What to Wear for Family Photos
I get asked ALL the time what to wear for family photos, so I've compiled my best tips for you below! The most important thing to remember is that you don't have to figure it out alone when you're getting ready for your shoot! Your photographer (especially if it's me!) would LOVE to help you pick something out from your closet, text back and forth about options, or help you find something new!
1. Coordinated, Not Matching
Denim shirts for the whole family are OUT, y’all. Even in Texas! Pick a color scheme or a coordinated color palette and find complimentary items. Pinterest is great for this, and I even have a Family Photo Inspiration Board to help narrow it down for you with some of my FAVES. If Pinterest is overwhelming for you, try these combos:Pale Pink, Light Blue, and TanMaroon, Mustard, and NavyEvergreen, Chambray, and TanRose, Burgundy, and Gray
2. Classic Neutrals, Not Trendy
Neutrals in classic silhouettes are going to look the most timeless and get you the most bang for your buck display-wise. Pinterest trends are tempting, but if it something that might go out of style (I’m looking at you culottes that have been in and out of trend three separate times in my own lifetime), skip it!
3. Dress for Your Home, Not a Theme
Look around your home for colors that you’ve already incorporated! Remember these photos are going to hang on your walls, so if you have a pink and yellow home with red and green photos, you’re probably going to have a hard time finding somewhere to hang them! Better yet, talk with your photographer about exactly where you want to hang these photos!
4. Comfortable and YOU
Sarah Tanner, Houston Family and Childhood Photographer
Remember that the main focus of your photos will be YOU, not your clothes. If you (or your kids!) don’t feel comfortable in the outfit you choose, it’s all you’ll be thinking about the whole time! I want my clients to look back on their photos with happy memories, not uncomfortable or itchy ones, or especially unflattering ones! If you’re self-conscious about your arms, maybe don’t go sleeveless. If you think your ankles look large, don’t wear strappy heels for the sake of the photo. Find an outfit that flatters, makes you feel comfortable, and makes you feel like YOU.
5. Err on the Side of Fancy
Sarah Tanner, Houston Family and Childhood Photographer
Now, if “YOU” wears yoga pants and messy buns every day because #momlife, this is your chance to class it up a bit. Put on real pants. Wear a flowy dress. Brush your hair. Tell your man skip the running shoes and DEFINITELY ditch the socks with sandals. Make sure the kids’ socks match. I’ve never seen a family photo and been like “Hmm they really should have dressed more casually for that...” In fact, professional photography is probably the only time when long dresses on the beach and sport coats in the park look AMAZING, not awkward!I hope this helps you narrow things down, so you get photos that you will LOVE!