Family Photo Outfit Ideas

Allow your family to be the captivating focal point of  your shots during any season with these family photo outfit do’s and don’ts. Consider these coordinating outfit ideas when choosing family photo outfit ideas:

1. Plan your outfits in advance. The more time you allow yourself to plan your outfits, the less stressed you’ll be. Plus, it never hurts to have options especially when you’re dressing your kids.
2. Choose coordinating colors, not matching. Start off with colors that coordinate well. You can accomplish a cohesive look without every family member wearing the exact same outfit. In fact, that can seem a little too matchy-matchy these days. By selecting a color scheme and using hues that complement each other, you can achieve a more natural look across the board. Pick two main colors and then add softer tones to accent and complete your color scheme.
3. Consider your home decor. You’ll want to consider your home decor style when picking out what to wear in family photos. Since a few of these photos will most likely be hanging in your home and on display for a long time, make sure that the clothing you select blends in seamlessly with the color scheme of your home.
4. Keep location in mind. Another helpful item to consider when trying to decide what to wear in your family photos is the location of your photoshoot. Are you going to be on the beach where there are plenty of neutral tones or under a tree surrounded by bright fall foliage? Select a color palette for your outfits that will complement the setting. Pick out items of clothing in colors that will complement your background and not compete with it.
5. Use the season to help select color schemes for your outfits. Each season is associated with different colors, weather and landscapes which will be an important item to consider when picking out what everyone will be wearing.
6. Choose practical clothing items. This is an important item to keep in mind for every family member but, especially when you are thinking about what to dress your little ones in. If your kids are not comfortable then you are going to be in for a long photo shoot. Don’t make it more difficult on yourself or your photographer to get the perfect shot. Make sure that everyone is comfortable with their clothing to ensure all smiles.
7. Pick out accessories to add texture to your photos. Accessories are great style pieces that add to your individual outfits and can even tie family members’ outfits together. For example, if Dad is wearing a red and black plaid coat then adding a plaid hat to your daughter’s outfit will tie the pattern in for a more cohesive feel. Accessories will also give your photos variation. Think scarves, hats, gloves and belts.
8. Select an outfit that is appropriate year round. One of the more popular times for families to take their portraits seems to be around the holidays (when the kids are home from school and everyone is in the same place). The holidays may seem like the perfect excuse to bring out the Santa hats and incorporate props into your family portraits. However, you’ll want these photos to be displayed all year round. Try to avoid purely seasonal accessories and items.
9. Limit distracting patterns and large logos. Including articles of clothing with multiple patterns or large logos can become a distraction. Strong prints and abstract patterns can overpower your photo. Avoid items that clash and stick to one pattern or textural element for your portrait session.
10. Lay each family member’s outfit together while planning so you can get 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. Plus, this way, you can make sure that you’re not missing any essential clothing items.
11. Select outfits that will make for a timeless portrait. If all else fails, when you look in your closet to find the perfect family portrait outfits think about staying classic. You’ll want your photos to be timeless. Styles come and go but, your photos are forever.
12. Have fun playing stylist and let your family’s personality shine. 

Fall Family Picture Outfit Ideas

There are recognizable markers that trigger the “fall feeling” in each of us. With the weather cooling down, the leaves changing, and a trip to the pumpkin patch in the near future, fall is full of inspiration you can use for your outfit choices. If you are taking your family photos during the fall season, incorporate seasonal earth tones, rich maroons or burnt oranges. Wear layers and have fun playing in the leaves. Use the following Fall color arrangements and styling tips to guide your clothing selections.

Winter Family Photo Outfit Ideas

With everyone home for the holidays, the winter season is one of the most popular times of the year for family photos. There are many aspects of the winter season that are sure to spark outfit ideas. Classic red and green holiday colors and plaid patterns are a few of these style trends that are perfect for your photos. The holiday season is all about the flannels, the furry scarves and the cable knit sweaters. Get ready to bundle up and design a cohesive family style that will make everyone confident in their look.

Spring Family Photo Outfit Ideas

Spring is the perfect time to take your photo idea outdoors. Choose from beautiful pastel colors are more prominent in the springtime, along with white and blue hues. Other trendy springtime outfit ideas include floral patterns, which can be incorporated throughout accessories or clothing items. Dresses and skirts are also popular for spring family photos. These springtime trends paired with simple basics will give your family photos a polished and fresh look.

