5 Dos and Don'ts on Dressing for Family Photos

You’ve picked the date, paid the deposit now - WHAT TO WEAR?!

I know personally what a struggle this can be! I lay it all out on the floor every year and swap items until it’s right! H&M, Old Navy, Target and Amazon are my favorites!!

Here are five DOs for dressing a family to look sharp for photos!

1. DO DRESS MOM FIRST. Mom is the hardest to dress in regards to finding something in the right fit, style, and price! So I always suggest clients start here. Moms, find something you love, that you can wear again, that fits well, and makes you feel great! Build everything else around your outfit.

2. DO MIX COLORS. You want colors that compliment each other, not be matchy-matchy. You’re going to end up with a lot of neutral pieces (navy, grey, brown, ivory, denim, black) with a few color pieces to pop.

3. DO LAYER IN TEXTURE and PATTERN. Always mix in some texture and pattern. Typically we only want one big pattern piece: floral, checked, plaid, etc. And then layer in some texture too: fringe boots, heathered fabrics, lace, fur vest, tulle skirt, cable knit, etc.

4. DO CONSIDER YOUR HOME DECOR. What colors do you love in your home? If you might be getting canvases or prints of these images, consider what might go with what’s already in your home.

5. DO INTENTIONAL SHOES. Making sure the shoes match the outfits is the final cherry on top that pulls it all together. They can’t wear their neon school shoes for this. Old Navy, Walmart, and Target never let me down on generic looking dressy sneakers or loafers for my boys. One of my favorite photos had our littlest in some Navy Converse he wore for a year afterwards. And moms, wear comfortable shoes we can walk around in! Wedges and flats are my go-tos.

Five Don’ts to Avoid for Family Photos:

1. DON’T DO ALL OR BRIGHT WHITES. Try even cream or ivory for the same idea.

2. DON’T DO NEON OR VERY SATURATED COLORS. These can cast colors onto skin and can be distracting. Try maroon instead of red, mustard instead of yellow, or navy instead of royal blue as examples.

3. DON’T DO BIG LOGOS and TEXT. Because of posing these often wont be seen in full and can be distracting.

4. DON’T WEAR TRANSITION LENSES. We want to see everyone’s eyes!

5. DON’T CHOOSE VERY THIN STRIPS OR SMALL CHECKS. These do not always translate well in camera and can cause an effect called Moire. Larger prints or solids are better.

Last, let me know if I can help!! Send me pictures and let’s solve it together!

Blessings,

Nicole