What to Wear to your Family Portrait Session?

Booked a session for your family portraits and now wondering what to wear? Lady Gaga may be able to get away with wearing a dress made out of meat, but for the rest of us, clothes are not meant to give the impression that we got dressed in the butcher shop this morning.  Choosing the right clothes can make all the difference when it comes to capturing your precious memories with a family photograph.  So, how do you choose? Don’t fret; I’ve gathered some tips on how to make your wardrobe work for you during your shoot.

 

The Basics

• Grooming:
  • Make sure that all fingernails and toenails are clean and well-manicured (ladies and gents). Chipped hot pink fingernail polish can be a huge detractor from an otherwise lovely image.
  • Try to get your haircuts and coloring done at least a week before your photo shoot.  The day of your shoot will be so much nicer if you don’t have hair disasters to deal with!
  • If you are concerned that you are so pale people may think that you captured a ghost in your family photograph, feel free to use some self-tanner.  This is another thing that you should do at least 24-48 hours before your shoot.  That way you have time to correct any mishaps.
• Proper Undergarments:
  • It all starts with foundations ladies. Proper support for your “assets” will make you feel more confident in your photos!  Try on your selected outfit before the shoot and check your beautiful self out in the mirror to ensure that straps and panty lines aren’t visible.
• Make-up:
  • Even if you don’t normally wear make-up, it can make a huge difference in your photographs.  If you don’t feel comfortable doing your own make-up, you can get a quick make over at department store makeup counters or Ulta.  I have a few makeup artists I recommend – let me know and I’ll share their highly-coveted phone numbers!
  • For little girls, a little bit of sheer lip gloss makes a world of difference.  I put some on my own daughters when I take their pictures, and believe me, they are NOT allowed to wear make-up normally!
  • Make sure you have your lipstick or gloss on hand for touch-ups during your shoot.

 

Color

• Chose a color scheme for the family that will go well with your home décor.  After all, you are creating a fabulous work of heART!  It doesn’t have to be the exact same color scheme, but if you have a formal living room with subtle colors, a big canvas of your family wearing Elvis wigs and polka dot dresses may look slightly out of place.
• Begin with a color palette or one pattern.  Use different layers and textures that work within your color scheme to give each family member his or her own look.  Check out Pinterest for some fantastic color scheme ideas!
• A good way to start is to pick one focal item or accessory that you love and build out from there.  Do you have an amazing blue and brown scarf? Does your daughter wear ladybug rain boots EVERY DAY?  Start there!

Style

• Wear something that you feel confident and comfortable in.
• Wear clothing that flatters your body.
  • V-necks and scoop necks are flattering on almost everyone!
  • Short sleeves and long sleeves look great.  Sleeveless and cap sleeves can be a bit of a risk.  However, if you’ve got it, rock it!
  • Hemlines that end around the knee are just short enough to show off your amazing legs.
• Make sure your shoes are location-appropriate and clean.  If your shoot is on the beach, you may want to opt for flats or even bare feet rather than stilettos.
• Build each family member’s outfit around their unique personality.  If little Kevin won’t go anywhere without his cape, let him wear it.  He will be happy and you will have a great reminder of who he is at this age.
• Try to avoid “hot right now” trends.  We all have those pictures that we look back on and wonder, “What was I thinking wearing that?”  Simple and classic style will keep your work of heART looking fresh and contemporary for years to come.
• Stay away from logos on clothing – they can be very distracting to the eye and take away from the subjects

 

Location, Location, Location

• Make sure your clothing and props are location appropriate.
  • A windy day at the beach? Be careful with billowy skirts.
  • A hot summer day at the park? Formal wear probably will be uncomfortable.
  • A chilly fall day in the forest?  Avoid the sleeveless dress and high heels.

Above all, your photo shoot is about you and your family.  You should be relaxed, happy and comfortable in whatever you choose to wear.  Family photographs are not about being formal and perfect; they are about capturing the memories and experiences that make your family special.  So relax, have fun and be yourself.  You will look amazing!