What to Wear forFamilies

Styling is one of THE MOST important parts of your session. This cannot be overstated ;) It’s not every day you invest in family or group photos and putting some thought into this up-front will really pay off. 

Style and Fit. First and foremost, be sure everyone’s clothing fits well and is comfortable. If anything is bugging someone about the outfit prior to the shoot, it’ll likely bug them in the photos. It’s important to take time and plan for an outfit that fits and feels great. :)

If family photos are a rare treat for you, it can be fun to elevate your style a bit for a classic, polished look that can be displayed in your home year-round; a dress or skirt for mom, sport coat and jeans for dad and something equally polished for the kids works great. If you do family pics on the regular, OR prefer a more casual style, perfect! Just be sure it’s well thought-out for a cohesive well-styled look.

I recommend starting with mom’s outfit. Mom, find something you LOVE. It’ll be much easier to build the rest of the family outfits on that.

Color Pallet. For groups, I recommend 1-2 main neutral anchors (off-white, black, stone/khaki, gray, navy, etc.). From there, incorporate a pop of color, along with subtle mix of patterns and textures. When choosing your “pop color” consider the purpose or area you have in mind for displaying your photos, and color that will work well in that space. Generally speaking, warm, rich, earthy tones or muted pastels which photograph really well and are great with most skin tones. (Please avoid large amounts of stark white as warmer. off-whites tend to photograph better and are more complimentary to skin tones).

The Location.  Once I receive your questionnarie, I’ll make location suggestions based on your preferences, which is often helpful as you’re choosing your outfits. Or, if you already have your outfits in mind, I’ll make location suggestions to compliment your outfits.

Let me see.  Once you’ve got your outfits nailed, I’d love to see them before our session.  You can simply lay them out on a the floor or a bed, or hang them from a door, etc., snap a pic and send me a text or email. 

Guys

Remember to wear a belt - even if you don't really need it.  Its purpose is more for style than function ;) And don't forget to throw in a bracelet, watch, or necklace to complete your look and add interest. If you’re wearing a t-shirt, try to avoid the standard “Hanes” type, and go for something more stylish.

Please arrive clean shaven. If you have facial hair (beard, goatee, etc.) make sure it's well defined, with the surrounding areas cleaned up (including neck hairs). Facial hair that's not well-defined just ends up looking scruffy.  

Choose retailers that are on-trend while offering a classic, timeless style. Nordstrom, Express, Asos, H&M, and Zara are good options for everyday fashion. Filson, Brixton, or Pendleton, for a more rugged/outdoorsey vibe that’s still well styled. My favorite brand for basic tee-shirts is True Classic. They come in a huge variety of colors, fit great, and are very reasonably priced, offering a large selection of neutral, tones.

Gals

I recommend makeup for women and older teens, even if it’s not typical for you. This is a special occasion, and I think you’ll feel amazing. Just remember we want a classic, timeless look with natural tones, that accentuate your natural beauty.

Choose outfits with a modest length and neckline to accommodate various poses.  It's a good idea to bring an extra pair of shoes as some areas may be a little tricky to access with heels/sandals :) PLEASE be sure bra straps won’t show and/or wear a strapless bra/pasties.

Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Free People, Altar’d Sate, Lulus, Zara, Aritizia, Express, and Madewell are my personal go-to’s for great on-trend looks with a mix of timeless styles.

And finally… (important tips).

Accessories: Gals, be sure and include accessories; earrings necklace, bracelets, rings, belts, etc. Guys, a belt, watch, bracelet, etc. These should be simple and classic for a timeless feel, but will really polish things off and make for a well-styled look.

Layer: Layering clothing can add to a well-styled look and create visual interest, especially in cooler weather.

No Wrinkles Please: PLEASE have your clothing well-pressed and choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics. Wrinkles are visually distracting and are extremely difficult to edit. Therefore, it is not something I offer as a regular part of my retouching services. I know you’ll want everyone looking their best :)

No Text or Logos. Please avoid graphic-tees (especially with writing or large graphics/logos). While it might be on-trend, in photos, it creates a visual distraction.

Hands & Nails: Whether you're a guy or girl, don't forget your fingernails. Your hands will be used a lot in posing and they will definitely show. Guys, be sure your nails are clean and trimmed. Girls a light, neutral polish is perfect.  

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. I can’t wait for our time together!