Planning family photos can be so exciting, but also nerve wracking! Especially when it comes to styling everyone. Your family photos are likely something you’ll share with family and friends, and will be cherished for years to come, so it’s important to look and feel your best! Here are my top five tips for styling your family photos.
1. DRESS COMFORTABLY
It’s not uncommon for people to want to shop for new, sparkly, fabulous clothes to wear to a photoshoot. And that’s totally fine – if that’s your jam. But let’s talk about comfort a little more. Do you think you’d be more comfortable in your favorite t-shirt and jeans or a new clingy little black dress?
The best route is usually to go with something that’s tried and true. Something you know moves with you and hugs you in all the right places. Don’t get me wrong – it 100% does not have to be jeans and a t-shirt.
You can glam it up a bit more if that’s what you fancy. But if authenticity is what you’re after, you’re going to have to show up as yourself. And if you want to capture this time of your life in all its glory, then it’s about the feeling of being comfortable in your own skin.
2. COORDINATE, DON’T MATCH
In order for the aesthetics of your photograph to really sing, you want to find complementary outfits that showcase a variety of colors, textures, accessories, patterns, and tones. Complement the other people in the photograph as well as your surroundings. The key to styling family photos is to have everything look good together without everything looking the same.
3. CONSIDER THE LOCATION AND SEASON
Your session location and season will greatly impact your outfit choices. For a field session, something more casual works well. Think light and airy fabrics, sundresses, and jeans. On the contrary, a session downtown might call for a more sophisticated look.
Styling your family photos around the seasons should also be taken into consideration. In the spring and summer, especially in Texas, looser, cooler clothing is more ideal. In the winter, layering up can keep you warm, but also add more fun elements to your session. Think fur coats, fun hats, and leather!
4. STYLING FAMILY PHOTOS THAT LEAD WITH PERSONALITY
I’m up for it all. If your style is more flashy and you love to dress up, throw on your best party dress. If your vibe is more moody, let’s run with that! I love a good leather statement piece and some Dr. Martens.
And if you’re a jeans and a t-shirt kinda person, let’s work with that. I want your shoot to be different from everyone else’s. I want it to be you.
5. INCORPORATE TEXTURE + MOVEMENT
Pick fabrics that move and flow with you. Ones that add a cozy texture, or get picked up by the wind, filter the late afternoon sun, and glow in the morning light. Natural fibers like linen, cotton, or wool are amazing. Avoid stiff-seeming garments with collars as they look a bit too formal and often get tucked in weird spots and need adjusting.
Your family photos are such a great opportunity to capture your family’s genuine love and connection. Styling your family photos to showcase that bond is the key to ensuring photos you’ll love!
If you’re looking for a photographer who can capture your family’s unique style, I’d love to help! Contact me today to book your family session, and let’s create some magical memories!
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