Don’t match. Coordinate.
AUTUMN MINI SESSIONS
BOLD AUTUMN COLOURS
Autumn is one of prettiest seasons, I would go with beautiful tones of yellow, mustard, olive, and burgundy, and make sure to add layers and texture. The golden leaves and deep green foliage complements outfits perfectly. Get wrapped up and don’t forget those lovely bobble hats if its really cold!
ROMANTIC SPRING SESSIONS
Spring feels light, bright and dreamy. Subtle pops of blush and mint work perfectly here. These colors paired with the buttery, golden sun and the light and airy style of the photo makes for the perfect spring session.
NEUTRALS
You can’t go wrong with neutrals. When a client is struggling to find the right outfits for their outdoor family photo session, I always guide them toward neutrals such as greys, tans, and creams. They are in virtually every wardrobe, easy to shop for, and look great on everyone. Neutrals are simple to coordinate, but the key is to encourage a variety of layers and textures to keep outfits from looking too similar or bland. Mix shirt styles, shorts and long trousers, dresses and skirts in different fabrics. Add simple accessories to pull the look together.
You could also introduce muted tones, such as blush, blues, and khaki. I have found that muted tones look beautiful together in a family picture. When picking patterns, I encourage clients to only put one person in a smaller pattern so it doesn’t look overpowering. I also recommend textures that will give photos interest such as lace, corduroy, and denim.
DO’s….
Yes to timeless and classic. This includes simple dresses, button-downs, baby rompers, pea coats, khakis, V-necks, cardigans, ballet flats, brown knee-high boots, scarves, blazers, and fedoras. Trendy items are ok, but keep them as accent pieces. And if possible, keep them timeless, too — like animal prints, military-inspired pieces, sequins, wrap dresses, or patterned clothing. If you have a child who is totally into the trends of the year, try to steer them into choosing a trendy accessory, like a headband, scarf, or hat, so you can remove it at some point in the session and get a few classic pics, too.
Yes to mixing it up with different patterns, checks, plaids, stripes are all ok. keep them on a smaller scale if you are trying to style a group. You can play with the large scaled patterns if you are trying to make a funky, loud, and colourful portrait of an individual.
Yes to keeping it real. I have never gone out and bought something special for a shoot and I tell my clients they don’t need to either. I can guarantee you that there is already something in your wardrobe that will work perfectly. keeping it comfy is key, too. Anything stiff and too formal will translate in the picture, especially for kids. keep the dresses and boys’ clothes in soft cottons or flannels. They’ll be more relaxed, and these materials photograph better, too.
DONT’s…
I hate to be negative, but some of these no’s can really break a picture.
Try to stay away from large branding, No logo wording on clothing. No “Gap,” “Old Navy,” or “Polo” splashed in huge letters across a shirt. Sorry, but this is never OK. Your eye will go straight to those words, therefore deeming them the most important part of the picture!
No to huge outfits on babies, These outfits make baby drown in the material and they can easily get lost in the photo. Keep babies in simple onesies or soft cotton rompers. Also, make sure that all of baby’s clothes fit perfectly. I stress this to my newborn parents. Sometimes I even suggest sizing down in their onesie if they have just grown into that next size because usually that new size is still too big on them.
CHRISTMAS MINIS
Ok, rules are there to be broken right? if you want to wear matching PJ’s, then DO IT! Its all about fun at Christmas and having the family dressed up is no exception.
Every year I have a different colour scheme and props so just have fun with it!
