Finding the perfect outfit for an upcoming photoshoot can be overwhelming. However, finding outfits for an entire family can be difficult. As a Denver family photographer, I work with families year-round, capturing their cute kiddos and planning their family photo session from top to bottom. Many will head to Pinterest for inspiration, wasting unnecessary money on outfits you may only wear once! Throughout this blog, I’m answering the ever-popular question: Do all of our outfits actually have to match? We’ll talk about my best practices and tips I share with clients to make the whole experience a little bit easier!
Short Answer: No.
One of the main reasons I encourage my clients to avoid matching during their family photo session is that it can look dated, overly staged and feel stiff! As your photographer, I aim to capture your family as you are and allow everyone to breathe and enjoy themselves. While your pictures will still indicate a professional photo session, you’ll want the photos and moments captured to look as genuine and authentic as possible. However, that doesn’t mean everyone should wear a totally different color. There IS a happy medium! Let’s dive into my tips for planning outfits for a family photo session.
Coordinate a Few Main Colors Rather Than Match During Your Family Photo Session
Instead of matching, try simply coordinating. During your quest to find the perfect outfits for your session, it’s important to choose a color scheme. A color scheme will allow you to pick styles and clothing items unique to the person and complimentary to different genders and body types, where matching outfits completely inevitably won’t look good on everyone. Coordinating colors and outfits is a great way to keep everyone excited about what they’re wearing and feeling confident!
Don’t Be Afraid of Florals or Patterns
While this may be controversial, I think a little pattern will never hurt anyone! Don’t fear florals or patterns in your outfits. I say go for it as long as they aren’t too over-powering with multiple people wearing different patterns. Throughout your shopping, you may find a piece you love with a pattern that you can use as an anchor piece to coordinate your other outfits. A pattern could even be a simple texture, like a crocheted or lace dress, which adds texture and depth to photos.
Neutrals and Earth Tones, Please For Your Family Photo Session
Lastly, it’s my philosophy, especially since I photograph mostly outdoors, that sticking to neutrals and earth tones is always a great way to go. While you may think those colors sound boring or too simple, I’m here to tell you they’re perfect in photos and help make you and the beautiful locations you’ve chosen shine.
Throughout your session, we’ll capture your beautiful family in a beautiful location. The last thing we want is clothing that is too bold to take away or distract from the most important part of the photos: you and your people! Instead, neutrals and earth tones can enhance photos by complementing the location and ultimately making your photos look high-end and timeless.
Zara, Free People, Baltic Born, and Rylee & Cru are just a few great spots for finding neutrals and earth-toned clothing for the family! When you book with me, I provide you with a complete shopping guide and styling tool.
As a Denver family photographer and mom, I’d encourage you always to book the session. Our kids are growing up so quickly, and years from now, we’ll be so grateful for moments captured in photos. Don’t get discouraged or worried about the photos because the most important part of these photos isn’t the clothes; it’s your sweet family.
I’d be honored to work with your family and help create a legacy in color. If you’re looking for a Denver family photographer, message me!
