One of the hardest parts about family photos is choosing what to wear. You want something that looks good, but also feels good. You're worried about matching, but you don't want to match too much. It's a lot to think about, I know, but don't worry. You're not the first person to feel the "WHAT DO WE WEAR?" crisis. Here are four tips I've put together to help you navigate the situation.
TIP 1: START BY CHOOSING A LOCATION
You might be thinking, what does the location have to do with the clothes in my closet? One of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing outfits is selecting something that competes with the backdrop. I tend to advise people to choose subtle colors because many of the locations I choose are going to display bold colors, especially if they are in rural areas. You will be more likely to get away with bold color choices if you are in an urban area than if you are in the woods or on top of a mountain. So if you first consider your location, choosing your outfits will be a little easier.
TIP 2: PLAN AHEAD
If you are anything like me, choosing outfits for family photos can take weeks. Choosing the right outfit for each member of the family can take time, so give yourself a few weeks to choose outfits and then change your mind. If you are ordering something new, make sure to give yourself plenty of time incase the items take longer to arrive than you expected. And if you have little ones, it's always best to bring a few back up outfits to the session in case of an emergency!
TIP 3: CHOOSE A COLOR SCHEME WITH COMPLIMENTING COLORS
Start by choosing one color and then add accent colors that are complementing. I advise choosing mom's outfit first because it will be the hardest outfit to pick and chances are, your kids and husband have something to match. Use different tones and shades of the same color and add some patterns for variety. Don't forget to consider your location when you choose your color scheme. If your background is going to be a mountain landscape or a field of tall grass, I would recommend choosing a more subtle color palette. If you are shooting in front of a white wall, a bold color scheme would be a better choice.
TIP 4: DRESS UP, BUT BE COMFORTABLE
Look good, feel good, do good. This is a mantra I've lived by for most of my life. I know that if I look good, I will feel better about myself and when it comes to photos, confidence is everything. When I say dress up, I don't mean satin dresses and tuxedos. A dress for mom is always a safe choice, but not the only choice! For dads, a dress shirt and either slacks or nice jeans will complement moms outfit choice. When it comes to picking kids outfits, choose something that is dressy, but still comfortable. Don't choose outfits that you, or any member of your family feel uncomfortable in. If you don't feel good, it will show in your photos and that's not what you want to remember for years to come!
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