Family session Guide
Family photoshoots are so exciting! However, it often comes with the hassle of arranging outfits. Clients are not expected to be fashion experts when they book a family session, and neither am I! When I’m asked how to prepare for a family session and what to wear, I always say there’s no right and wrong. There are no perfect colors and outfits, but there is good planning. Therefore, I put together this short guide hoping to help you get ready in a relaxed way.
Plan your outfit in advance: It’s a good idea to have your outfits planned for your photoshoot day as you want to be in the most relaxed mood for the best photos.
Coordinate colors: Don’t choose matching outfits for the whole family, but coordinate them. By selecting a color scheme and using hues that complement each other, you can achieve a more natural look across the board. Pick two main colors and then add softer tones to accent and complete your color scheme.
Consider the season: place and time of the year can guide you to the best colors. In summer, it’s best to use, light blue, pastels, white and softer colors. In fall, vibrant colors work great like purple, vivid blue, orange, yellow. Add to these a base color and some neutrals.
Add accessories: Throw in a scarf, a cardigan, or even a necklace to add your color to one of the outfits, it adds textures and gives your photos more dimension. They also tie the outfits together. For example, if Dad is wearing a red and black plaid coat then adding a plaid hat to your daughter’s outfit will tie the pattern in for a more cohesive feel.
Consider your home style: Keep in mind that your photos are most likely to be hanging around your house for a long time. To be beautifully displayed, they must go with your home color scheme and style. So choose something that doesn’t look odd on your walls.
Keep it timeless: Trends are great, for a specific short time only. You want your photos to be beautiful for the longest time possible so keep it classic.
Choose practical: We all have seen the wedding photos under the rain, or maternity in the snow, but with kids it all changes. If it’s cold, you need them to be enough warm to be comfortable staying outside for at least 30 min. If it’s hot, don’t make them wear ties just to look cute. We want them to look Happy!
Avoid Logos and patterns: Block colors are the best for photos. Big logos and busy patterns are a distraction. We want your family to be the main focus of the photos. It also make it hard to accommodate some edit requests.
How to act: Just be yourself! We will guide you throughout the session without making you feel like acting. Some posing is necessary but it is important to capture who your family is. So we’ll take candid shots and poses.
Photos with kids: It is a good idea to bribe the kids with a treat after the session. You do NOT have to tell them to look at the camera, or pointing at it, neither telling them to say cheese. Just make sure their outfits are clean, their nails are trimmed and hair brushed. All the rest, we’ll take care of it.
Any more questions or thoughts? contact us here