HELP! What Do We Wear for Family Photographs? | Atlanta Family & Children's Photographer
Family Photography - You've booked it... Now what do you WEAR?
Atlanta Portrait Photographer
One of the most frequently asked questions that I receive once we have booked a photo session is a panicked "What do I wear?" It is the hardest of ALL the questions! Before we launch into what to wear, I first want to share my goal as a photographer:
- I want to make the PEOPLE be the main subject.
- My wish is to flatter you and make you look your BEST.
- I want clothing to be a non-issue. I do not want it to date the photos or draw attention away from the people. I want you to be comfortable, timeless and coordinated.
What to Wear for Family PhotographySuggestions and ideas for what to wear for family portraits including color choices, shoes, accessories. Kristin Boyer, K Boyer Photography, Atlanta GA
My first bit of advice is to plan ahead. Do NOT wait until the last minute to figure out what you are going to wear. With that in mind, I have compiled a few tips for you to help you decide. Should you have questions after reading this post (or even before!), please reach out. I am always happy to help you work toward a fun and casual shoot!
Peter Hurley is one my favorite Headshot photographers and he shares some advice in this video that you WILL benefit from watching. If you find yourself somewhat uncomfortable with a camera pointed at you, please take a few minutes and watch this wonderful Ted Talk about how to bring your best self to a photo session. It will be worth your time. I promise!!
DO:
What to Wear for Family PhotographySuggestions and ideas for what to wear for family portraits including color choices, shoes, accessories. Kristin Boyer, K Boyer Photography, Atlanta GA
- Be comfortable and Stay True to YOU. Pick something you AND your kids are comfortable in and LIKE. If you have an itchy tutu on your daughter (though it is DARLING), she might not be very happy.
- Coordinate colors. Choose a color scheme and mix and match!! Pick a base color (like grey, black or blue) and select one or two POPS of color like orange, yellow, green or turquoise for an accent piece. It should coordinate and not everyone in the photograph has to wear the accent color. For example, mom and daughter can wear pops of yellow or turquoise and dad and son can wear neutrals.
What to Wear for Family PhotographySuggestions and ideas for what to wear for family portraits including color choices, shoes, accessories. Kristin Boyer, K Boyer Photography, Atlanta GA
- Choose one piece and build around it. If you are stumped, pick your favorite item and build around it. What are you comfortable in? What do you love? Start there and the rest will come together.
- Accessories & Personality. Bring your families personality into the photograph. This is about YOU! Layer with your favorite accessories like scarfs, hats, necklaces, sweaters, vest, jackets... anything that reflects your families style and personality. This adds visual interest and character. Though don't go overboard! You don't want anything to be a distraction from the photograph.
What to Wear for Family PhotographySuggestions and ideas for what to wear for family portraits including color choices, shoes, accessories. Kristin Boyer, K Boyer Photography, Atlanta GA
- Choose a similar tone for your top and bottom (both light or both dark) so one does not look bigger than the other. White top, dark pants will make your top look bigger. White pants, dark top will make your bottom look bigger.
- Limit Patterns. Do not have everyone wear various patters as it will distract from the faces and the people.
- Props. If you have special props you want included, feel free to bring those too! I want these photos to be YOURS and if there is something of meaning you want included, then bring it along!
- Think classic and timeless. My hope is you will be hanging on these images on your walls for many years to come. Pick something that is not trendy and a fad. Classic is best.
What to Wear for Family PhotographySuggestions and ideas for what to wear for family portraits including color choices, shoes, accessories. Kristin Boyer, K Boyer Photography, Atlanta GA
- Basics:
- Do you hair as you normally wear it
- Wear your make up as you normally would
- No short skirts or short shorts on anyone!
- Darker colors are more slimming
- Iron your clothing... wrinkles and folding creases do not look good
- No low necklines. Frequently I shoot from above (especially for women) and low necklines can be distracting and not in a good way!
- Little girls should ALWAYS have bloomers on!
DON'T:
- Do Not Match - Do not have everyone wear khaki pants and white shirts! BORING!
- Do Not Wear shirts with logos, characters or writing. This can be distracting in a photograph.
- Do NOT Wear all white! Especially during a daytime shoot. You will lose detail in the photograph.
- Do Not Wear tennis shoes. Anything is better than tennis shoes! Trust me.
- Do Not Wear short skirts. You will be sitting in some images and shorts skirts are even shorter when you sit down and it is highly likely you will have images sitting down. And little girls should have BLOOMERS.
- Do Not be too busy with too many accents and colors. Keep it simple with a pop of color.
- Do Not wear low necklines. I shoot from above and this can be very distracting.
- Do not wear ill fitting clothing.
OUTFIT CHANGES:
- You and your family are free to bring as many outfits to change into as time allows. This is very popular for senior portraits. .
Ready to book your shoot? Email me at [email protected]
Thank you for stopping by my blog, I would love it if you left a comment and let me know you were here! You can see more of my family work by clicking on my Family Portfolio. Are you looking for a Atlanta GA Photographer? Brookhaven, Chamblee, Roswell or Sandy Springs? I would love to meet your family and capture your memories. To book a session, contact me via e-mail at [email protected], or call me at 770-722-9045. I look forward to meeting you!
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