Styling for success.

Jun 12

Let's go over some tips on how to style your family for great photos. I've got lots of examples here for my fellow visual learners. Your outfits can make or break your photos. I'm here to help.

They don't match and boy does it look great! Extra points for thinking about the location and finding outfits that blend with the background and have the right vibe. Mom's sweater even matches the dog.

#1 - COORDINATE. DON'T MATCH.

Gone are the days of matching pajamas, family hawaiian prints and khaki bottoms with white tops on the beach (please no!). I want you to look like you made an effort, but not that you went online and searched "matching family outfits."

#2 - LOOK LIKE YOURSELVES

My brand is authentic photography. I want to capture you and your family in a natural way that shows who you are as individuals and together as a team. It's important to me that you wear clothes that you have worn before or will wear again - clothes that are AUTHENTIC to who you are. Please don't dress in formal attire if you are a casual family. And if you all love to dress up, let's see you in your finest.

#3 - WHO CHOOSES FIRST?

Chances are, mom was the one to contact me in the first place. AND she is most likely the one to help everyone else choose their clothes for the shoot. Also, a happy mom makes a happy family...which makes great photos. So, mom, choose something you feel great in and then coordinate everyone else's outfits around that. If you have a beautiful print dress, find some colors in the print and mix those with neutrals for the rest of the family. And if you find a shirt with those colors in a stripe or print for someone else in your family, bonus points for you! If you are lucky enough to have two moms or two dads in your family, you can rock-paper-scissors for who gets to choose first.

#4 - PLEASE NO BRIGHT ORANGE OR RED...

...or other vivid tones. I want your faces to be the focal point of the images we create. Bright colors (red and orange in particular) are selfish colors. They draw the eye in - and away from your face. They also draw the eye away from everyone else and to the person wearing them. Finally, they are quite harsh on skin tones.

#5 - SAY "YES" TO MIXED PRINTS AND SOLIDS

One of my favorite looks is a single color in a variety of prints and solids mixed with neutrals. Never fear. I am not talking about the 1970's version of this were the SAME PERSON was wearing striped pants with a loud print top. Pick an easy color like navy blue and I bet you can find something in each person's closet in that color that will mix beautifully.

NOTE: Please avoid small checks and stripes. They create a moire effect in photos that make your clothes looks "swirly."

#6 - GO SHOPPING IN YOUR CLOSETS

The best way to be sure your kids will be comfortable in their clothes during our session is to have them wear something they have already broken in and are familiar with. The best case scenario would be for mom to go through each persons' closet and select two options that will work. Then, let that family member choose!

#7 - WATCH YOUR EYEWEAR

If you usually wear glasses, wear them for your session. The big exceptions are polarized or transitions lenses. Those lenses will appear dark and/or make it hard to see your eyes. Sadly, this isn’t something I can fix through editing. So, if you’ve a pair of traditional clear lenses, those are your best option.

#8 - COVER THOSE DIAPERS

If your family includes kiddos who are not potty trained (babies, toddlers, special needs children), be sure to have their diapers or pull-ups covered. Ruffled diaper covers, leggings and pants all work. I will have you engaging in all kinds of play with your kids - sometimes turning them upside down. Diapers are very functional but they are pretty unsightly in an otherwise darling family photo.

AND TRY EVERYTHING ON!

Just because it fit last month, doesn't mean it fits now. This goes for pants, and shoes in particular. Too-tight clothes aren't flattering and can make the happiest child miserable. A little advance-planning goes a long way.