What to wear (and what to avoid) family edition

Find an outfit for the hardest-to-shop-for person first then build from there
In our family, my daughter is the hardest to dress for family portraits.  She is a teen with her own style. With these tips in mind, I allow her to pick her outfit first and we build from there.

Pick 1-2 complimentary patterns and the rest in coordinating solid colors with different textures and layers
Try not to be too matchy-matchy, but coordinate.

Pick a palette of 3-4 colors
Think in terms of tones: blue tones, jewel tones, earth tones, neutrals, pastels, etc. Choose colors that will compliment you and your home.

Avoid neon colors and lean toward muted tones
Neon colors tend to have a color cast and can become overly exposed. It is best to avoid neon colors and stick to more muted tones for a more timeless look.

Avoid graphic prints and logos on clothing
Graphics on clothing distracts from the subject, it is best to avoid them at all cost

Weather appropriate  
Being too hot or too cold can make a session unbearable and it often reflects in the images. It is very important to keep location and the current weather conditions in mind.

Appropriate fit
Make sure your clothing fits appropriately. Pants being too short on growing boys tends to be an issue. Keep in mind sitting-down poses as well.  Please try on your outfits ahead of time to ensure they fit correctly and comfortably. Avoid wearing items that you do not feel confident in.

Shoes
Keep in mind the location, we are often shooting in fields of long grass and do lots of walking and playing around. If your kids have colorful shoes, you may want to purchase neutral-colored footwear.

Accessorize
Accessories like scarves, hats (not baseball), jewelry, belts, suspenders, and bowties add interest to your images but don’t stray too far from your usual style.

Hygiene
Your hands are often seen in images, please make sure to have manicured nails and avoid brightly colored polish.

Stores like the GAP, H&M, and  Old Navy often have coordinating outfits for families

Still overwhelmed? I’m always here to help!