Deciding what to wear for your family portraits can be challenging. These are photos you will hang on your walls, view in albums, gift to family, and cherish for years to come. It can seem overwhelming but it doesn’t need to be. However, styling your family for family portraits can be a fun and creative process that results in timeless and cherished images. When preparing for a family photo session, it's important to consider style, color, and the overall feel you want in your photos. Here are some tips to help you pick out the perfect wardrobe for you and your family.

Consider when choosing your outfits

Style: The first question you must ask yourself is: What is my family's style? Do you want to be super glammed up or classy casual? Think about the look and style you want to see in your portraits and base your outfit selections on the overall style and location of the photo session.

Color: When it comes to choosing colors for your family's outfits, opting for softer, lighter tones can have a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing effect. Soft pinks, muted blues, light greys, creams, and whites can work well for creating a timeless and classic color palette. These colors help draw attention to your family's faces and enhance the overall connection and warmth in the photos.

Feel: It's also important to consider the feel you want to convey in your family portraits. Whether you're aiming for an ethereal, whimsical, or romantic feel, your outfit choices should align with the desired result. By matching the feel of your family and the location of the photo session, you can create a visually captivating set of images that truly reflect your family's personality and style.

Flattery

Have you worn an outfit in a photo that just doesn't make you look your best? I know I have! When choosing an outfit for your photo session it's essential to select clothing that is flattering for you. Understanding your body type is crucial. Whether you have an hourglass, pear apple, or rectangular body shape, identifying the style that best compliments your figure is key. For example, floor-length A-line dresses and high-waisted pants are great for accentuating an hourglass figure, while empire waist maxi dresses can be flattering for an apple shape.

Additionally, if you have a favorite feature, such as toned arms or a slender waist, consider choosing clothes that highlight these attributes. For instance, you might opt for a sleeveless blouse to show off your arms or a belted dress to accentuate your waist.

Choose the tone

Neutral colors have been long favored for family photos because they give images a luxurious, classic, and timeless look and feel. Plus, they are very complimentary with nearly all surroundings and skin tones. Mix, match, and coordinate neutral tones to make sure each person in the family feels comfortable with what they are wearing.

Utilize your photographer's client closet (if applicable)

It's becoming popular for well-established, professional photographers to offer a client closet. A client closet is a curated collection of clothing that photographers have available for complimentary use during sessions. No more stressing about what to wear or how to dress your family. Most client closets are with mom in mind, usually dressing her first and choosing outfits for the rest of the family after. Because let's be real, Mom wants the photos more than anyone else in the family so she gets first dibs! A client closet helps to provide a less-stressed photography session. Every photographer approaches their client closet differently, so be sure to chat with them about it. But please take advantage of this resource if your photographer offers it!

When preparing for a family photo session, styling your family can be so fun! Remember these things to consider: your family's unique style, the colors that best complement your skin, and the overall feel you want to convey in your photos. Soft, light tones like pinks, blues, greys, creams, and whites create a timeless and elegant color palette that draws attention to your family's connection. Neutral colors offer a versatile and sophisticated look that complements various settings and skin tones. And please please please, take advantage of a photographer's client closet, if available, to alleviate the stress of outfit selection and ensure that everyone feels comfortable and confident. By carefully considering style, color, and feel, you can create stunning family portraits that truly reflect your family's personality and style, and that you'll cherish for years to come.

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Welcome! I’m so honored you are here checking out my blog. I wanted to tell you a little more about me; I am a lifestyle family photographer and a Mama of two. If you would like to learn a little more about me click here. I’m a Castle Rock Photographer but also serve clients as a Colorado Springs Family Photographer and a Denver Family Photographer as well.

If you love these photos and are looking for a milestone, family, maternity, or newborn lifestyle photographer in Castle Rock, Colorado Springs, or Denver I would love to learn more about you, your family, and this season of life you are in. I’m booking all of 2024 and into 2025 for my Bump-Baby clients. Fill out the contact form here and we will be in touch!