Do you ever feel stuck when it comes to styling your family for your family photos? I hope this guide finds you well then! Here are some tips that you can use when it comes to styling your family. As a family photographer, I assist families with styling within my signature package. I completely understand that styling can be the most difficult part of your photos, because we all want everyone to look great. We are already investing money in our photos, and we want to ensure our outfits are on point.
Mom is always first!
That’s right, mom! You are the first to be styled? Why.. you may ask. Well, because we want to ensure that you are comfortable with what you are wearing. We are always our worst critics and if we can be comfortable and feel beautiful in what we are wearing, it will reflect in the photos. If you like dresses, pick a dress you like and are comfortable in. You want to pick something that you would wear to go out in. If you are not into dresses, pick a great pair of jeans with a nice going out top. White top with jeans is always a great idea. You can do a top with a skirt. The possibilities are endless and you want your selection to reflect YOU.
Complementary colors
Once you have selected an outfit for yourself, figure out the complementary colors that will go well with your outfit. If your outfit is a one tone color, you can figure out the complementary colors using a color wheel. If your outfit is patterned and has colors within the design, use those colors to style your family. This allows for your photos to look cohesive without them looking the same and flat. We don’t want all of you to be wearing white top and jeans. Unless that is the style you are going with, this can make photos look flat. We want your outfits to complement each other, and we do so by picking colors that resonate with each other.
Utilizing mom’s dress to pick colors from. Dress flowers are hints of brown, mauvy pink, and blues. Outfit details mom’s dress, girl’s top, girl’s skirt, dad’s top, dad’s pants. Please note that links may become expired if item is out of stock.
Accessories
You want these photos to look put together, so use accessories to do so. Your nice earrings and a stack on bracelets, with a dainty necklace looks put together. Take off the apple watch and smart watches. Replace them with your nice jewelry so it ties everything together. If it’s cold, beanies for boys, scarfs, a chunky knit sweater can all be accessories that can add elements to the photo. A hair bow for your daughter. These are little things that can add up and make those family photos look more polished.
Know your setting
Where are you taking your photos? In a green, lush forest? You probably don’t want to wear green and blend in with the greenery. At the beach? You probably don’t want to wear heels. Knowing your setting can help you pick comfortable outfits and helps you from using colors that would blend into the surrounding.
Playing with the colors from girl’s dress which has black. Using neutral colors such as brown, white, and cream to put it all together. Outfit details: mom’s sweater, mom’s belt, mom’s jean, girl’s dress, boy’s top, boy’s pants, dad’s top, dad’s bottom. Please note that links may expire if item is out of stock.
Comfortable is key
Be comfortable in what you are wearing. Don’t wear something that will constrict you or prevent you from moving. Don’t wear shoes that you won’t be able to walk comfortably in. Make sure that your kids are comfortable in what they are wearing and that it actually fits them. Don’t pick something that is too bit or too tight. If they are not comfortable, I am sure we will know.
Stay away from
Here are some quick “do not” when it comes to styling your family. Don’t use clothing with heavy logos, neon colors, using too many patterns within outfits. All of these can be extremely distracting, and it can take away from the actual photo since our attention will immediately go to these selections.
Don’t overcomplicate it
Seriously, don’t. Pick something that is authentically you, find the complementary colors, accessorize with dainty jewelry, be comfortable and you are ready! If you are looking for a family photographer, check out my website to see if I’m local to your area. I do both lifestyle family sessions and documentary family sessions for families that are looking for a more intimate photography experience.
If you are looking for more articles to read, check out these:
–How to get natural family photos without stiff poses