Coordinate outfits:

Everyone does not have to 100% match with khaki pants or jeans and a white shirt! You will want to complement each other’s outfits by choosing colors that work well together. I find that if everyone is wearing the same clothing, people will all tend to blend in together and there won’t be too much pop and life to the images. 

Use colors & patterns:

Colors are everywhere around us and bring things to life… why not bring your images to life as well! Again, be sure the colors you use coordinate with each other! When picking patterns, choose smaller ones that won’t distract attention away from the main subject/s. When thinking about texture, choose different ones that will give photos some interest such as lace, corduroy, denim, etc. Avoid large logo’s, emblems and graphics like “GAP” and “Old Navy” because again, these will typically distract attention away from the subject. We want your faces and emotion to show, not promote the clothing company you purchased from!

Be timeless:

Pick outfits that are not considered too trendy, but will be able to be enjoyed and displayed for many years to come. One example of something that is timeless are jeans… classic look and style yet you can still incorporate your own flair into the outfit with your tops and accessories. Still be YOU, never forget that!

Remember where you came from: 

Typically, not something everyone will keep in mind before their session. However, I always encourage clients to think about their home, their decor,colors, and style of their homes. Chances are, at some point after your session, you will be ordering prints. Why not keep your decor in mind and ensure that it all blends into your home. This will ensure that any large portraits will coordinate beautifully.

Plan ahead:

Make sure you have given yourself enough time to think about all of the details of your session. Plan ahead so that #1 you can truly think about your photos and everything you want out of the session, #2 you aren’t rushing and stressing out right before your session, and #3 if you have decided to go for a new look for your session or someone gets a bad haircut, you still have time to fix things if you need to.

Layering: 

• One of my favorite “tips” for clothing choices! In the Summer months, this may be more difficult to pull off but during all of the other seasons, definitely layer your outfits. Not only will it provide more visual interest in each photo but it will also allow a lot more variety in your shots and poses. Sports coats are a great option for men!
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MOM PICKS HER OUTFIT FIRST:

You have picked colors that will work well in your home on your walls and you know the style that best fits your family. Moms, you get to pick your outfit first! I am a Mama and I know how hard it can be sometimes to feel good about myself and my clothes. So, picking an outfit that I know I love first will get the hard part done. Once I feel confident and happy with my outfit, then I am free to just enjoy my time with my family in our session!

If I were building outfits for my family this is how I would do it: