Styling Your Fall Family Photos, What to Wear
Styling a Perfect Family Photo Session
Family photos are more than just images captured on camera; they're memories frozen in time, capturing the essence of love, connection, and togetherness. As a photographer, you have the incredible privilege of helping families create lasting memories that they will treasure for years to come.
One crucial aspect of a successful family photo session is styling. The right styling can elevate an ordinary photograph into a work of art that reflects the uniqueness of each family member and their relationships. I put together some tips and insights on how to style a perfect family photo session plus some color palette ideas.
Collaborate the Family Looks:
The easiest way to get on the right path when choosing your family photo outfits. Start with your outfit first, yes yours. Utilize clothes the family already has and start by pulling one thing from everyone's closet. When coordinating together, lay the clothes out and get a good visual on what it all looks like together. By starting here you will get a good idea of what you want to purchase and what you have.
Consider the Location:
The location you choose sets the tone for the entire session. The family should coordinate their outfits without being too matchy-matchy. Choose a color palette that compliments the chosen location. Soft, neutral tones often work well in outdoor settings, while vibrant colors can pop against urban backgrounds. Avoid large logos or busy patterns, as they can be distracting. Ultimately, the goal is for the family to feel comfortable and confident in what they're wearing.
Consider Timeless Styles:
Trends come and go, but timeless styles never fade. Classic clothing choices ensure that the photos remain relevant and cherished over the years. Think about outfits that wouldn't look out of place in a photo album from a few decades ago. Crisp shirts, simple dresses, and well-fitted jeans are examples of timeless choices.
Styling a family photo session is an art that goes beyond aesthetics. It's about creating an environment where families can be themselves, allowing you to capture the raw and beautiful moments that define their relationships. By collaborating with the family, choosing the right location, wardrobe, and props, and focusing on both posed and candid shots, you can create a collection of images that will stand the test of time and hold a special place in their hearts for generations to come.
Family sessions can be STRESSFUL.
And while you are excited to finally be in front of the camera now you get to plan your outfits.
It can be overwhelming to have to figure out what to wear not just for yourself but for your entire family. Here are some tricks that I have learned along the way that can make the process easy, while creating a cohesive look and keeping the anxiety down.
Ask yourself . . . Season
What season is it? Are we doing this session during warmer weather, wear lighter brighter colors. During the fall wear darker colors and layer!
Ask yourself . . . Vibe
How do you want the pictures to feel? Boho. Earthy. Rustic. Formal. Bright. Keep this in mind when matching outfits together. You can add a colored bow tie to a little boy to match another family member or maybe colored leggings on a little girl.
Ask yourself . . . Location
The shoot will be outdoors but do you want to wear a dress on top of the cliffs or maybe just jeans and a top in a casual grassy area.
And now . . . Colors
Does it really matter? Yes! The colors can help make your photographs look more cohesive and honestly it looks so great. And I am not saying you need to make sure you are all wearing perfectly matching outfits, I am saying think outside the box but stick to core colors.
What do I suggest - start with your outfit first. Yes, yours. I want you to be confident and feel good in whatever you are wearing. Plus this gives your a starting point to work off of, add to and allow you to balance your colors and schemes. I encourage layering, mixing patterns and matching textures. Add small details and pops of colors and you will see your outfit to come together!
I pulled colors from the four sessions about to show you three main colors is all you need. I know we often overthink the colors and styling - but stick to a main color palette and add in layers like patterns and textures.
Patterns like a button shirt on him, a patterned dress, or a textured sweater. Remember when you are putting them together lay them out, put them together on in your phone so can see them together.
The most important is being comfortable - remember that.
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