Preparing for your family portraits
The outfit planning process does not need to be stressful at all! Here are a few recommendations and suggestions I like to share with my upcoming portrait clients. It’s not always necessary to purchase all new outfits for everyone. You may be able to pull together some fresh variations of things you already own!
I’m personally not excited about matchy-matchy ensembles - everyone in denim and white, for example. In my opinion, too many pieces within the same tone can become very mono-chromatic and tend to be a bit on the boring side.
(However, if your heart is set on it, by all means, do go for it!)
Instead, I recommend aiming for pulling together everyone’s outfits with the idea of a few colors that complement each other. NO LOGOS - looking at you, dads! Though not every piece needs to be a solid, just be mindful of not having too many large or busy prints that will take your focus in many different directions or just clash altogether. Layers are great! Maxi dresses are nice. Belted tunics with tights and cardigans are also a favorite of mine. Light scarf.
Keep in mind that fit is important in the sense that more fitted clothing will photograph better than blousy or baggy clothing. Unless it’s cinched at the waist, tops that are too slouchy may look unflattering in photos vs in real life. If you already have an outfit you love and is seasonally appropriate, start there. Examine the colors involved, then pull together everyone else’s outfits based off of the tones in yours.
Decide how formal or casual you'd like your ensemble to be. Consider the location as well. Are we photographing in nature? Examine the color wheel and make sure your colors are complementary to the scenery or weather involved. You probably also want to avoid very formal clothing for a session in the forest or walking along a beach, for example. Are we photographing downtown in a more edgy, architectural location? Something more bold may be better suited than a long, flowy dress.
That being said, I don’t want to send specific outfit examples, as what stands out to someone else may not grab your attention the same way. And vice versa. I do recommend checking Pinterest for: “(the season) Family photo outfit flat lay” or “(the season) Family photo outfit inspiration” and browsing through them. You’ll likely find inspo for color combinations as well as pieces that can be used to create excellent outfit choices for the whole fam!
Here's an article that dives into some color study and how to determine the best shades for your specific skin tone.
Makeup
Keep in mind that photography makeup is a bit different than day to day makeup. We use strategic external lighting for most sessions, and there is a possibility that the lighting will be more high definition than you're accustomed to seeing your features photographed in under less lit circumstances like snapshots and selfies. I don't like to use the term "washed out", but applying defining eye makeup a bit heavier than usual is helpful in this regard, so that we don't lose any of the impact of your features under this more high definition scenario. Highly recommend planning for your makeup styling to be how you would apply it for a special event like a wedding or party.
Here is a video I really like to share with very helpful tips for styling your own, if you’re not going with professional hair and makeup.
She explains it very well:
Family photos are an important investment and we’re going to have a great time creating art with your group.
Regardless of whether you’re shopping for new clothing or in your own closets, have fun with it! If you’re still not finding any helpful inspiration after that point, please reach out and you know I’m happy to consult further with you in person or via telephone or zoom.
