What should families wear for portraits

Same with super close-together stripes. Below is a great example of good patterns. The main reason for this is that anyone wearing the same color is going to blend into each other. See how in this example below, everyone is in a different color so you can really see where each person is, even though they are all super close? And definitely never put your family all in different shades of the same color , you want variety.

Covering up the neck area is not very flattering and can add bulk, so if you need to add extra warmth in the colder months, wear an extra layer or stylish jacket rather than wearing a turtleneck. This also applies to tightly wrapped scarves. I want to see that neck!

All the details get lost in the shadows and it also just dulls your images. Dark gray, dark wash jeans and dark olive are great substitutions for black, though! And on the opposite end, wearing bright white is also not my favorite. It can cast bright spots onto faces in certain light, or look blue rather than white. Off-white and cream are great, though, and also white lace is fine because it has so much texture. Always add in some neutrals like cream, brown and gray.

Choosing too much color and not enough neutrals is a mistake. For example, do NOT have everyone wear different shades of purple and yellow. Example below:. Even that tiny Nike logo in the top corner of your t-shirt is going to draw the eye there rather than the subject of the photo… your family! The reason is that their diaper is probably going to end up showing.

You can definitely get some cute bloomers but there is something else to consider. My images are all about connection so I want to see your arms wrapped around your little girl, not a floating baby. This gives you plenty of colors to choose from to pick your coordinating colors.

When shopping for clothes for my kids, I head to stores that typically have color coordinating collections. You can then purchase clothes for all the children from one store. In fact, just recently my sister and I had to pick beach family photo outfits for our family of We headed to Target and within 30 minutes found coordinating clothes for everyone.

Photo credit: Studio Sea Photography. Once you book your session, start thinking what to wear for family photos right away. You may think certain clothes will fit your kids or that one dress is clean.

If you wait until the day of or day before you may run into an issue of clothes not fitting, being dirty or need to be dry cleaned. Yes, your little one may love their Toy Story shirt but you may want to skip it for the family photo session. Just like patterns, characters on shirts can be pretty distracting. Characters, like too many patterns, can make your photo look too busy. Photo credit: Eloise Layla Nurse Photography.

As we mentioned earlier you would rather do coordinating colors than all white. Another reason to avoid white is because it is very easy to blow out parts of your shirt causing it to lose its detail. What I mean by blowing out is the shirt no longer has any of the details it is completely white as if the sun is shining brightly on it. With clipping, this is where the black clothes loose the depth and details.

I am a huge fan of a cotton fitted shirt. However, in photographs I like to add textures like scarves or belts to add a little more to the image. By adding different textures through the material of your family outfits or your accessories you are adding depth and interest to your photos.

If you are taking photos in front of a backdrop, consider what you are wearing. I remember an image of my husband, myself and baby daughter which was taken in front of a black backdrop. Once we received the photos it looked as if floating heads were holding a baby. These photos will be hanging on your walls and treasured for years to come.

If you have a favourite family blanket or quilt definitely bring that along too! Nothing will date your photos faster than clothes with heavy branding or big writing emblazoned across the front of them. Instead of looking at the faces in your pictures your eye will keep getting drawn to those heavy graphic elements. Yes, your kid might love their Elsa dress or Toy Story t-shirt, but you might want to skip it for your family photo session.

Reminder: these photos will be going on your walls and you want to enjoy them for years to come, many more years than the Frozen trend will stick around! This should help you spot anything that might need re-thinking. A few extra minutes to get your clothing choices right is time very well spent. Edith Leigh. What to wear for your family photoshoot.

Recent Posts See All. Family photoshoot with teenagers. Post not marked as liked. What gives a portrait 'wow' factor.