What to Wear - Family
Flowing white shirts and khakis on the beach. Navy polos and yet more khakis all around. We’ve all seen those photos--heck, most of us have been in those photos. But did you know that coordinated but not “uniform” looks for families create a much more pleasing photograph? Moreover, it is not nearly as difficult as you think it is! The cardinal rule of family dressing for portraits is simple: choose items for the entire family as if you were creating one outfit. If all of your choices were somehow on one person, would the result be pleasing, colorwise? A handy trick for those who are hesitant to break away from the monochrome madness is to choose one patterned item (for example a print dress for your daughter) and then select the rest of the family’s clothing from colors within that pattern.
Flowing white shirts and khakis on the beach. Navy polos and yet more khakis all around. We’ve all seen those photos--heck, most of us have been in those photos. But did you know that coordinated but not “uniform” looks for families create a much more pleasing photograph? Moreover, it is not nearly as difficult as you think it is! The cardinal rule of family dressing for portraits is simple: choose items for the entire family as if you were creating one outfit. If all of your choices were somehow on one person, would the result be pleasing, colorwise? A handy trick for those who are hesitant to break away from the monochrome madness is to choose one patterned item (for example a print dress for your daughter) and then select the rest of the family’s clothing from colors within that pattern.
What to Wear - Siblings
Wardrobe choices for sibling shots, like those for family images, should be complementary but far from “a matching uniform.” A tried and true formula for a boy/girl sibling duo includes a patterned dress or skirt for the girl, with the boy in a solid shirt pulled from that pattern. If the little girl is wearing a solid shirt with a patterned skirt, have the boy’s top match a different color in her skirt, so that their shirts don’t match precisely. Trust me, it works! While many parents have the urge to put their boys or girls in the exact same outfit, mixing it up a bit--while still creating a pleasing overall combination--creates a considerably more interesting color palette and image.
What to Wear - Star of the Show
A wildly-patterned pair of cargo pants and a hipster tee. Her funky hot pink tutu and cowboy boots. His “superhero” cape. Individual shots give your child a chance to show his or her personality through fashion like no other. Without the concern of clashing or competing patterns that exists in a family shot, the possibilities are limitless! So break out your daughter’s bright, crazy Oilily ensemble--the one that gives your Strasburg-loving mother-in-law fits--or your son’s beloved rain boots, and let’s capture something bold, memorable, and no-holds-barred fun!
