This is a question I get asked all of the time. Since I have been so bad about updating my blog lately, I thought this would be the perfect chance to give you some tips and update my blog at the same time. Believe it or not, when I plan my own family’s photo shoots deciding what we are going to wear is one of my very favorite parts.
First, decide what you want to do with these images. Is the main goal to have a huge portrait hanging in the living room? Are you looking for something more personal to hang in your bedroom? For example, I have my maternity portraits hanging in my bedroom (they were done beautiffully by my cousins Diana Rush and Doug Rush). Or maybe, you just need to update your family albums. In that case you can be more playful and creative Either way, the first thing I consider is where I am going to put these images.
Keeping in mind the reason for the shoot, the location of the shoot comes next. Are you wanting an indoor session, outdoor session or both (in which case, you may need to plan more than 1 outfit). Indoor family sessions tend to turn out more formal looking (formal wear or everyone wears a black top). Outdoor sessions are usually more fun and casual (casual wear)
Below I have listed some fun tips for you. Please keep in mind these are just tips and some rules are ment to be broken.
7 TIPS ON WHAT TO WEAR FOR A FAMILY PORTRAIT (BY APRIL STYLES) ...
Tip #1 - Coordinate Outfits
Now this doesn’t always mean that everyone has to match 100% with khaki pants or jeans and a white shirt (although sometimes that works). Basically just make sure the outfits complement each other. Sometimes you can start with one piece or outfit that you absolutely love and plan everything else around it.
Tip #2 - Consider who is in the photo with you
If grandpa Bob (my dad) is going to be in the portrait, we will plan around colors he wears. My dad always wears black, jean and sometimes white. I would never catch my dad wearing a red shirt (not that there is anything wrong with red, it’s just not something he wears). If you have someone in the family portrait that is picky about the colors they wear, you may have to plan everyone elses outfit around those colors. OR just add a pop of another color you love as an accessory (like I may wear a bright pink scarf and my mom might wear bright pink earrings).
Tip #3 - Wear long sleeves
Remember that the most important feature of a family photo is everyone’s lovely face. Long sleeves generally look better (but remember – some rules are ment to be broken). But as a general rule, when there are lots of people in the photo and lots of skin tones, long sleeves generally are better.
Tip #4 - Avoid tiny patterns or huge logos or words
Smaller patterns on part of an outfit look blurry in a wide angle shots. And remember the main the emphasis of the photos should be on your faces, and not your shirt that says “ Tony Hawk” lol, unless you are planning a family skateboarding session.
Tip #5 - Bring accessories
Using props and accessories is a good way to get different looks out of a single outfit. Think about things that characterize you and your personality: scarves, purses, shoes, hobbies, and interests. Props and accessories are especially useful in spot color photography.
Tip #6 - Remember that details matter
Remember to polish or trim nails. Consider wearing false lashes for a more dramatic and beautiful look. And yes your feet matter too, if you have matching shoes or shoes in the same shade, that's a plus. Of course bare feet are always great too.
TIP #7 - Have fun planning your outfits.
If you have a question ask me (your photographer). I am always happy to help. Your Photographer, April Styles (562) 277-3936. www.aprilstyles.com.
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