I have had a lot of people ask me for advice on what to wear for family portraits, so I thought I would answer this question with a rather lengthy post. First off, you must have a plan. If you don’t have a plan, you will get frustrated and go to your portrait session frustrated, which is NOT good! We want you relaxed and happy for your session.
The best place to start is with a color pallet. Don’t think you have to all be wearing blue or whatever color. Coordinating colors are the most pleasing for photography. Don’t be afraid of patterns either.
I have put together some color pallets that work well for this time of year:
Once you have selected your color pallet it is time to go to your closet and coordinate your families clothes. You do not need to go and buy matching t-shirts that no one looks good in, just so everyone matches. Really, don’t do that. Look instead at your favorite outfits that you like the best and coordinate using those.
One of the best ways to make an outfit look pulled together is to add layers. You can add layers using cardigans, jackets, necklaces, vests, or scarfs. Another thing to remember is it doesn’t matter if your jeans are all the same wash.
DO NOT wear clothes that are too tight or restricting. This will just reduce the number of photographs that you end up with, and you probably won’t like the way you look in them anyway. This is another reason that a cardigan is a great idea for hiding anything you don’t want showing. Also, check your kids and husband’s socks. They show and they should blend, not stick out like a sore thumb.
The number one most important thing to remember is that YOU need to be comfortable.
Here are some outfit ideas for all of you visual learners like me:
Another important thing to remember is your husband. Make sure that the clothes you pick for him are things he would actually wear. You want to show your personalities, not just your faces. Nate would be so irritated if I tried to put him in Argyle. Even though I think he would look really hot, he does not agree. In return he does not pick all of my tiniest t-shirts for me to wear and show off my assets.
Good luck picking out the perfect color pallet and clothes for your next family portraits!
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