Getting ready for a family photo shoot or thinking about booking one? Choosing the right outfits can be tricky, but don't worry! This blog gives you Three Key Tips to easily coordinate the perfect looks for your family. By the end, you'll be equipped and inspired to put together great outfits.

1. Find Your Inspiration

Selecting the Season and Location: Your choice—whether it's a sun-soaked beach in the summertime, a picturesque open field in the fall, a bustling downtown scene in spring, or the cozy atmosphere of your own home during winter—serves as the backdrop that frames your family's special moments.

Choosing a Key Outfit: Turn your attention to selecting an outfit for one standout family member. This could be Mom's go-to elegant dress or your daughter's colorful ensemble. This outfit will act as your cornerstone for styling the rest of the family.

2. Assembling Harmonious Wardrobes

After you've picked a standout outfit and chosen a location, turn your attention to dressing the rest of the family. Consider the mood you want to set in your photos—be it relaxed and casual, or elegant and sophisticated. Each clothing choice should align with this desired vibe.

To create a cohesive look, use the colors from the initial standout outfit and the location's natural palette as a guide for the rest of the family's outfits. I'll delve into more color advice below.

Key Questions to Consider:

Do the chosen outfits reflect your vision?
Are they true to your personal style?
Are they comfortable and confidence-boosting (comfort is especially important for young children)

Essential Tips:

Upgrade Your Daily Style: Dressing up usually boosts our mood and appearance, making us look more put-together. Remember, this family photo session is a special occasion that deserves to be celebrated. To avoid surprises, be sure to try on your chosen outfit before the day of the shoot

Keep Patterns in Check: Limit patterns to one or two that complement the session's color scheme. Solid colors are a safe bet.

Avoid Logos and Branding: Keep designs simple and timeless to focus attention on faces and interactions.

Mind the Length: Choose longer skirts or dresses for comfort and elegance, as the session involves various poses.

Ditch the Uniform Look: Instead of matching outfits, opt for complementary colors to add depth and individuality.

Cover Diapers: For young girls in dresses, diaper covers are advised to avoid distractions during active poses.

Avoid Trendy Outfits: Stick to classic styles; your photos are timeless keepsakes.

Accentuate with Accessories: Add a layer of depth and texture. Whether it's a statement necklace, a jaunty hat or bows for the kids. The colors from these accessories can weave a thread of visual cohesion through the family’s outfits, creating a harmonious composition. But be mindful not to over do it.

Ensure a Good Fit: Clothes that are too baggy, too tight, or generally ill-fitting can detract from your photos. Make sure everyone's outfits are tailored well, allowing for freedom of movement and a flattering silhouette

Prioritize Comfortable & Stylish Shoes: Uncomfortable shoes can negatively affect your expressions. Choose style and comfort.

3. Unlock the Emotional Impact of Color: Use it Wisely and Effectively

Color is more than visual; it sets the mood of your family portraits. Cool shades like blues and greens create calm, while warm colors like reds and oranges add energy. Muted tones offer a serene backdrop, and vibrant colors bring excitement. Ensure the colors don't overshadow your family but rather enhance the photo's emotional and visual impact.

A Simple Guide to Crafting a Cohesive Color Palette

Select a Color Palette: Begin by selecting 3-4 colors that you want to feature in your family photos. These will serve as your foundation.

Mind Your Surroundings: Keep the location's natural palette in mind when choosing colors for your outfits. The goal is to blend harmoniously with the backdrop while still providing enough contrast to make each family member stand out.

Neutrals Are Your Friend: Use neutral tones like warm whites, grays, taupes, and browns to create contrast without overwhelming the image.

Mix and Match Shades: To add depth and richness to your photos, incorporate different shades of your chosen colors. This is especially important in my sessions, which focus on capturing the closeness and love between family members. A variety of shades can help differentiate individuals when everyone is close together.

Balance Your Colors: As a general rule of thumb, aim to divide your color choices as follows—60% should be your base color, 30% a secondary color, and 10% an accent color. This proportion helps create a balanced and pleasing aesthetic.

Consistency Is Key: Make sure everyone's outfits fall within the same tonal range, whether you're going for lighter hues, darker shades, mid-tones, jewel-tones, or pastels.

Accent Twice, at Least: To make your overall look feel deliberate and unified, repeat your chosen accent color at least twice among different family members' outfits.

Go for Tints and Shades: Instead of choosing colors with high saturation that might dominate the scene, consider utilizing tints and shades within your chosen color range. This ensures that your chosen colors complement rather than overpower the overall composition.

Choose Deeper Pastels: While pastels are soft and beautiful, lighter shades can sometimes make you look washed-out in photos. Instead, opt for deeper or richer shades of pastels to bring out your natural complexion.

The Black and White Dilemma: Although black and cool whites are wardrobe staples, they can pose challenges in photography. Black tends to absorb light, making details hard to see, while bright whites can reflect light and draw attention away from faces. As an alternative, consider using warm, creamy whites or various shades of gray to achieve a balanced look.

Dressing for the Occasion, Keeping the Memories

When it comes to family photos, outfits serve a pivotal role in setting the visual tone. However, always bear in mind that the essence of a cherished photograph is the genuine love and connection captured within it. In this context, your attire and choice of location act as supporting elements that enhance—but never overshadow—the irreplaceable moments shared among family members.

Eager to transform these tips into timeless memories, yet seeking that extra flair in wardrobe selection?

Introducing a luxurious touch: A low cost add-on to my photography packages: Expertise and styling advice from a premier wardrobe stylist. Elevate your family portraits and experience a hassle-free fashion journey. The stylist will craft mood boards tailored just for you and your family. These mood boards will provide both curated shopping links and a wellspring of style and color inspiration. So, if you're inclined to shop till you drop, rediscover treasures in your closet, or combine both, our stylist is here to guide you. An irresistible addition, don’t you think?

Whether you envision a serene beach setting, vibrant Charleston ambiance, or the cozy familiarity of your home, we're dedicated to bringing your vision to life.

Ready to make magic? Book your family photo session with Amy Quinn Hill Photography today!

*Complimentary styling applies to immediate families. Extended family sessions have stylist services available at an added fee. Mini sessions excluded.

Amy Quinn Hill Photography specializes in Family Photography, both lifestyle and documentary, Senior Portrait Photography, Special Occasions (like the engagement session above) and Personal Branding for creative entrepreneurs. Amy’s work has been published in newspapers, magazines and online. Amy serves the Charleston, SC area and beyond. Ready to book a session? Connect with Amy HERE!