How To Style Your Family for Your Photo Session

For most people, having your family photos taken is a special occasion. What you wear to your photo session will dramatically impact the overall aesthetic for your images. It is important to choose outfits that will not only look good in the photos, but also make everyone in the family feel comfortable.

I am here to help you throughout the styling process. To do so, I provide a styling guide to each client with information about which colors to wear and which to avoid, textures that work well, preferred vendors and a multitude of other tips. I also subscribe to Style & Select on behalf of my clients, which is a database that allows you to curate a wardrobe based on your color and style preferences. Many times, I complete the questionnaire for my clients and send over a custom styling board. I also send over hand picked outfits from many popular online vendors. Best of all, I have a client closet replete with women’s dresses available on loan. I can be as hands on or off with the styling process as you prefer. My goal is to make this part of the photo session process simple and stress free for you.

For those of you who are looking for some styling tips, I have compiled a brief list of tips to help you plan your family’s wardrobe for your next photo session.

Choose a Color Scheme Based on Your Photographer’s recommendations

Every photographer has a different editing style. It is important to choose a color scheme from the colors that your photographer recommends. Choosing a color palette will make it easier to coordinate outfits and will create a cohesive look for your images. I prefer color palettes with complementary colors. I never want you to choose one color for the entire family, but instead go with colors that complement one another. I always advise that you stay away from bright colors.

Take the Location Into Consideration

Where you schedule your photos is an important factor to consider when choosing what to wear. For example, if we are shooting at the beach, flowy, dresses and materials like gauze and linen work well. I have several beach locations at which I shoot. Some locations on the south shore of Long Island have more dunes with tons of greens, others are flat white beaches. When I send over color recommendations, I will take those things into consideration. If we are shooting at a Nassau County park in the Spring, the backdrop will be very green so it will be best to avoid green colors. If we are shooting in a bright floral location, muted and softer tones would be recommended.

Also, Consider the Season

The season in which the photoshoot takes place will also influence what to wear. In the warmer months, lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal, while in the colder months, heavier fabrics like wool and flannel can be worn. The colors in nature here on Long Island change through the seasons as well, so soft pastel colors can be worn in the spring; whereas earth tones look better in Fall.

Choose a Style that is Flattering for Your Body Type

Trends come and go. Instead of going with a trendy look, choose an outfit that is true to your style and is flattering to your body type. For example, I love maxi dresses for women, but for small petite women, maxi dresses tend to overwhelm their figure. A midi or shorter dress might work better. If you are not into dresses, then go for a jumpsuit, romper or pants with a dressier top. You can even dress up jeans with a chunky cable knit sweater or jacket for a polished look.

Don’t Forget the Accessories

Accessories are a key element to beautiful imagery. Accessories add visual interest and personality to your photos Consider wearing hats, scarves, jewelry, and other accessories to add some personality to your outfits.

Hair and Makeup Matters

I always tell my clients that if we are shooting at the beach, it will be windy. I personally love the look of flowing hair. It adds visual interest and movement to images. With that being said, if you do not like the look of flowing hair, you may want to style your hair in a way that secures your hair. Braids look adorable on girls and even women. You can even wear your hair back in a loose ponytail if that is your style. Headbands, hairpins and bows can add visual interest and keep your hair out of your face. I prefer hair bows to be small and dainty as larger ones tend to overpower images.

I also think it is important to have your makeup done for a session. You do not need to hire someone to do so, but maybe spend a little time glamming it up. It is best to avoid bronzers and self tanners for sessions as they do tend to show up orange in images.

Interested in a family session? Contact me for more info.