There is one question I get asked after booking 99% of my family photography sessions and that is “Do you have any advice on what we should wear?” I always have to contain my excitement when answering a huge, super enthusiastic, YES!! Yes, yes, yes, and YES!
Choosing wardrobe is the first step in accurately representing your style and personality in photographs. So by strategically planning your outfits you are not only giving your tribe a more polished, cohesive look, you are creating a way for each member to be comfortable and feel and look like themselves in photos that you are going to be looking at for years to come. That is why I am so passionate about it!
Matching vs. Coordination
co·or·di·na·tion
noun
The organization of the different elements
of a complex body or activity so as
to enable them to work together effectively.
That is the key to this whole “Art of Coordination” thing. Each outfit must be different while sharing specific elements that tie them together to create a cohesive look. The best way to do this is to start by choosing a color story for the shoot. You can choose the colors that look best on your skin-tone, a color for the season, or you can find a statement piece and work around that. For example, if you found a flowy white Free People dress that makes you feel like a super model, wear that and start planning your color story around it! Or if you found THE most adorable pink tutu for your little girl, use it as your “pop of color” (see below) and start there. It’s easier than you think.
Neutral Colors –
Shades of black, white, brown & blue. Pastels & jewel-tones work beautifully as well. Try to limit use of neon and other bright colors unless they are used as your “pop of color”.
The “Pop” –
Pick 1 bright color and include it in a couple outfits and/or choose one dominant print/pattern. Prints are tricky. A rule that works for most families is if one outfit has a super dominant pattern, say a bold floral dress, try to limit any other outfits to subtle patterns that incorporate the same color scheme as the bold print. HOWEVER, if you’re family is crazy, fun and quirky, go crazy! Mix stripes, floral prints, polka-dots, whatever you want, just try to stay in the same color family, or use complimentary colors (reference the color wheel if you need to).
The Details –
Details are everything! Things like nails, hair (shaped brows, clean necklines, etc), jewelry and shoes, even though they are small, they make a huge impact.. This doesn’t mean that you have to spend tons of money and everything has to be new, but they are all things that are often overlooked, and should be taken into consideration when planning for your session.
Extra Tips: