Family Style Guide
wHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
- Busy, complex patterns
- Thick stripes
- Words or big logos
- Neon or super bright colors
- Tennis Shoes
- Black – Although black is a very flattering color, it doesn’t always photograph well in some lighting conditions. It also often times does not compliment the surrounding landscape but more detracts.
Clothing to avoid
What works well
- Color! – add rich, warm colors to your outfits to make your images pop. Always choose a muted version of colors (ex. mustard for yellow, rust for orange, muted reds, dusty blues, etc) For family sessions, colors look best when 1 or 2 people are wearing them, while the rest of the members are wearing neutrals (gray, tans, creams, brown)
- Use patterns and textures. BUT Mix patterns (not two big/bold patterns together, if you have a bold pattern and want to add another pattern keep it smaller). Also don’t do two of the same patterns like florals or stripes in the same wardrobe.
- Cold weather – layers look amazing in pictures. Skip the winter coat and opt for scarves, vests, beanies. Layers add dimension and playfulness, you can always take them off for more looks as well.
- Accessories & Props - Don’t be afraid to accessorize – hats, bows, scarfs, jewelry, suspenders, shawls...etc. Props (guitars, blankets, pets, etc) especially those that have special meaning, are always welcomed!
- Contrast - If you have lighter skin I find wearing darker or warmer colors is complementing. I always find those with lighter skin (like myself) get a bit washed out if wearing lighter colors.
- Jeans are great but try and only have one family member wearing them.
If comfortable, dresses photograph incredibly well! If you have a dress you feel comfortable in, I would encourage you to wear it. Flowy dresses and dresses with texture are a lot of fun and provide many ‘looks’ to your gallery! Keep in mind, we may be sitting on the ground for some pictures, it’s a good idea if your outfit is conducive for this. Diaper covers are a must if your little one is wearing a dress (I have one available in my client closet). If you are purchasing clothing online, my favorite shops are:
Women: Free People, Vici Collection, Baltic Born, Joyfolie, Three Bird Nest, Mod Boutique, One Loved Babe, Zara
Kids: Joyfolie, Reverie Threads, Lucky Panda Kids, H&M, Zara
Women: Free People, Vici Collection, Baltic Born, Joyfolie, Three Bird Nest, Mod Boutique, One Loved Babe, Zara
Kids: Joyfolie, Reverie Threads, Lucky Panda Kids, H&M, Zara
Women & girls
Some shots may involve some sort of close up shot of you and your family’s hands, trimmed nails usually look better in these photographs. Feet: I may ask to take your shoes off. Sometimes shoes can distract, bare feet can create a more intimate look…don’t worry I probably won’t take close ups :)
Hands & feet
Glasses
Dirty
Transition lenses are not ideal for outdoor photography. If you happen to own a second pair of glasses, non-transitional, please wear these instead.
Please be prepared to get a little dirty, I can get glaring grass stains or mud stains out in post but they are great signs we had fun at the session and as a result got some great shots!
Sometimes for men, taking photographs isn’t their first choice of things to do and in those cases I always like to remind the men that this is the “Super Bowl” for your wife/girlfriend/mother. An easy direction to give them, that always looks good in pictures, is this:
“Play with your kids & flirt with your wife”
“Play with your kids & flirt with your wife”
Men/Husbands/dads
Disclaimer: Remember these are only tips and suggestions. I definitely want your personal style to shine through in your images as well!
