Based in the suburbs of Chicago, we are a husband and wife photography team specializing in fine art wedding photography.
Congratulations! You’ve scheduled a family portrait session. It has been well over due and you’ve put it off for various reason, but you’ve finally made the investment for some mantle worthy artwork. Good job mom, you deserve a glass of wine and a bubble bath! As you bask in your “great-momminess” panic starts to set in… Will the kids behave? Is 9 am too early? Should I bring snacks? What if they spill their snacks on their shirts? Oh my gosh what are we even going to wear! As a mom of four daughters I totally get it! Even before I take my girls out for a session, the nervous “what to wear twitch” starts.
To help answer this most often asked question I have pulled together a list of 5 tips on what to wear for a family session.
1. Think coordinating not matching
Throw back 10 years, mathcy-matchy family outfits were all the rage. Should we do white polos with khakis, or the jeans and black shirts? Sure it’s easy, but run.. .run away from taking the easy route. What looks good on one family member may not be as flattering on every family member. Let each individual outfit choice reflect the personality of the person wearing it. When everyone is comfortable and happy with their outfit, it will show through in the pictures 100 times over.
2. Pick a color scheme
Instead of picking one color, pick a color scheme. The easiest way to find a color scheme is to find 2 complimentary colors. Navy and Coral, Green and White, Blue and Grey. Now that you have 2 primary colors, think of how many options you now have.
3. Use accessories to pull it all together
I love accessories. Using items such as scarves, necklaces, headbands, shoes, sunglasses, can easily tie together the coordinating colors between family members.
4. Layers and textures
Layers… Adding layers can add to the overall completeness of the image, while also providing simple multiple looks with not much effort. Textures add depth to an image. Things such as simple patterns or ruffles, can all add to the whimsy and fun of a photo session.
5. Check out polyvore.com
Just recently found this little gem, and I tell you I could spend hours and hours planning my virtual closet. The best thing is the ability to plan you’re whole family’s outfits and polyvore will tell you where you can purchase the items and the price! Go start playing around and have fun. (www.polyvore.com)
6. Bonus Tip
Throw all the other tips out the window. This last outfit board (shown below) was created by my oldest (almost 12 year old daughter Olivia). As soon as she showed me what she created I knew exactly what she was going for. Each member of our family has their favorite color, and I absolutely LOVE it. And you know what? This would totally work, because it’s exactly who we are. So when all else fails throw the rules out the window and let the kids choose.
On a side note, this little girl of mine has some skills. Stay tuned for more what to wear features created by Olivia.
Based in the suburbs of Chicago, we are a husband and wife photography team specializing in fine art wedding photography.