What to wear for family portraits?

"What should we wear for family portraits?"

It's an awesome question. You are talking about pictures that will be cherished by friends and family for years to come. These family photos will be proudly displayed in your living room, until your next family portrait session. Nobody wants to have a 40x60" canvas hanging behind their couch, that the kids’ friends make fun of because of Dad's outfit. These pictures should become an heirloom that the kids will love to have when they are grown- not embarrassed by what they chose to wear when they were a teenager.

So here are some ideas of what to wear for great family photos:

1.) Don't do trendy. Since the 80's everyone has made fun of skinny jeans and they seem to be back. Don't let your tapered leg pants or any current must have trend be the brunt of jokes for the next 20 years. If you own them and want to wear them, fine. Just think about whether that's how you want to remember yourself in 10 years.

2.) I should have ranked this number 1. There is no need to wear jeans and white tee shirts for family photos. Jeans and black shirts also fall into this category. You want to coordinate your outfits, not match them. Choose a color scheme and work with it. Jeans and neutral shirts for everyone if that’s the theme you like. Different colors from the same color palette look great. Soft colors with soft, bold colors with bold. Dress like you are headed to the same party!

3.) The smaller the logo, the better it is. Nothing is more distracting in a family portrait than a giant NIKE Swoosh. Enough said.

4.) The shoes make the outfit. A great outfit is completed with great shoes. If you own funky shoes, wear them! White sneakers show up like a purple elephant. As much as I love buying new runners, please don't include yours in your family photos. If you don't want them to stand out, keep with neutral. Also, please don't be afraid to take them off! There is an excellent chance we will do some barefoot shots!

5.) If it fits, wear it. I am the last person who should comment on the fit of someone’s clothing. Just keep in mind that the camera does record every detail of your outfit. If you are thinking that an article of clothing might be too tight, it will definitely show up as too tight in your family photos. You don't want this to happen. Please don't err on the side of caution and wear something that is clearly too big. Just make sure the outfit is comfortable and not accenting anything you don't want accented.

6.) Comfort is key. If you are uncomfortable, don't wear it. Family photos most often involve a bit of climbing on rocks or a walk through the park. Many a family portrait poser has ended up in a tree. My goal as a photographer is to have a fun photo session with you- you can see it in your photos! If you can't have fun in your outfit because it's too restricting, too revealing or you can't get it dirty, please wear something else. It will make your family photo session much more enjoyable for you.

7.) As with weddings, it’s important not to try anything new the day you come out to see me. Don't get a trendy new haircut or see a new colorist and 'try something new'. This in most cases ends badly. I am glad you want to get your hair done prior to your family photos! In fact, I think it’s a great idea. Just don't do anything major- it might not turn out how you wanted.

8.) A smile. I am not a typical photographer. I don't shoot in a studio. I shoot weddings and I shoot portraits, but I do both to capture people’s lives. I can’t shoot how fun you are if you are sitting in front of a blue background with studio lights! How would you even begin to look like your awesome self? I want you to relax and have fun. If you are not naturally a ‘smiler’, let me know! I have never said 'Say Cheese'. Ever. I promise I won’t. Relax and have fun with your family. It is better to look totally natural than to have fakes smiles. Remember that giant canvas that will be hung behind the couch? If that fake smile might be construed as a grimace when it's blown up...just relax and look natural!


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