What to Wear for Family Pictures
I am not sure if it is the arrival or fall or something else entirely, but I have been so sleepy. A full nights rest and a pop of the snooze button is my go to lately. Productivity is knocking after a couple of weeks of great sleep.
Figuring out what to wear for family pictures is not easy on anyone. Everyone in the family wants to looks good and that means something different to each individual. We know to avoid all neon shades and graphic symbols in lasting photos. These are generally no brainers, but the task is much more complex than a few well known rules.
In the past decade, family portraits have started to look too coordinated. Generally with a three part color palette that is met to the letter. The exact same shade of crimson on Dad’s tie and daughters skirt. Can you visualize it?There is a better way to blend the tones of the season into a portrait that will age with grace.
Here are my three steps to beautiful family pictures you will enjoy for years to come, without cringing over outfit choices.
- Stick to earth tones: Colors that are natural to the season you are shooting in are the best place to gain inspiration. Shooting for fall photos, I dressed our family in warm autumn amber tones. Nothing is too bright or patterned. No one color matches exactly but the tones and textures blend. Avoiding coordinating colors will make dressing for pictures much easier on everyone. When shooting with a large group this approach can make things easier, as natural colors are found in most wardrobes.
- Dress THIS individual first: Who may have trouble lasting during the photo session? This is where I would start dressing the family. Make sure this individual looks good and is dressed for lasting comfort. For these photos, I dressed Jake first. When he is looking dapper in his favorite fabric, I can count on a big smile and ample patience. A comfortable model smiles much prettier than someone whose pants are too tight.
- Wear what you love, with color & fit in mind: Don’t feel pressured to buy all new clothes for the family. It is fun to coordinate new clothing but it is not necessary. Everyone has an outfit that looks good on them. As long as the outfit is made up of solid colors and fits well, you are good to go. Wash dry, and steam the outfit to make it look its best but don’t buy new for the sake of new. In the photos above, we are wearing pieces worn repeatedly all season long.
- Choose your photographer with care: Your photographer could show up in a bad mood and instantly ruin your end product. Make sure to choose a photographer that you are comfortable with. The smiles in those photos are what you will see for years to come. Be sure to do all you can to encourage genuine smiles. If you are local, the one miracle worker I recommend is Shelley Foster. Shelley can make anyone laugh during a photo session. The happiness Shelley ignites spills into all of her work from capture to delivery. The photos you receive in your mailbox will keep you smiling for decades.
There are so many complexities in capturing great pictures. Starting happily dressed, is the first step to a great shot. Follow me on Pinterest page for more inspiration for family portraits.
Thank you for stopping by,
Hill
Photography by Shelley Foster
