Coordinate wardrobe without being matchy-matchy
Khakis and polos, right? Everyone in jeans and a white shirt? (Oh, I’m so holding back on the “The 90’s called and they want their clothes back” jokes.) (okay, maybe not holding back that much.) The fastest way to timeless photos that won’t go viral for “family photos gone wrong” is to think coordinating colors, and stay away from matchy-matchy.
A. Start with Mom. Find your favorite dressy/casual outfit. Something that fits well and flatters your frame. What colors are dominant? Blues and greens? Choose clothing for the rest of the family that fits those two criteria: They’re comfortable and fits them and have some of those same colors.
B. Let everyone have their own style. I’ve worked with clients whose kids are all diverse as I’m sure yours are. One family I recall had a teen boy in jeans and a button up shirt. The second teen boy all dapper in his suit, minus the jacket while one teen girl was beautiful and radiant in summer clothes and an older teen cowgirl in jeans and boots. It all works. If they’re comfortable, you’ll be much more likely to get great images, and ones that THEY like! PARENTAL WIN!!
C. Avoid extremes. Digital cameras have troubles with certain things. Makes its little sensor freak out a bit. These offenders are neon colors, itty bitty pin-stripes, red and other extremes. Best to stay mid-toned (not bright white, not dark black, but anywhere in the middle.) Solids are great. You want your photographs to focus on your faces and connections, not necessarily your clothing.
So, let’s raise a camera (it has glass in it!) to timeless family portraits you’ll be proud to share for years to come!