Summer Family Photo Shoot Outfit Ideas

A summertime family photo shoot offers beautiful landscapes for your photos and warmer weather. The season reflects a laid back vibe that can be mirrored throughout your family’s outfit selections. Take advantage of light cottons, pretty sheers, denim and slip into your sandals for a casual look. If your family is taking a summer vacation, use this time to take your family portraits. No matter where you may be during summertime, you can take advantage of the following summer color arrangements and styling tips to guide your selections.

Now that you’ve got plenty of styling tips and tricks up your sleeve, choosing outfits for your family photo shoot should be a breeze. Each time you glance at your family portraits, you’ll be happy to relive that moment in time for years to come.

• Your headshot should look like you - exactly how you would show up for an audition
• Your photo has to sell your looks and personality
• What you see is what you get

General Tips

• Tell us your expectations and intentions. Let us know what kind of look you want
• Drink lots of water and be well rested (so your eyes will not have dark circles)
• Arrive on time. Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes early (we may have other clients scheduled before you)
• Please call if you are running late or arrive early

Practice

• Rehearse at home in front of a mirror. Practice poses and expressions (see below about characters)
• If you're having trouble with expressions, watch your face in the mirror while running lines from a favorite scene
• Visualize different emotions while looking in the mirror. Watch how this changes your expression

"Characters" or "Types"

Actors are hired to play a character and tell a story. Does your look allow you to play different characters? Think about how these character types would look:

• The good guy/girl
• The popular guy/girl
• The guy/girl next door
• The bad guy/girl
• The professional guy/girl

Also, think about the subtext or story behind a character. Where is this character from? What is his/her disposition? What is his/her financial background (blue collar/white collar/middle)?

Bring wardrobe that supports how these characters would look.

What to Wear / Wardrobe

• Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you look great
• Don't overdress
• Clothes should be neatly pressed and should look new or like new
• Bring a variety of clothing that emphasizes different roles/characters (professional, blue-collar worker, intellectual, sexy, etc...)
• Avoid large logos or branding
• A simple black shirt/blouse/dress is often a good option
• Avoid white shirts unless you plan to wear it underneath something
• Darker clothes attract less attention and put the attention on your face and eyes
• Solid colors are great
• Avoid busy patterns and large lines or stripes
• No glitter, sparkles, rhinestones, sequins
• Blue/green/turquoise clothing can help emphasize blue/green/hazel eyes
• Avoid red as a dominant color
• A suit or jacket are great for men wanting a more professional look
• Pay attention to details. Layers, ties, belts etc
• Different necklines will change the apparent shape of your face. Bring a variety different shirts/blouses to see what works best
• Turtlenecks are almost always a bad idea (since they crowd the face)
• Don't worry about shoes too much unless you specifically want a full-length look
• Don't only bring 3-4 same-style shirts in different colors. Bring variety of styles
• Bring a few extra outfits so we can choose what looks best on you at the shoot

Remember: Select and wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. Choose something that makes you look good.

Jewelry

• Keep jewelry extremely simple - small is better
• Avoid jewelry that would distract from your face or that looks dated
• The picture is about your face, not your jewelry
• Be prepared to remove facial piercings or multiple ear piercings if needed

What to Bring

• Your previous headshots (so we can improve)
• Sample headshots to help communicate the look you want
• Favorite Music (iPod/MP3 player, phone, thumb-drive)
• Various changes of clothing (see above)
• A good attitude
• Lip balm
• Hair brush/comb
• Makeup and hair products you prefer (especially if you have allergies)

Hair and Makeup Tips

• Make-up should be clean, natural, and minimal
• Your make-up or hair-style should be exactly what you would do for an audition
• Wear a heavy layer of translucent powder - your face will appear flawless in photos. Shine disappears, pores seem smaller, skin looks even, and blush is smoother
• Line lips before applying matte lipstick, then reline. Don't overdo it. Dip a cotton bud in powder and run along lip line to prevent color from bleeding
• Avoid shimmers or products with lots of sparkle or shine
• Avoid frosts or garish colors
• Don't get a new hair cut just before the shoot (you may want to let it grow-in a bit or get used to styling a new cut)
• Do not try/use any new product on your hair, face or body the day before or few days before your shoot
• Avoid over-styling. Keep it simple
• If you are under 16-years old the only makeup you need is lip balm or lip gloss

Arrive With:

• Hair styled and makeup already applied (if not using makeup artist)
• Already dressed in first outfit