Styling Advice
As a photographer I always hear the stresses from clients to find the perfect wardrobe for family photos and as a mother of five, dressing seven people, I get it, it can be tough!
Here is a little advice with examples from former clients on how to flawlessly style your family, so that your pictures not only showcase their personalities, but are also timeless.
Embrace neutrals: Choosing a neutral palate provides a smooth look between each family member. Neutrals are also a good choice when nature is your backdrop - colors can then pop from flowers or fall leaves and your clothes won’t clash with those colors. Lastly, when you are wearing neutrals people will be drawn to look at your face in the picture - your clothes won’t be on display, but instead it’ll be your smile.
A special statement piece: Some clothing pieces can have intricate details and honestly be art. Having one family member wear a statement piece can make for beautiful photographs. I love this dress choice that my dear friend made. These pictures were a newborn shoot and so all eyes are on the new baby, but in this moment the new mom is highlighted in the most perfect way - delicate, beautiful and ever so strong.
Solids, textures, patterns, layers…oh my! Most people when designing an assemble for family pictures will consider a mix of solids and patterns within a color scheme. That is perfect! One other thing to consider is texture and layering. A textured top can add just as much variety as a patterned one. Layering with a vest or jacket can add depth to your color palate and connect the family members’ various outfit choices. Here are some of my favorite wardrobe collections by my clients…
A small addition: Bringing along an extra accessory can make for a quick switch and added variety to your photo album. Notice my clients below: one brought a hat, another threw on a scarf for a few pictures, there were the adorable sunglasses (rather than a bow), and a quick addition of a sweater made such sweet holiday shots for little guy.
Dressing an extended family: This can be a tough task, but this family did it right! They landed on a few colors - navy, peach, cream, and light blue - and allowed family members to make their own choices. This color scheme and variety in outfit choices made for beautiful photographs. Everyone’s personality shined through and yet they were unified by their four color choices.
Be yourself! This beautiful young lady announced at the beginning of our photo shoot - “I am the only girl in my family not wearing a dress, but I don’t like dresses, I want to look like ME in the pictures.” YES! The wise words of our youth: Be you! I know you want the perfect pictures, but don’t manufacture a wardrobe that just isn’t your family. Try to find things that you already own, maybe purchasing a few things so it ties together, but in the end, it’s your smile and level of comfort that will make your pictures precious and timeless.
