Dressing the family for pictures

Just wanted everyone to know that I can totally relate and I completely understand all the effort it takes to get your crew coordinated for family photographs.  Coordinating schedules can be challenging as well as coordinating outfits.  I feel ya!  We are a BIG family of seven, three of those being teenage daughters and one of those HATES having her picture taken.  I’m not proud to admit it, but I have resorted to bribery on more than one occasion to try to coerce my crew to just please cooperate for the picture with as little fuss as possible.  I started the process of gathering clothing options for our crew tonight.  One of the most frequent questions I am asked about family photo sessions is for help with what to wear.  Here are my top tips.

1. Be sure you are comfortable and feel good about yourself in the outfit you choose. Uncomfortable clothes make for uncomfortable people, which will show in your pictures.  If you have a particular family member (or three, like me) that are harder to please than the rest of the crew try to find their clothing first and then coordinate everyone else around what they chose.  I have found they are much more likely to cooperate with a  happy little heart if they like their outfit. One good rule of thumb since us moms are so hard on ourselves is to find something you love and feel you look great in and go from there.  Of course once you have teenage daughters, you may have to let them pick first and then find something you love. They say if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.  You know what can make mom real unhappy…a teenager with attitude on picture day because they don’t like their outfit. An alternate tip along the same lines could be to find one outfit you absolutely love and let that be your starting point for all other outfits.  It could be your outfit, or one of you kids, but one you just love. Also be sure the colors you choose look good with your skin tones and hair.  Maybe you LOVE mustard yellow on other people or in fall pictures, but it just doesn’t look good on you….leave it at the store.  In my case, I really love cream on so many people, but it washes me out and is not flattering on me.
2. For fall/winter family pictures, layers and accessories ( like hats, scarves, vests, fur vests, sweaters, kimonos, cardigans or jackets) look great.  They are a great way to add that pop of color or pattern. Don’t be afraid of colored pants.  
3. PINTEREST…type in what to wear for family pictures.  You will find some inspiration to get your juices flowing.
4. Stay away from graphics on t-shirts. They are distracting and just don’t do it.  I’m talking about both characters and very large logos. Trust me.
5. Coordinate colors without matching.  If everyone is wearing the same colors it takes away from  making the photo great.  An example, olive green is complimented by tones like red, navy, denim, fuchsia, cream, and gold tones. Make sure each person’s outfit looks good standing next to any other person’s outfit and that all outfits together work for multiple posing purposes. A good rule of thumb is choose two colors that compliment each other, and two- three neutrals to mix in. One print for a group of three to four.  Two prints in groups of 5-6….
6. Pattern ratio- stick with one or 2 people in subtle patterns and the others in solids. Too many patterns will be a distraction in your photo.  I LOVE leopard print and really consider it a neutral (because what doesn’t look good with a little leopard print sprinkled in) but don’t overdo the patterns and make sure the patterns you choose will compliment each other.   If you aren’t sure, lay it all out and phone a friend for their 2 cents or ask your photographer.  Textures are a great thing to incorporate into your solid selections . Examples for textures are things like lace, fur, sweaters, velvet, etc…
7. I shop our closets first, except for those that need a little extra inspiration to get on board with pictures.  I told you I have three teenage girls.  A new outfit can be motivating.  New outfits head to toe for a family of seven will easily cost you more than your photo session and adds to the stress of getting pictures made.
8. Plan in advance as much as you can to make sure everyone’s clothing fits properly and  is prepared for the day of the shoot (ironed, etc).  Last minute chaos in completing or preparing outfits adds to the stress of family photos. Don’t forget jewelry and hair styles and accessories should be thought through and selected prior to picture day. Lay it all out on the floor or the bed.  Arrange the outfits several ways to be sure each person’s outfit works well in multiple posing situations.  The more relaxed and at ease everyone is when it is time for the pictures, the more you will love the result and  that shows in the pictures.
9. PETS…I know I am straying from outfit planning but some people just never think about it.  Adding the family dog to the photo shoot is often a good thing.   It can ease tension (unless your dog is a maniac) and help bring the personality and emotion into your photos.  I love lifestyle photography.  I love to capture personality and interaction in my family photos.  The family pet often makes that easier to accomplish. Don’t forget the lint roller if you bring a pet along.
10. Consider the time of year you are having photos taken and the colors in nature during that season/location when planning your outfit.  Often in more colorless times of the year ( winter, and spring before everything blooms) you will need to bring more color to the photo in your outfit choices.  Too much cream or light colors in a colorless environment wash you out.

In the end, all your effort will be worth the hassle.  You rarely regret having those photos to look back on.  In my experience, they just become more treasured over time.   Our kids change drastically and grow up quickly.  Its nice to have images to look back on and bring that slice of  time back to life.   So let’s get ready, picture taking season is here.   You have Christmas cards to print and mail to your friends.  I can help with that too! Getting photo cards is one of my favorite parts of the season and I bet it is for you as well.   I’m excited to work with some of my dearest friends as well as all the new families I will meet this year.  Come expecting to have a great time.