How To Coordinate Outfits for a Family Photo Session
Here on Chicago’s NorthShore, we have moved into fall and this means many people are updating their family pictures.
Sometimes this task can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to dressing the family to give your gallery a unified look. A key element to a unified look is to coordinate the family’s outfits. Here are a few tips to help you in this task
COLOR OF YOUR LOCATION: Think about where you will be having your session and the time of year. This will determine the backdrop for your gallery. If you have an urban setting, your back drop will likely be concrete with predominantly grey colors. This will give you a ton of flexibility when choosing your color palette. The beach can also be fairly neutral, however, you may have some green foliage in and around the area, so consider that too. For families who prefer the wide open fields of the forest preserves, the time of year will need to be considered. During the summer and early fall expect a lush green backdrop and then orange, yellow and red at the height of fall.
COLOR PALETTE: What colors are going to complement your backdrop? Do a bit of searching on Pinterest and you will have some great suggestions for color combos and palettes. You can search for mood boards or coordinating colors. Your search result will be of actual color palettes. Find one that suits your family. Make sure one of the colors is your background color and then use the other options for your outfit choices. Not every person needs to have each color in their outfit, but spread them out among the family members to coordinate the colors and help unify the family.
ACCESSORIES AND LAYERS: Use these items to help tie all your colors and outfits together. Accessorize with necklaces, bracelets, scarves, or hats - have fun with them, but do not go overboard. Texture and layers are great for photos. They add interest and variety to images. You might have a jacket or sweater that could coordinate with your outfit.
SOLID vs. PATTERN Solid colors are great, but do not be afraid of patterns! Often, patterns are a great way to bring together your color palette.
COMFORT & STYLE: Make sure you are comfortable! The clothes and outfits you choose should reflect your family’s style. Many times I will suggest mom picks out her outfit and then build the others from there. Moms are typically the ones coordinating this event, on the day of the session, I want her to feel at ease and relaxed.