STEP ONE: PICK A COLOR PALETTE
This step will really help define the "look" of your photos in the end. Coordinate the colors with things like the color of your living room, or wherever it is you are planning on hanging your family photos.
A good rule of thumb for picking the color scheme for your photoshoot outfits is picking one main color, one complimentary color, and then one or two neutral colors to tie them all together. My personal favorites are burnt orange, copper, burgundy, deep gold, avocado green, and pastel pink. Here are some ideas to help get you started!
STEP TWO: DRESS MOM FOR THE PHOTOSHOOT FIRST
I always say to dress mom for the photoshoot first. Why? Because out of everyone in the family, mom is the likely the most selective about how she looks and it will make things much easier if mom chooses her outfit first and everyone follows rather than vice versa.
If this is not the case in your family, feel free to skip this step and go with whatever is easiest for you; this is your family photoshoot after all!
STEP THREE: COORDINATE OUTFITS, NOT MATCH
This is one of the most important steps because it will really elevate your style into more ̶m̶a̶g̶a̶z̶i̶n̶e̶ *ahem* family photoshoot worthy looks. This is where your color palette really comes into play. Try to string the main colors throughout your outfits, but this is not the time to buy matching t-shirts.
You want to look like you belong together, but not like you are eachother.
STEP FOUR: ADD LAYERS & TEXTURE
Texture, texture, texture! Style is all about texture so add layers for texture and definitely utilize clothes with large patterns. Whatever is going to bring your outfits to life and really make your family photos pop!
If dad is wearing a plain t-shirt, throw an unbuttoned button-up over it. If mom has on a flowy dress, then add some textured jewelry. Keep in mind we want darker colors on the bottom and lighter colors on top -- this will really bring attention to everyone's faces.
STEP FIVE: DOUBLE CHECK YOU'VE AVOIDED LOGOS & CHARACTERS
I know lots of little ones are obsessed with their paw patrol footie pajamas, but for the sake of the photoshoot, let's try and keep everything trademark & copyright-friendly. This means no characters and no obvious logos on clothing.
STEP SIX: TRY ON PHOTOSHOOT OUTFITS AHEAD OF TIME
Nothing could be worse than putting on your outfits on the day of the photoshoot and realizing your little one has grown out of their pants, or your dress doesn't quite fit like it used to. To avoid scrambling for your outfits last minute, be sure to try them on well in advance and make sure everything looks as picture-perfect as you imagined.
STEP SEVEN: DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP!
If you've booked a session with me I am 100% willing to hop on a zoom call with you and rummage through your closet or watch a mini fashion-show. As a full service family photographer, that is just one of the extra goodies you get and if you are pretty confident in your styling choices, it never hurts to get a second opinion.
Happy styling!