How to pick Family Photo Outfits

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Family Photo Outfits

As a family photographer based in Chambersburg, PA, the number one question I am asked is, “What should we wear for our family photos?”

It can seem overwhelming to plan coordinating outfits but once you know what you’re looking for, the perfect outfit for outdoor photos comes together easily. In this post I am going to explain:

The exact questions I ask when styling my clients

What you can add to elevate your outfits

Checklist for picking photogenic outfits

Helpful resources for creating your dream family photo color palette that matches your style and decor.

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Questions to ask for styling

Knowing where you are going to put your photos in your home is important when considering the colors of your outfit.

Do you like bright bold decor or more neutral minimal?

What landscape are we using? Mountains, city, beach, etc.

Will the outfit make sense with the location and the final goal of the photos?

What are three words you would use to describe your style?

Avoiding big bold prints is key to a flattering photo.

Keeping your core pieces minimal and adding pops of color through accessories, props, and the environment allows you to tell a more aesthetically pleasing story.

My favorite source to pick a coordinate color scheme is Coolors. This allows you to randomize colors you never would have thought would look great together or start with a specific color and find the colors that work best with your starting point.

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What you can add to elevate your family photos

Accessories and props are the perfect way to splash your family’s personality and story into your memories. These can be as simple as a blanket made by a family member, a picnic basket, a hat, or a headband.

Any family heirlooms, your favorite meal, or things (no matter how random) that your kids are obsessed with. For example, I did a birthday photo shoot with Mcdonald’s french fries because they are his favorite food.

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Checklist of questions to ask before choosing your family photo outfit

Is this outfit something you have worn outside of the house for at least one whole day? Do you feel comfortable, confident, and can move easily? Does it make sense for the environment of photos?

Is it light, flowy + neutral colored pieces? Is it cotton, linen, or natural material that doesn’t feel heavy or ‘cling’ to your body?

Does it have a busy pattern? Pick something else. Keep it plain and add pops of color through accessories.

Can you add layers + texture by wearing a chunky knit sweater, jacket, button-down, etc?

What accessories can you add to this outfit? hats, earrings, rings, necklaces, etc.

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Planning resources for your family photo outfits

Find a color scheme – Coolors

Outfit inspiration – Pinterest Boards

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Ready to plan your next family photos?

When is the last time you had a family photo that WASN’T taken on a phone? And while we’re at it, take a look at your camera roll… Do you have any pictures WITH your kids or just OF your kids? 

Let’s change that TODAY! With a photo session you can expect:

• Guidance with picking outfits, location and best practices to prepare
• Quality time with your family in a beautiful and peaceful setting
• Gentle posing directions
• Your full gallery within 2 weeks of our time together
   

Whether you’ve only been thinking about updating your family photos or starting your collection of priceless memories, after our time together you will have tangible memories to decorate your house and gift to family for the upcoming holidays! 

What’s included with a photo session?

• 20 minutes to an hour session together (depending on package)
• Welcome guide filled with tips to prepare you and your family for the best possible photos
• Assistance in picking outfits/access to client closet (depending on package)
• A professionally curated and edited online gallery connected to a print lab to order directly.
• Customizable mini album with Full Moon Package
• A 15-minute consultation call to finalize details

If you’ve been putting off your family photos, now’s the time to schedule those 2023 family photos!

A photo session creates deeper family connections and tangible memories to gift for years to come!