Don’t Match, Coordinate for your Family Portraits
Family Photos Photography Tips in Elk Grove, Ca.
Selecting and choosing outfits for your family photo session can be very daunting. You want to make sure everyone looks good and that nothing clashes. One of the big questions I get asked is if the family should wear matching outfits. To that I answer no. I’m of the mindset that it is better to coordinate than match outfits. As cute as it may seem to have everybody wearing the same thing, try to avoid being too matchy matchy. Choose outfit colors that complement each other instead.
In family photography, I am a firm believer that less is more, and keeping it simple is best for family sessions. I want everyone in the family to look comfortable, happy and be ready to have fun. A great place to start deciding what to wear or how to coordinate family outfits is, believe it or not, choosing 1 single piece of clothing that becomes the focal point. It is important to keep in mind the following factors when choosing your color scheme and outfit: the season, the occasion and the location.
Below are some ways to coordinate outfits for your family session and ensure that it is a big success!
Create Cohesion with a color theme
Every outfit set starts with a color theme. It doesn’t have to be complicated - light or dark, bright colors or muted, etc. Pick a palette of 3-4 colors as your starting point. Think of tones: blue tones, earth tones, neutrals, pastels, or warm rich colors. Choose colors that go good with your skin color and doesn’t wash anyone out to make them look pale or ghostly. For sessions with younger kids or babies, we tend to lean towards lighter colors, and older kids get darker palettes to work with, including more patterns and accessories. Make sure your clothing will not blend in with your background. Are you going for a photo session in a nature setting? Try to limit greens and browns in your clothing. Looking for a blue sky tropical backdrop? Don’t pick all blues for your outfit but make it pop with contrasting colors. Is your background a red brick wall or textured wall? Don’t wear red or pink. Keep your location in mind when choosing outfits.
Keep in mind that everyone doesn’t have to wear the same color or dress in the same style. As long as everyone looks neat and pulled together, colors coordinate, we will get beautiful pictures.
Add Variety of Styles
In order to coordinate versus match it is important to try not to dress any two family members in the same color or same type of top. It is definitely ok to use the same color with a different type of shirt (for instance, dad wearing a sweater and child wearing a polo shirt), or slightly different shades of the same color, within a family unit. The biggest thing to stay away from is dressing everyone in the same exact shirt, same color pants, and calling it a day. Of course it doesn’t mean you can’t have similarly-dressed parents, or children but you just want to add variety into the mix.
Work with what you have
I’m a firm believer in using what is in your closet. Just because you are having a family portrait session done, doesn’t mean you have to rush out and break the bank buying new outfits for everyone. I advise that you start with one person in the family, usually mom, and go through and select an outfit. Now you can go through everyone else’s closet and find shirts, tops, pants, etc. that would coordinate well with mom’s outfit and color choice. Remember you are coordinating not matching. It will go great with variety if everyone is wearing an outfit that fits their style but goes with the central theme of color and style mom has picked out.
If all else fails, reach out to me.
Send me a photo! That’s right, I’m 100% available for any styling advice before your portrait session. Not only do you get a handy Family Style Guide to reference when selecting your outfits (see link below), but you can text, email, or call me if you have any questions. I would be happy to assist you in selecting outfits or approving of outfits.
Recap: How to Coordinate Family Outfits
Keep in mind the season: fall, summer, winter, or spring.
Keep in mind the location: You want to consider the location of the photoshoot as well. For example, harvest colors by the beach may not look as good as pastel or bright colors. If your location has a lot of trees and grass, stay away from greens.
Select a color palette that you love and goes well with the season, occasion, and location.
Choose your outfit, mom, preferably make it (or part of) the focal outfit that has your color palette, like a floral, plaid or any pattern or design.
Based on the focal piece, choose 3-4 colors combining solid colors, patterns, and accessories and select outfits for the rest of your family based on your color scheme.
Add a variety of styles of outfits to keep it interesting and allow everyone to look unique.
Work with what you have first and then add newer pieces when necessary.
If you still don't have a good idea, choose 1 color, and find its complementary or analogous colors.
I have created a Pinterest Board that has a lot of great ideas for selecting outfits for your family portraits.
Remember the purpose of having your family portraits done is to create lasting memories that you will share and display in your home. So, keep the stress level down and don’t let choosing your outfits be daunting. When other’s look at your images they will be looking at a precious family having a great time together and that is really what it is all about.
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