What Do We Wear?

Planning what to wear for your family portraits might seem intimidating, but the main thing to remember is to wear clothing that makes you and your family feel confident in yourselves  I’ve put together a list of tips & tricks to help you plan your Family Portrait wardrobe.

Location

The first thing to consider is where your session will be held when choosing your clothing. Is it an urban setting?  Or maybe a natural field of flowers?  You’ll want to think about the location and the time of year when pulling together your family’s wardrobe.  Light colors with soft textures can be beautiful in an open field or the beach.  For a more urban setting, I like colors with a bit more punch and layers for a chic vibe.

Clothing

You’ll want to choose your color palette and keep your location in mind.  Most of my sessions are in natural locations and so seasonal, earthy tones work well and don’t detract from the scenery.  Once you’ve selected a color palette, plan Mom and Dad’s clothing and then the children.  You’ll want to mix up the patterns and textures within your palette while still keeping everything cohesive.  The fit of your clothing is very important. Frequently, particularly with women, we aren’t always comfortable with our body shape and try to hide it in loose or baggy clothing.  This can actually make anyone appear larger on camera so stick with something that fits your body shape but isn’t too tight in the fit of the garment.  Don’t forget the shoes.  Wear something comfortable but make sure the shoes flow with your wardrobe.  And lastly, the best rule of thumb is to wear something that makes you feel good about yourself!

Accessories

Jewelry, scarves, belts, jackets and shoes are a great way to show more of your family’s personality and spice up your wardrobe.  When it comes to jewelry, less is often more, so I suggest keeping it simple.  If you wear glasses and it's part of your daily look, consider removing the lens for your session to avoid glare.  This is especially important with transitional lens worn outside which hide your eyes.

Avoid

When planning your wardrobe, avoid bright neon colors as it will throw color casting onto the skin.  No matter how much Johnny loves neon green, his skin isn’t that color!  Also avoid graphic t-shirts, large busy patterns, small pinstripes, logos and having everyone in the same outfit.  When everyone is dressed exactly the same, everyone runs together.  If your heart is set on one color, mix it up with styles of clothing, textures and throw in some layered accessories so that each individual is in the spot light.

Look like yourselves

Your family session is a reflection of who you are as a family.  If you wear makeup, apply it as you do for your day-to-day look instead of trying something new and dramatic.  For the men with facial hair, you’ll want to tidy up with a fresh trim the day of your portraits or give yourself a fresh shave the morning of the session.  Don’t forget your hair.  While it might be tempting to try something new, it’s best to stick with your current hairstyle.  A fresh trim or haircut a week before your portrait session will keep your hair looking at it’s best.

Get some rest.  Family life is busy and exhausting, but you want to look your best for family portraits.  Make sure the kiddos have had naps and have eaten food that won’t stain their fingers and faces (like Cheetos!) Drink plenty of water so that your eyes are bright and your skin is at its best.

Remember, this day is about your beautiful family!