Whenever you’re planning family photos in the Grand Rapids area, chances are you have questions on how to prepare. What to wear and how to coordinate is a great question, and I am happy to give a little guidance.
When you’re invested in custom lifestyle photography for your family, you are likely excited about planning for your session. You’re investing your time and you want to make sure that everything goes great! (It will!)
One of the most fun parts of preparing for your session is planning what you will wear. This is the time to really express who you are! I know getting outfits put together can be stressful, but trust me, it can be fun too. While I don’t style my families, I do help them along the way if they ask. Here are some basic tips in preparing your outfits.
1. Most important tip. Be yourself!
Lifestyle photography is meant to be fun and authentic. If you don’t usually wear dressy clothing, don’t. If your daughter hates dresses, don’t put her in a dress. If your son can’t stand wearing button down shirts, don’t put him in one. If you are a casual family, dress casual! Comfortable clothes that each person likes makes fun photos easier.
You can find clothing that fits your style that is clean, nice, and comfortable. You should still dress your best, but you can dress your best in your own style.
2. Coordinate, don’t match
There are rare occasions where everyone in the same color works, however generally you want a variety in colors and patterns. To be frank, it’s cheesy and out of style for everyone to be wearing jeans and white polos. When thinking about colors, choose colors that complement each other.
3. Stay away from graphics and fluorescent colors
Please please please, don’t let your kids wear those athletic shirts that are bright neon orange, green, or yellow. That color will reflect upward and your kid’s face will be bright neon too.
Graphics tend to go out of style and they can be distracting, so I suggest staying away from them.
4. Make sure the clothing you choose fits
I get it. Kids grow fast and you want to get the most out of each clothing item. (Our baby son went through his size 6 month clothes by four months old!)
But this isn’t the time. It doesn’t look good when kiddos clothing is baggy or rolled up to fit, or when it’s too tight. We’re aiming for comfort, even in our nice “photo-worthy” clothes, so we can have a relaxed photo session!
5. Mom, this is your time to shine!
Whether it’s a dress, a top and pants, or anything else, it’s so important for Mom to wear an outfit you feel great in! When you’re relaxed and feeling good, your attitude will help your kids relax too.
Mom, go out and buy your outfit or choose your outfit out of your closet first. Choose something you feel amazing in and build the family’s outfits around yours.
6. Dress in layers
Layers add interest and different combinations can help bring variety to your photos.
They also allow for removing clothing if it gets warm. Think scarfs, hats, vests, cardigans, tights, blazers, jackets…
7. Don’t forget shoes and accessories
A great outfit with ratty shoes won’t look good. Think about how the shoes will match as well as necklaces and headbands, etc. These items can add a pop of color too!
8. Make a Pinterest board or inspiration board with outfit ideas
It will help you get a feel for colors and patterns you love as well as trends you like. Think about the texture of the clothes (smooth like satin, or something coarser like denim) and the color combinations (a cooler tone like green or blue pants on one person with a contrasting warmer tone like orange or red shirt on another person).
Make sure to include some neutrals like gray or black to balance out the palette and prevent visual overwhelm!
9. Ask me for help!
Don’t be shy. I’m more than happy to help you along the way. Promise! And remember to have fun with this! If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message in our inquiry email thread.
