Dressing for Family Photos

As an overall rule, remember to treat everyone’s clothing as if it were all one outfit.

1. Pick an Inspiration Piece

· Start with a single piece of clothing that you want in the photos (a scarf, a skirt, dress, pair of shoes, etc.) as your inspiration piece.

· Select the rest of the clothing/accessories to compliment that piece.

· Mix it up with colors, patterns and textures that allow each individual to be unique, yet complement one another.

· With this as your goal, layout the inspiration piece and then go to each person’s closet and see what you can find. I always say, lay it out on a bed and see if anything jumps out at you and looks off.

· Don’t feel that you need to buy a lot.

2. Think Color

· Color can add a nice pop to photos and can bring the focus to the family vs. the background.

· Ask yourself where it will hang in your house? If the goal of the session is for a huge portrait over the mantel, then consider the colors of the room.

· Consider the setting you’ll do photos in.

· Scout your favorite clothing stores and check out what the mannequins are wearing. Keep in mind what color combinations are ‘hot’ right now. This year, orange has been huge. It’s exciting and energetic and definitely pops in green type settings. So it makes it easier to find shades of orange/poppy at stores so you have more options.

· Try playing with about three colors. Try to have each color show up at least three times throughout the picture.

· Find inspiration from lots of sources. Look at home décor magazines, floral bouquets, etc. Choose a color pattern that speaks to you

3. Layer, Texture and Accessories

· Layering adds more color and texture to the photo.

· Try to find clothes that have some sort of texture to them (this could be ruffles, knit, corduroy, cuffs, stitching, embellishments etc.

· Layers and accessories gives you the option of shedding or adding pieces to create a new look.

4. Remember the Little Things

· Pick clothes you feel good in.

· Make sure you can move and hug and play with your family.

· Make sure nails are clean and trimmed (don’t forget the kids!), your clothes are ironed, your kids’ temporary tattoos are removed…you get the idea!

· Don’t forget about the shoes either, they can add to an outfit or draw unwanted attention to the bottom of the photo. Your feet WILL show!

· Make sure pants are long enough.

· Try to stay away from white shoes.