I am cautious to be too specific in my advice for families about what to wear for family sessions. It's important to feel authentic, genuine and comfortable so that your portraits reflect who you are as a family. There are still a few helpful tips that can use as you consider your options.
WARDROBE COLORS - SO MANY POSSIBILITIES!
Before you decide what you are going to wear, consider what you want your final images to look. Do you want to hang the images in your home? Do you have a color scheme in your living room that you want it to fit with? When in doubt, classic neutrals are a great option. Wanting your portraits to have vibrant and rich colors, jewel tones photograph really well.
Avoid neon colors if possible. They can bounce colors back on to the skin.
CONSIDER THE WEATHER
If it is cooler, warmer clothes will make everyone happier. Even if that summer dress looks beautiful on your daughter, if she is cold and isn't enjoying herself it will make the sessions less fun. Adding layers will keep everyone more comfortable.
If it's warmer, breathable fabrics can feel much cooler.
WHAT IS YOUR LOCATION AND SETTING LIKE?
Is your sessions going to be in a garden with flowers, a park with trees, a city landscape or at your home? Depending on where your session is taking place, can help determine what will look best. If you already have your outfits picked out, but you are unsure of the location, send me a snapshot of your clothing choices and I can make suggestions of locations that would work well with your outfits.
EVERYONE DOESN'T HAVE TO BE WEARING THE SAME THING
Mixing things up gives more interest, texture and contrast to your portraits. Colors that are in the same color palette or that compliment one another work really well. If one outfit has a pattern, find complimenting outfits with similar colors that tie it all together.
PICK A FAVORITE OUTFIT AND PLAN AROUND IT
If you aren't sure where to start, I like to have mom select her outfit first. Find something that she loves and then plan the other outfits around it. If it's a dress with a bold pattern, let the other outfits fit with the dress and let the dress shine. If your child has an outfit they really want to wear, find outfits that work with it. Starting with one outfit can be a great point of inspiration for the whole family.
GO FOR COMFORTABLE
During your session, we tend to move around and play. It's an opportunity for your family to really enjoy time together and make memories. If you're in clothing that lets you move comfortably, it can help you focus on what is most important - each other.
No matter what outfits you decide to wear, the most important aspect of your images will be the people, the moment, the time spent together, and your genuine personalities shine!
I hope that these tips are helpful as your plan your next family portrait sessions. If you are looking for a family photographer in Virginia, I would love to help! You can check out more information and package options at www.amandamilesphotography.com/family-info.
Virginia photographer - Richmond photographer - Glen Allen photographer - Goochland - Powhatan - Lake Anna - Chesterfield - Midlothian - Short Pump
Comments