I first began this blog idea last fall and it was one of my most read posts for the entire year [see the original post here]… I know it can be super overwhelming trying to find the perfect outfits for your upcoming family portraits with your favorite photographer so I am back for another edition on how to help and offering a bit of fast advice anyone can execute.
Here are five tips for getting the perfect portraits right time after time:
Moms… Pick Your Outfit First
We all know that in most cases, the mama is responsible for coordinating all the planning, scheduling, + picking of every single outfitr for these cherished pictures. Treat yourself a little and pick your outfit first! This means you will be in something you feel confident in, have a perfect starting point when it comes to picking out the rest of your family’s outfits and won’t have to rush around last minute finding something “that will work”.
Incorporate Textures and Patterns
After picking a colorway or palette for everyone, venture out of your comfort zone and add something other than solids to the lineup. For instance, if you have a solid dress for yourself, think about adding in a small print for your son’s shirt OR a patterned dress for your daughter. Just be sure all the tones play well together = doing this will add dimension to your pictures and create the POP factor you are looking for.
Coordinate without Matching
You did it! you decided on the colors you want to use for this year’s photoshoot!! Now remember that matching and coordinating are two very different things. You do not want everyone in something so similar that nothing stands out [i.e. all those white outfits on the beach or denim days on the farm]. Remember to add in various hues from a color palette throughout for a cohesive, coordinating style!
Consider Your Background
Another essential element to think about when plotting the pictures?? Your background. Are you all posed in a cornfield on a bale of hay?? May want to think twice about using neutral colorways in exchange for pops of navy + hunter green. Or are you styled up on a sofa next to a fireplace in a local studio?? Consider integrating reds and pinks for a modern take on the otherwise traditional holiday attire. To keep it short: think about how your colors + outfits will compliment your surroundings AND the potential holiday card design you’re eyeing to use.
Start the Planning Early
Nothing like waiting until the last minute to execute something flawlessly… ummm, no I am joking. PLEASE don’t wait until the night before to make sure all the outfits work, the wrinkles are ironed out, etc. Talk about added stress when you don’t need it! Once you book your photoshoot, start thinking through your looks, create a mood board or ask your photographer for advice, and begin bookmarking potential outfits for each member of your family.
Now that we have the details all covered and you’ve got my best tips + tricks sorted out, it’s time to start the real fun… outfit planning. I know some people absolutely despise this part of the process, but this is my absolute FAVORITE. It’s also the one time of the year I can work my magic and make my girls wear something I pick out [with their help of course]. In the vignettes that follow, I’ve created five different palettes posued for perfection… something for boys, girls, men and women alike and hopefully help make your shopping for seasonal attire way more pleasant!
To shop each, simply click on the link in the image and it’ll take you to my Shop LTK Storefront where you can add all your goodies to your cart… happy shopping friends!
Be the first to comment