CONSIDER YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Think about the location for your session. The more city-like the location, the more vibrant colors you will want to use. If we are shooting in a nature setting, neutrals give a peaceful vibe. In the fall, rich jewel tones will be great with the natural fall palette. Search Pinterest for "what to wear family photography" Give yourself plenty of time to plan.

 

INSERT A PATTERN SOMEWHERE IN YOUR GROUP
Color instantly adds life to a photograph. Do not be afraid of color or pattern. If someone is wearing a pattern, such as a floral, keep it to one person per four people.

AVOID WHITE SHIRTS

This is a big one for me. White is the first place your eye will go to on an image, and we want to make sure the focal point is on your face! Don't let that undershirt that shows below your child's face be the eye-grabber. Choose a shirt that does not need an undershirt if you can. If you layer a sweater over a light shirt for mom or girls cream is
preferred. Also, avoid logos.

 

MAKE THE KIDDOS OUTFITS COMFY

Make sure the clothing isn't itchy or super-restrictive for them. Make the clothing look like "you guys". Don't put kids who are always casual in something that looks too "stuffy" and not like something they would EVER wear.

 

THINK ABOUT THE WEATHER

It can get cold here in the midwest. Don't put kiddos in that cute, short-sleeved dress and think they will be fine just taking off a heavy coat for the shots. It's not going to work. Cold kids do not look relaxed in pictures.

 

CHANGES OF CLOTHING
Feel free to bring outfit changes to full sessions, as long as you think the children can change without a lot of fuss! Use layers

USE TEXTURE

In the fall; this is an easy way to add interest to your family portraits. Pull a color in that someone else is wearing to a different family member with jackets, vests, and sweaters.

 

MAKEUP

These are mostly for mom. If you use foundation, keep it light. Blend, blend, blend. Mascara is a must. Some color on the eyes, cheeks, and lips are great. Bring lip gloss. Exfoliate everyone's lips gently with a washcloth or lip scrub the day before and put a good lip moisturizer on them for a few days to avoid flakes. If it is winter make sure the kiddos don't get chapped faces before your session. NEVER tan, pro-tan or self-tan before your session as it photographs orange in camera and hides your skin's natural highlights. We do not edit tan mistakes free of charge.

 

WHERE TO SHOP TIPS

Some of our favorite places for family outfits:

Zara

 

Mini Boden

 

Kate Quins Organics

 

J. Crew

 

Gap

 

Tea Collection

 

Janie & Jack

 

H&M

 

Koko Blush