Monica Conlin Photography’s advice for creating picture-worthy outfits for your family photos
Congrats! You have booked your family photo session with me. Now the big question —
What should I wear? What should I have my child(ren) wear?
This seems to be one of the more stressful things to figure out when getting your photo taken. So I am here to help and guide you to make this as easy as possible. Below I give you practical suggestions and tips on choosing your and your family member’s outfits so that you feel confident about what everyone is wearing for your pictures.
If after reading my tips, you still feel stumped, then don’t worry—I got you!
Lay out all the clothes you chose on the floor and take a quick picture and send it to me. I am happy to give you guidance. I am here to help make your family photo experience the best it can be!
First of all, let’s start with a few basic guidelines—
Pick out and wear weather appropriate clothing.
If a child is cold, then you are much more likely to get someone who isn’t happy, won’t smile, and is generally not having a good time. Cute sweaters and layers can keep a small body warm and still look adorable when the weather is chillier.
Have everyone try their clothes on before the day of the session.
Last minute growth spurt and pants too short? Shoes now too tight? Dress WAY bigger than expected? All these things can make last minute changes stressful, so try on clothes ahead of time to prevent needing to switch things up when it is too late.
Here are some tips to help you pick your outfits for your family photo session:
The name of the game is COORDINATION, not matching! So what does that even mean?
Choose colors that pair well together. You can use the color wheel to do this. Colors that are on the opposite sides of the wheel look good together and colors that are right next to each other on the color wheel go well with one another.
For example: The photo at the top, they are wearing greens (dad’s shirt and mom’s floral print skirt) and pink (baby’s romper and headband) which sit opposite one another on the color wheel. The photo below shows how the maroon (red) and burnt orange shirt look great next to one another, and they sit side by side of the color wheel.
Layer patterns and textures. Think about using different types of fabrics, textures and layers of clothing to make your outfit and the family’s outfit more dynamic. You can use multiple different patterns, but make sure they go well together.
Use neutrals to break it up! Combine the pops of colors that you choose with neutrals items of clothing (cream, white, black, gray). These can be the pants, the undershirt or sweater, or jacket.
Don’t forget to personalize it to your own family’s needs. Your daughter LOVES dresses, then have her wear one. Your child has sensory issues and can’t tolerate itchy clothes, choose loose fitting cotton fabric shirt and jogger pants. Your husband wouldn’t be caught in a polo shirt EVER, then don’t do it. Choose a patterned t-shirt and layer with a linen button-up shirt.
Finishing Touches that make a BIG difference for your Family Photo Session Outfits:
It’s great that you found some clothes you love. But what will really put your photos over the top is the extra finishing touches, so:
ACCESSORIZE! This is a fun and easy way to bring in your personality and depth to the outfit.
Jewelry is a must: earrings, necklace, rings, and bracelet/bangles.
Hats: Bring your favorite fashion hat to wear for some of the photos. Cute corduroy baseball hat or beanie for the kids.
Hair accessories: Bows, headbands, clips, barrettes.
Layered extras: Scarves, shawls, kid’s suspenders and more!
Don’t slack on the shoes. Listen, you can have the best outfits, but if you are wearing shoes that don’t match then it is very noticeable in photos. Please NO flip flops. A cute sandal, casual shoe or boot works great. Have your shoe match the style you are going for. Feeling cute, trendy and casual-fun then put on some Vans or Converse. Have a great summer dress, then throw on those strappy sandals to finish off the outfit.
Don’t be afraid to pick a fun print, especially if your style and personality is more bold. We want the photos to represent you, so let’s embrace and showcase your style!
Here’s a great example of well coordinated outfits for family photos:
Mom has a beautiful floral patterned dress she loves and feels good in. It’s new, it fits, and the confidence is there. Wear it!
This mom chose excellent options for the daughters to wear. She kept in the pink color scheme, but she chose different textures of clothing items for each girl. One is in a corduroy jumper that is layered and the other is in a textured sweater. You can see how the different textures, patterns, and types of cloth looks good on the close-ups by adding depth to the photo. Dad is in a neutral sweater that goes well with each of the outfits of the women in his family. Also, they didn’t forget about the shoes! They all have cute footwear that complete the look.
Still have no clue what to wear?
Let me help style you for your family photos!
Lay out all the clothes you picked and look at them all together. Do the colors/patterns look good? Does it look cohesive. Various textures? Not sure? Take a quick picture of the clothes laid out and send it to me. I am happy to give you my opinion and some suggestions.
Monica Conlin is a family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, maternity photography, smash cake photography, school photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas (including, by not limited to: Kirkwood, East Lake, Edgewood, Lake Claire, Candler Park, Inman Park, Ormewood Park, Grant Park, Reynoldstown, East Atlanta, Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia Highland, Avondale, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Ansley Park, Morningside-Lenox Park, Druid Hills, Piedmont Heights, Poncey-Highland).
Please contact Monica Conlin Photography at hello@monconpix.com if you need a Newborn Lifestyle Photographer, Newborn at home Photographer, Lifestyle Family Photographer, newborn photographer, baby photographer, or maternity photographer.
