Capturing beautiful moments with your loved ones through a family photoshoot is a timeless tradition. Choosing the right outfits for everyone can be a daunting task, but with a little guidance and inspiration from this style guide, you can create a cohesive and visually stunning ensemble for your family. In this style guide, we’ll explore some popular websites that offer a wide range of clothing options for all ages and provide tips on what to wear for a portrait session with me. Let’s dive in!

Where To Start

Keep it simple. Keep it neutral! A big part of achieving the look you want is what you wear to your session. Here are my biggest tips to achieving the look you see in my sessions.

Dress mom first. Style around her.

Stick to neutrals + white colors.

Compliment your home/ location.

Important Things to Keep In Mind

🔲 Don’t come on an empty stomach.

🔲 Don’t give your kids messy snacks that can melt at the session. Small handfuls of snacks are quickly consumed and out of sight.

🔲 Tell them about the fun games we will play!

🔲 Tell me some of their favorite things! Talking about interests can spark smiles.

🔲 Put on a fresh diaper before the session.

🔲 Bribe your kids with experiences! ‘If you behave daddy will push you on the swing!’

Don’t be afraid to get dirty and have fun

Don’t sweat the small stuff. If your kids aren’t perfect and just want to play, that’s normal. Let’s capture them the way they are. I always do my best to get the shot you want, but it’s important to keep everyone happy, even if that means the little ones need 5 minutes to play. This also includes saving 5-10 minutes at the end of your session to have a little fun in the water if we’re doing a beach session. Photos of littles playing in the water are the best and I definitely recommend this!

the Do’s and Don’ts!

Do’s:

1. Coordinate, don’t match:
   Opt for a color scheme or a complementary palette rather than everyone wearing the exact same outfit. Coordinate colors, patterns, and styles to create a visually pleasing and cohesive look.
2. Choose timeless and classic styles:
   Opt for clothing that won’t go out of fashion quickly. Classic styles tend to photograph well and create timeless images that you’ll cherish for years to come.
3. Consider the location and theme:
   Take into account the location and theme of your photoshoot when selecting outfits. For example, if you’re shooting at a beach, lighter, more casual attire may work well, while a more formal location might call for dressier outfits.
4. Pay attention to fit:
   Ensure that everyone’s clothing fits well and flatters their body types. Ill-fitting clothing can distract from the overall look and feel of the photos.
5. Add layers and textures:
   Incorporate layers and textures to add depth and visual interest to your outfits. This could include scarves, cardigans, jackets, or accessories like hats or statement jewelry.
6. Consider the season and weather:
   Dress appropriately for the season and weather conditions. You want your family to feel comfortable during the photoshoot, so choose outfits that suit the temperature and climate.

Don’ts:

1. Avoid large logos or busy patterns:
   Logos and busy patterns can be distracting in photographs. Opt for simpler patterns or solid colors that won’t compete for attention.
2. Steer clear of neon or overly bright colors:
   Vibrant neon colors can cast unwanted reflections on faces or create color casts in the photos. Stick to more muted and subdued tones that complement each other.
3. Avoid all white or all black outfits:
   All-white or all-black outfits can be challenging to expose correctly in photos. Instead, incorporate other colors or shades to add depth and dimension to the overall look.
4. Skip overly trendy or fashion-forward pieces:
   While it’s great to showcase personal style, overly trendy or fashion-forward outfits may quickly look dated in the future. Opt for more timeless choices that won’t go out of style quickly.
5. Don’t forget about shoes and accessories:
   Pay attention to shoes and accessories as they can complete the overall look. Choose footwear that matches the style of the outfits and consider accessories like belts, scarves, or jewelry to enhance the visual appeal.
6. Avoid clothing that restricts movement:
   Ensure that everyone can move comfortably in their chosen outfits. Avoid clothing that is too tight or restrictive, as it may limit natural movement and make posing more challenging.

By keeping this style guide in mind, you’ll be able to choose clothing and accessories that create a harmonious and visually pleasing look for your portrait session, allowing you to capture beautiful memories.

Where To Get Your Outfits

There are so many options out there now. Here are some tried and true places with lots of options! You can always come back to this Style Guide to refer to these sites.

1. Nordstrom (www.nordstrom.com)
2. Gap (www.gap.com)
3. J.Crew (www.jcrew.com)
4. Old Navy (www.oldnavy.com)
5. Zara (www.zara.com)
6. Ivy City Co (www.ivycityco.com)
7. H&M (www.hm.com)
8. Amazon (www.amazon.com)

Remember, these websites provide a starting point for finding inspiration and clothing options for your family photoshoot. Don’t be afraid to mix and match from various sources, and ultimately choose outfits that reflect your family’s personality and make everyone feel comfortable and confident. Happy styling and capturing those precious memories using this style guide!