How to coordinate family outfits for a photo session may seem to be a daunting task, but it does not have to be like that at all when following good pro tips to get your creativity going.
In family photography, I am a strong believer that less is more, and keeping it simple is best for family sessions. Since this is not a fashion editorial shoot, but a family photo session, everyone in the family should look comfortable, happy and ready to have fun. A good place to start about deciding what to wear or how to coordinate family outfits is, believe it or not, choosing 1 single piece of clothing that becomes the focal point. But, you must keep in mind the following factors, mom, when choosing your color scheme and outfit: the season, the occasion and the location.
Based on these factors, you will select your color palette. Usually, 3-4 colors that you love that go well together. If you love all the colors (my case), you may want to check out the trending colors for the season. Everyone doesn’t have to wear the same color or dress in the same style. As longs as everyone looks neat and pulled together, colors coordinate, we will get beautiful pictures.
How to Coordinate Family Outfits
- Keep in mind the season: fall, summer, winter or spring.
- Keep in mind the occasion: wedding, holidays, milestone birthday, etc.
- Keep in mind the location. This is twofold because you want to factor in where will you be displaying your photos, on the walls, or just photo frames or albums. Also, you want to consider the location of the photoshoot as well. For example, harvesty colors by the beach may not look as good as pastel or bright colors.
- Select a color palette that you love and go well with the season, occasion and location.
- Choose your outfit, mom, preferably make it (or part of) the focal outfit that has your color palette, like a floral, plaid or any pattern or design
- Based on the focal piece, choose 3-4 colors combining solid colors, patterns, and accessories and select outfits for the rest of your family based on your color scheme.
- If you still don't have a good idea, choose 1 color, and find its complementary or analogous colors. Use the image below to find different ways to combine some colors to create your own color palette.
Selecting the Family Outfits
- Coordinate, do not match (unless you want to).
- Make sure kids are comfortable in what they are wearing.
- Don't forget shoes and accessories are important too, but if your child hates what they are wearing it’s going to show in the photos. That may mean scrapping that adorable hair clip or the sweetest bow tie that just makes the outfit perfect. Happy kids make better photos than accessories.
- Dress in layers, but dress with the weather in mind. You want to make sure your child isn’t too cold or hot.
- Stay away from athletic graphics, logos, stripes, and fluorescent colors.
- Plan ahead. Have all of your outfits picked out before the day of your photoshoot so you are not adding any more stress to your day.
Coordinating Family Outfits with a Pop of Color
If you need additional help with how to coordinate family outfits for your photo session and selecting outfits for the entire family, please do not hesitate to contact me or visit my What to Wear Board on Pinterest for additional ideas!
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