10 Tips to Style Your Next Family Portrait Session

Can’t decide what to wear for your session? You’ve come to the right place! Read through these tips and tricks below to help guide you to the perfect outfits for your session.

1) BACKGROUND

Always consider your location before deciding on outfits. Some locations lend themselves to different colors. For example, pastels blend seamlessly on the beach, and earthy tones compliment a green field or forest location. Also, for practical reasons - heels look amazing against the concrete of a city backdrop, but would be so hard to maneuver in a grassy area, making you uncomfortable and your poses awkward!

2) COLORS

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

3) TONES

I highly recommend neutrals! They consistently photograph well and will not reflect colors onto your faces. A pop of color can be great, but use bold colors carefully and strategically!!

4) HOME

Consider the colors in your home. Is it just my OCD talking??? But when I hang my photos in my home I want them to be the focal point of my living area, not clash with the rest of my decor! Also - the colors you use in your home are most often the colors that you love! Why not use that color palette for your outfits as well!

5) VIBE

What is your style or vibe? Do you lean more toward flowing pastels? An earthy, boho look? Trendy or urban? Channel that style in your outfit choices! 

6) MOM

I always recommend starting with mom’s outfit. Women’s outfits are usually the most diverse, so choose what she is going to wear first, then use that as a spring board for the other outfits, tying in complimenting colors and styles. Alternatively, it doesn’t HAVE to be mom - if you have one outfit you KNOW you want to use, start there!!

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7) COORDINATE

Don’t match! Gone are the days of all white tops and denim bottoms. Rather - mix and match! Try to put similar colors on the top of one person and the bottom of another. Have one person in pants, another in a dress, another in a skirt, another in shorts. More variety equals more visual interest. 

8) TEXTURES

In addition to different colors and clothing styles, one of the best ways to add visual interest to your images is to add different textures. The way black photographs on faux leather pants vs a back tulle skirt or velour top is VERY different, even though they are the same color! Soft, chunky sweaters, slick pants or tights, and trendy jackets are all ways to add texture to your images. 

9) LAYERS

You guessed it! Layers also add visual interest! AND they can make for 2 different looks by easily putting a layer on, then taking it off. Its also a great way to add texture or tie in another color. 

10) ACCESSORIES

Consider adding hats, jewelry, bows, suspenders, cute shoes or heels, etc. This will be the final touch and take your images to the next level. WARNING: try not to OVER accessorize! It’s easy to add too many accessories and distract your eye from your beautiful faces! Keep it classy and stick to roughly 1 accessory per person. 

Still have questions? Never fear. When you book your Family Portrait Session with me I always include a full style guide with even more tips and ideas for choosing outfits. And I’m always available if you want to throw out some ideas or need an opinion!