SMURPHREEPHOTO
SMURPHREEPHOTO

What to Wear - Family

Deciding WHat to Wear - Family Sessions

Choose your own adventure guide for styling your session and getting the images you want!

Each image below was taken the same evening at the same location, but notice how much the choice of clothing changes the overall feel of the image! Clothing is so important when preparing for a photo session! Here are some tips on how to best style your session.

Definite things to avoid style-wise during your session:

  1. Neon colors - They cast color on skin tones and can make your face look off-color.

  2. Everyone in all white/black - This can work in a studio setting under the right circumstances, but for families in an outdoor setting it can take away a lot of the visual interest in the image. It’s better to give everyone 3-4 colors to pick from and style how they would like.

  3. Uncomfortable clothes - It’s hard to have fun candid moments when you’re arguing with your skirt or scratching from an itchy sweater. Pick clothes that you love and that feel comfortable.

Picking a Palette:

Bold & Colorful

Photographer favorite!
For this look think “jewel tones.” If we are going to a natural area, the background will be mostly greens and yellows. Wearing colors like red, orange, navy blue, etc will pop from the background and make you stand out in the most beautiful ways!

Tip - If you integrate red, yellow, and blue you will have most of the colors on the spectrum with green grass and blue skies, this creates striking images. And there are many great options in these colors in stores now!

Neutral & detailed

For this look think “texture.” Keep everyone in different subtle tones of beige, blue, brown, or grey. What is most important here is to mix different textures (knits, crochet tops, laces, linens, etc.) anything that will add visual interest to the fabric. This look is great for summer and is a great way to help keep everyone cool!

Tip - use similar colors in different ways, maybe the color of mom’s pants is the same color as dad’s shirt. Using a neutral palette takes the guesswork out of picking everyone’s outfit.

Pastel & Soft

Pastels are a great option if you’re not quite feeling the bold and colorful look but want more than neutrals. Soft pinks, blues, greens, or yellows will look great on a natural background, and they will create a lovely cohesive image. Since the colors are softer this is a great opportunity to incorporate patterns or designs on fabric in a few articles of clothing.

Tip - With this look try to avoid vibrant pops of color, it will distract from the overall image and draw your eye to the vibrant pop of color. -

Favorite Retailers:

Clothes for the whole family:

Clothes for Women: