So... What Do I Wear for Family Pictures? My TOP 6 TIPS to help you decide.
Once the photo session is booked, you feel quite accomplished for about 10 seconds before reality hits and you remember: NOW I HAVE TO PICK OUT WHAT TO WEAR. It can truly be the most stressful part of your photo experience... but it doesn't need to be! If I could, I would hold your hand, and go through your closet and inspiration boards with you to assemble the perfect family wardrobe. But since I can't do that, I'll at least leave you with some of my very best tips to make that decision easier.
#1 MOM CHOOSES HER OUTFIT FIRST. Hang with me here, I know this sounds weird and narcissistic, BUT at least 9/10 portrait sessions are commissioned by mom. And usually Mom picks out the kid's outfit, then the husband, then hers-- almost as an afterthought, just trying to find something that 'works' with everyone else. The problem with this is... mom usually does not love the outfit she is wearing in the photos, or she might not feel 100% comfortable and confident in what she is wearing, because it wasn't her first choice, it was the choice that worked. If mom doesn't love what she's wearing, she's not going to love the way she looks in photos, and she's not going to love photos. Moms, I WANT YOU TO LOVE YOUR PHOTOS. I know that putting everyone else before yourself is second nature to you-- but I am begging you to fight that back, at least for photos. Do this one selfish thing for you. Pick an outfit you love.Something that is flattering and makes you feel like you've got it together. Something you feel comfortable and confident in, a color you love, the outfit you get compliments on. Choose your outfit first, then choose the kids' and the rest of the family that compliment your outfit.
#2 COMPLEMENTARY, NOT MATCHY. Gone are the days of everyone wearing the same white shirt for photos. If there is a sweater you love, all 7 of you and the dog don't need the same sweater to make an impact. Pick a color palette with 2-3 complimentary colors and work within those, filling in the 'gaps' with neutrals. Do you have a patterned shirt that you love? Look at the colors in that shirt and pick a few to focus on. Not everyone needs to be in solids, but limit patterns to one or two. Avoid characters or graphic tees if at all possible, as they tend to be distracting from the overall look of the photos.
#3 TEXTURE, TEXTURE, TEXTURE! Texture is your friend, and brings more visual interest to your photos as well. I love a classic fitted tee as much as the next person, but in pictures, textural elements really pop; think scarves, belts, chunky knits, or even jewelry.
#4 YOUR HOME DECOR. Look around your home, do you like bright colors? Neutrals? You'll be hanging these photos in your home, so you want to make sure the colors in the photos compliment your decor and style. Displaying them in a formal living space? Consider dressing up. Planning to put them in the cozy family den? Maybe something more relaxed and playful would be perfect for you.
#5 THINK CLASSIC, THINK YOU. You intend to display and treasure these family photos for years, so opt for simple, classic clothing choices to give them a timeless feel. Also consider who your family is; some families enjoy being sharply dressed to the nines, others are more comfortable barefoot and carefree. Think about your family's style, and pick clothes that are a good representation of who you truly are (just the polished-up-a-bit-version of who you really are! )
#6 LAY IT OUT. Clear the living room floor and lay every piece of everyone's outfit out next to each other to get a sense of what it might look like. Swap out pieces you are unsure about. Still uncertain? Phone a friend. Seriously! Snap a few pics of your flat-family-clothes laid out, and send it to a few friends, share them in your moms group, or whomever you trust for opinions.
BONUS TIP: DETAILS MATTER. I do some post-processing on all your images, but I can't "iron" or change a color of shirt, or make something fit that doesn't, or trim your hair in post processing. Go over those little details before you arrive for your portrait session. PLEASE iron your outfits (yup, even those tiny ruffles on the baby's sleeve), and consider bringing a comb with you to fix wind-blown unruliness. I have a photographer friend who says, "If you want to look a certain way in your photos, arrive looking that way." That is GREAT advice! :)
Whatever you decide to wear for family photos, let me leave you with some parting wisdom from that beloved children's musical, Annie: You're never FULLY dressed without a smile!
