consider wearing your regular jeans and unbuttoning the top button, it looks good for some close up belly shots.

For Newborn Photo Sessions:  Relax and keep it simple!  Birthday suits are a great simple look.  Keep in mind that these sessions often take much longer, but no worries, I am a mom of 3, so I completely understand and want you to be relaxed.  For further information on preparing for your Newborn Photo Session, please check out the article listed on my blog.