If you are planning to style your family on your own here are some tips to follow to make sure you look your best.
My best advice is to follow the color palettes below. Find one that you love and look for coordinating outfits to go with it.
My favorite options for men are henley or simple shirts with jeans or neutral colored pants.
I put together some tips below that I think may help you if you're styling on your own. As always let me know how I can help you!
Styling your photo session
tips for men
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, choose a print and then some solids to compliment it. I love to find a color palette and work from there.
A good rule of thumb: pick a color palette and spread them throughout the family. Don't be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns or textures (such as linen).
And always keep the location in mind. If we're shooting in a green field, light green dresses might blend in too much with the surroundings. Neutrals and earth tones photograph very well.
A guide to styling on your own
tips for men
My favorite choice for men is a simple shirt that fits well with jeans or some neutral colored pants or shorts depending on the season.
Try to avoid mens dress shirts and formal khaki pants. We don't want Dad looking like he's going off to work. We want dad to look comfortable and complimentary to the rest of the families outfits.
Sweaters, quarter zip/button shirts, henley, fitted tee's all work really well.
Jeans, navy, tan, or grey pants all look great.
Take a look at how the dads are dressed on this client closet guide to get some ideas.
Tips for Men
tips for women
Flowy empire waist dresses photograph very well. This is my go to choice for womens' clothing. They look great in walking and photos with movement. Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up! This also allows you to be active with your kids and still look great! And dresses with sleeves (long or short) are a great way to help slim arms.
Softer, pastel and neutral colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. Neon and bright colors can reflect on your skin and create a color cast.
Tips for Women
tips for shoes
Shoes are usually the last thing we think about but don't let them be forgotten. Your kids play sneakers don't look good in the nice outfit that you picked out for them. Head to Walmart, Target, Amazon, or even a kids 2nd hand store and find some appropriate shoes to go with their outfit.
As a mom I completely understand that having these nice shoes often go unworn but for photos it's worth the extra investment and you can certainly find something for under $20!
I recommend sandals, short boots, or simple and clean slip on shoes.
Shoes
where to shop
Women
Baltic Born Clothing
Anthropologie
Free People
Piper and Scoot
H&M
Madewell
Zara
Men
Banana Republic
Zara
Old Navy
H&M
BYLT
Favorite Shops
Kids
Zara
Rylee & Cru
H&M
Older Kids
Abercrombie Kids
Altr'd State
color palettes
My favorite way to style outfits is to look at a color palette. This really helps me to pull outfits together and gives me a starting point. If you have a favorite piece of clothing at home start with that and build the rest of the family around it. If you need any help at all I'm always glad to assist you on this! Send me some pictures of the your outfits and I'll do my best to tell you what I think will photograph the best!
Color Palettes
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