Preparing for a family photo session can seem overwhelming, I know. Choosing outfits for everyone has been known to cause me stress as well. I hope that these tips will help to make the process less stressful for you and your family.

Comfort and Confidence in your outfits is key

When taking family photographs I feel that it's really important for everyone to feel comfortable. You probably already have everything that you need already in your wardrobe.

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Dress comfortable and in your usual style, and keep the following tips in mind:

Choose Mom's outfit first

and then coordinate everyone else accordingly. After Mom’s outfit is selected, then move onto the kids, and then choose dad’s outfit last. This will help Mom to feel confident and the best in her chosen outfit.

Color Choice

Thinking in coordinating colors or brightness is a great tip. Like different blues, or choosing two colors to mix throughout the families clothes, or all in neutrals, or all in primary bold colors, or all in pastels. Please avoid having everyone in the exact same shade/color. For example, if everyone is wearing the same blue colored solid shirt, we can't tell where mom stops and child begins.

Avoid dressing in strongly contrasting colors such as black and white (for example black pants and a white shirt) as they often do not photograph well together.

Do you have a favorite color in your home, or a color you’d like to incorporate based on where you’ll hang your imagery from your session? If so, including that color in your family’s wardrobe selection can make it easier to get your photos up on the wall!

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Patterns also look nice in photos

Patterns such as stripes. But you don't want to over do them. Smaller patterns photograph better than large ones. I would recommend only one member of the family wearing a pattern.

Avoid clothing with words/large logos, and white sneakers. These will pull the viewers eyes away from the subject's (your beautiful family) faces and to the clothes or shoes.

Then Choose Accessories and Shoes

A cute hairband, a bow, a tie, or scarf can add additional layers and texture to your photos. Add these accessories in after you’ve selected everyone’s outfits. Lastly select everyone’s shoes.

Hands and Feet are often included in photos

The inclusion of hands and feet can create especially interesting photos. Please be aware that imperfect nail polish can lessen the effect.

Bare feet when indoors is best.

For infants and toddlers please avoid tight socks before the shoot as they may leave indentations in the skin, and it's nice to try for some feet detail shots with babies (indoors and weather permitting).

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Apply makeup in your usual style

I recommend that clients apply makeup in their usual style. No additional makeup is needed for these natural light lifestyle portraits, but I would always encourage Moms to wear their usual makeup as it will help to accentuate their eyes in the photos.

Are you interested in props at your session?

I don't bring my own props to sessions, but if you or your child have a meaningful item they would like to include in their photos, this can be a great addition.

I love to incorporate a favorite blanket, family heirloom quilt, or child's favorite toy/stuffed animal/books in telling your families story. If there is something that you really want included in a photo, or an activity that your family/child loves please let me know and we can discuss how to include it in some photos.

To learn more and see examples of including kids belongings in the photography session, check out this blog post.