How cute is this family of five in their coordinating color scheme of yellow, white and blue?! This is a PERFECT example of a great family wardrobe to stand apart from the setting. Keep reading to find out how to achieve this for YOUR family photo shoot!
As a family photographer in Reno / Tahoe, I often get asked “what should we wear?” So I am here to help with a list of do’s and don’t with wardrobe tips and more for your family portraits.
DO wear something that comfortably expresses your personalities.
DO think about where these photos will hang on the walls in your home. You want them to fit in seamlessly with your interior design and decor – or stand out, depending on what you’re going for. My home decor is super eclectic so I have some freedom to be eclectic with wardrobe, too.
DON’T forget about shoes, hair and accessories. You will be photographed from head to toe! So make sure your nail polish isn’t chipping (on fingers AND toes)! That’s something that’s VERY difficult to photoshop (and often times impossible), so don’t let it ruin your favorite photos!
DO buy new outfits if you wish, but be sure to “test” the outfit beforehand so you know whether or not it’s truly comfortable in any position!
DON’T wear something you can’t comfortably sit down in. You don’t want all of your photos to be stiff upright standing shots. Comfort is key. If you don’t feel comfortable, you won’t look comfortable.
DON’T expect your transition lenses in your glasses to be clear outdoors – they are sunglasses outdoors! Consider wearing contacts, or put your glasses away for your session.
DON’T wear baseball caps or other hats – they will create harsh shadows over your forehead & eyes. Part of what makes a great portrait of you is seeing your eyes!
DO consider the time of year and location of your shoot. If you’re getting family photos done in the fall, think of colors that compliment orange, yellow and red. If choosing springtime, think about color that compliment green and possibly pink/purple/yellow (a variety of flowers will be in bloom). Are we shooting at the colorful West Street Market? Then neutral colors like gray and white are awesome, but you can also get away with going all-out-colorful.
DON’T wear small patterns (checkerboard/ houndstooth etc), because they don’t photograph well. Neither do large graphics (think Affliction t-shirts), thin straps, bright red & pink (and other extremely bright/neon colors), matching colors and lots and lots of black/white. It’s better to have contrasting/complimentary colors (rather than matching) so you don’t blend together as a family. Neutral colors as a base (like denim, tan, gray, white etc) work great with pops of colors brought in through accessories and layers of clothing (jeans, a gray cardigan and a pastel yellow shirt, for example). Bringing different accessories is a fun, easy & quick way to liven up your look – jewelry, scarves, jackets etc.
DON’T bring more than one outfit unless you book a 2 hour shoot with a wardrobe change. Changing clothing for the whole family takes a lot longer than you might think, so plan in advance and book more than 1 hour if you want to change outfits mid-session.
DO bring props! Props bring your personality to to forefront of your photos. Some examples are balloons or a picnic setting. Pick something that really expresses your family’s interests.
DO rely on a professional makeup artist & hairstylist to highlight your beauty. Pretty, pretty please! I have seen so many times first-hand how pro hair and makeup make such an incredible difference in a female’s confidence. Contact me for my hairstylist and makeup artist recommendations.
DO visit my Pinterest Family Wardrobe Inspiration board for outfit and color ideas.
That’s it! All my do’s and don’ts for your portrait session look. I hope this article helps prepare you for your session and that you LOVE your photos when you see them for the first time. Below are some other examples of families who coordinated beautifully based on my wardrobe tips above and showcased their personality at the same time.
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- This couple picked neutral tones and bright colors for their Spring session in a lush Reno park.
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- The mix of colors this trio is wearing complimented the soft brown tones of the sand on a beach in Lake Tahoe.
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- This family did a great job coordinating deep red and navy colors mixed with denim and gray to stand out from the Fall landscape at Mayberry Park.
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- This family chose fun prints and bright, deep colors to stand against the fall background.
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- Mostly light tones and a nautical blue theme for this Summer family portrait was a great choice!
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- For their photo shoot at the Freighthouse District, this adorable family chose a few neutral tones and mixed in pops of navy and bright green. It was fun and eclectic – and most importantly, very fitting for them!
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- Pastel colors suited this family so beautifully in the lush green landscape of this popular Reno trail.
Ready to update your family portraits with Fifth and Chestnut Photo Co.? Contact us for information and to discuss your fun Reno Family Photography experience with a professional Family Photographer in Reno!