The most important part of your family portrait is YOU! Your faces, expressions and relationships to each other is what we strive to capture. Therefore clothing should flatter the subject but not draw attention away from you and your family. Clothing is important and good choices in clothing is one of the key elements of a great photo session!

Here are a few tips:

• First, decide if the portrait will be casual or formal in style.

• If an outdoor location is chosen, a casual look would be suggested unless you are a very formal family.

• For group sessions, clothing should be coordinated, simple and timeless, not necessarily matching.

• By starting with a base colour, usually denim, navy, black, white or khaki (beige), then choosing one or two other colours that the family members can work with, makes it easy to mix and match throughout the group. If you choose denim make sure you specify light or dark denim as light denim could fall under the white category and dark would work with blacks.

• Large, busy prints, logo'd shirts, checkered patterns such as plaid, and geometric designs draw attention away from your faces so sticking with solids is a good idea.

•  Long sleeves for adults are highly recommended as exposed areas of skin in the portrait can compete with the face. Often bare arms and shoulders appear larger than they actually are so long sleeves are much more flattering.

• Everyone should be in similar colours and shades but not match exactly. Dressing in the same style, such as classic, modern, heritage, dressy, formal, etc works well.

• Dressing in the same tone is important – dark, light or pastel.

• Check ahead of time to make sure your clothing fits properly. Gaping blouses and short pants are definite distractions in your portrait. Stay away from short skirts or shorts unless you are a young child or a supermodel. 

 • Families should wear their normal style of clothing so their personality comes through and they are comfortable during the portrait. 

• Footwear needs to be considered as well. Preferably shoes should match the pant and socks match the shoe or pant. Sandals are fine if this is everyone’s style. Barefoot is great if you are posing at the lake or beach.

• Keep in mind that we usually vary our poses so you may be sitting, lying on the grass, kneeling or standing. Your outfit should be comfortable in these situations.

 •  A few colour ideas, just to get you thinking, but please come up with your own ideas: Blues: Blue, grey, black, charcoal / Earth Tones: Brown, tan, burgundy, khaki / Light Palette: White, ivory, khaki, (pale pink or blue would work in here)

  

I’ll be checking in with you to chat about clothing choices. It’s a great idea to plan the outfits 2 weeks before the session. Lay them out on a bed, step back and take a look. Once you’re happy with your choices, make sure they are clean and wrinkle-free, then set them aside for your session. This will lower your stress level on session day!