What to wear for family photos | Crystal Lake Family Photographer
McHenry County Family Photographer
If you are thinking to book a family session or you already have one on your books (hopefully with me, ehem) it is important to plan your outfits. Some of you are fashionistas and you already have it all planned out and some of you are just beginning to think about it. Well, if you are the latter one, this article is for you.
Putting outfits together for a photo session can be challenging especially if you have a large family, but it also can be fun. I promise. I prepared a few quick tips for you to make the process easier.
This is a quick, general guide of what to wear for your family photos.
1. Wear something more dressy than your everyday.
Depending on a type of session of course, you want to make sure that you do not overdress either, but in general if you could wear it to a dinner at a restaurant you’ll be fine. Make sure there is no stains or wear and tare. Iron it if the fabric requires it.
2. Choose clothes you feel comfortable and relaxed in.
You want to be comfortable and you want to feel beautiful. If you are concerned about a part of your body, do not expose it. If for instance you don’t like your arms, do not wear a tank top. Everybody can look good if they accentuate their assets and hide what they are concern about. When you feel good, you are more relaxed and it shows on the pictures.
3. Avoid logos, text and illustrations.
One of my goals is to provide you with timeless photos that will show off your beautiful family. Logos are advertisements for the company that designed them and should not be in your family portraits. Written words on clothes do not work well either. During a photo session we will be moving around and most of the time the words on clothes will be only partially visible creating a distraction from what’s important: your faces and the connection between your family members. So let’s keep it simple to let you shine.
4. Avoid matching outfits.
It was a thing in the 80s to dress up everybody in jeans and white t-shirts for a photo session. Let’s keep it in the past. I beg you. We are wiser now. We can do so much better. Everybody has it’s own personality and we should be able to see it. Which leads me to the next tip.
5. Coordinate the colors.
Think about the color palette you like and what is going to work with the location of the session. If you are planning on showcasing the photos on your walls you should also consider your home decor and pick outfits accordingly. You want the colors of your clothes to go together. Different shades and patterns of the same color work very well, and it is a great option if your family shares a similar color palette of clothes. Select a color scheme and use hues that complement each other. It will result in more natural look. Pick two main colors and then add softer tones to accent and complete your color scheme.
6. Layers and textures are your best friends.
Yes they are. They add interest, warmth and coziness. They can tie family member’s outfits together. Also you can always take off the jacket to add more variety in photos.
7. Accessorize.
Not too much though. Keep it simple and classy for timeless look. Adding a necklace or earrings is a great way to add that touch of personality and meaning especially if the jewelry was a gift or if it’s a family heirloom.
BONUS TIP! After choosing all the clothes for you to wear, lay each family member’s outfit together next to each other. This way you’ll have a good idea about how the pieces will look next to each other. This will allow you a better idea of what works and what doesn’t.
McHenry County Family Session
And of course if you have a photo session with me, I will be happy to offer you my opinion to help you with the process of picking the outfits as much or as little as it’s needed.
If you live in McHenry County, Lake County or Chicago’s northwest suburban areas and are looking for a family photographer for your family session, please reach out to me. Documenting family lives is my passion.
