Family Photo Session Style Guide
Seattle and Eastside Family Photographer
Family Photo Session Style Guide
Gathering your family for a photo session is a very special and sometimes stressful time in a parent’s life, but dressing your family shouldn’t be stressful if you adhere simple guidelines. If you're wondering what to wear, here are some tips to help you coordinate your family's outfits and look your best! Remember, family photos are about capturing the love and connection between each member. Dress comfortably, coordinate your outfits, and let your personalities shine through!
Choose a color scheme:
Pick a color palette that complements each other and the setting. Neutral tones like cream, beige, and gray or a mix of pastel colors are always a great choice. Jewel tones like rich maroon, navy, or mustard complement each other well and help to make your photos pop! Avoid matching outfits, as it can look too uniform and stiff.
I always like to start with mom. Mom is rarely in the frame and because of this, she should be celebrated. Choose a dress or outfit that makes you feel wonderful and that fits just right. Then add in complementary colors, patterns, and textures.
The color scheme for the photos session should be built off mom’s outfit. Jewel tones complement each other well, but try to think outside the box:
Ruby, mustard, and navy.
Teal, navy, and pink.
Burnt orange, maroon, and white.
Sage green, black, and mustard, the list goes on.
Next, incorporate some patterns. Horizontal stripes, eyelet cutouts, color blocking, etc. I tend to avoid small horizontal stripes and gingham only because small, lined patterns can get distorted in photographs and cause issues in post production. Larger gingham, plaid, and wider stripes often photograph better.
Mix and match:
Coordinating outfits doesn't mean everyone needs to wear the same thing. Mix and match patterns, textures, and styles to add depth and interest to your photos.
When using patterns, choose to pair with a solid piece. For instance, if your top is patterned, then your bottoms should be solid. Too many patterns can get visually distracting, so minimize the amount of patterns you select.
Accessorize with care:
Accessories like hats, scarves, and jewelry can add personality to your outfits. But, make sure to keep them simple and minimal, so they don't take away from your family's faces.
Accessorize with care.
I love a good accessory. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, hats, scarves, you name it, and I can find a way to use it in a photo. Accessories are important to any outfit, but it’s important that you choose the best accessories for your day.
Avoid accessories that distract from your face and personality or jewelry that might distract your baby or toddler. I love when toddlers grab onto necklaces and examine them, but not so much when baby grabs mama’s earrings and tries to yank them out of her head.
Just make sure that any accessory you choose accentuates your style and doesn’t create a problem for you or your children.
Don't forget the details:
Pay attention to the small details, like a necklace that your little loves to play with, an heirloom piece, grandpa’s pocket watch, a locket. These little things can make a big difference in the final photos.
Here are some examples of what can be incorporated into your family session:
A pocket watch/wrist watch handed down
A special family ring
A family tiara
An heirloom bracelet
Hats
Scarves
Umbrellas
Dress for the occasion:
Consider the location and season when choosing your outfits. If you're taking photos at a park, you may want to wear comfortable shoes or dress warmly in colder weather.
We live in in the Pacific Northwest. Layers are great year-round and make for a great accessory when photographing families. Layers add depth and texture to your photographs with very little effort. They also offer a myriad of posing options.
Jackets are great for those moments when you don’t know what to do with your hands. Grab your lapel with one or both hands and pull your collar up to your chin, or throw one hand in your jacket pocket while the other one is holding your baby.
Drape a sweater around your shoulders, or add a cute cardigan to a dress or pants outfit.
Layers also give you more bang for your outfit choice buck. Looks can easily be changed on the fly with little effort. If something gets dirty, no biggie, just take it off and move onto the next look in your layered outfit.
Make sure your layers are lightweight in the spring and summer so that you don’t become overheated.
With these simple tips, you will be able to pull off a look that looks like it was styled by a professional, and you will feel amazing on your session day. I can’t wait to take your family’s photos!
Places I love to shop for photography looks:
For the Kids:
For Dad:
Let me know how I can help ease your fears or concerns before your next session so that you can show up and love your look
xoxo, Katie
