What to Wear: Studio Family Portraits
A printed portrait of your family is hands down one of the best things you can have in your home. Here are three things to consider when choosing clothing for your family portrait session:
After you decide that you are getting family pictures, think about where you will display your family portrait. Will it be in your family room? Above the fireplace? In the hallway? What colors are in this part of your home where you will be displaying this portrait? Consider your home interior’s colors and style. We recommend playing it safe and staying neutral! This way, your family portrait will go with almost any area of your home.
We love it when families come in coordinating outfits, not matching outfits. You are all unique, it is important to be yourselves and to feel comfortable in what you are wearing! Think of 2-3 coordinating colors. Start off neutral (black/tan/denim jeans) and build off of that. When you are coordinating colors, find similar and/or muted versions of the same color. For instance, if mom is wearing a black dress, dad can wear a black shirt or a dark charcoal sweater.
Consider choosing timeless over trendy. How long will this family portrait be hanging up in your home? If you are keeping this portrait around for a long time, we recommend timeless clothing versus clothing that is trending right now. However, if you take family photos often, it would be totally fine to wear trendy clothing that might not be in style five years later.
More tips:
Add variety and interest with accessories, layers, and subtle patterns. Little details go a long way. Bring watches, necklaces, cardigans, etc. to add dimension to your outfits. Patterns are great in small doses and also go a long way. However, don’t feel forced to accessorize! If you usually don’t wear accessories, don’t wear them for your portraits.
Fitted clothing > Loose/flowy clothing. Although flowy dresses and tops can be cute, they don’t appear the same in portraits. You don’t want tight clothes either, but choose clothing pieces that are comfortable for you. If you do wear a looser top, wear fitted pants. If you wear looser pants, wear a fitted top. It’s all about balance!
Remember the shoes. If you want a variety of photos (close up, full length, etc.), take time to choose what shoes you want to wear. Shoes can either complete an outfit or ruin an outfit! Make sure that they go with your outfits and are comfortable.
Don’t wait last minute. Try on your clothing days before your session and look at your outfits from different angles. Make sure your shirt isn’t see-through and there aren’t any stains or rips where they don’t belong.
Be authentically yourselves. Wear something that you all feel like yourselves in. Don’t wear clothing that makes you uncomfortable or doesn’t represent you.
Check out some examples below:
Did you know that we’re celebrating 49 years in business?! If you book a family session with us, get $49 off your portrait order (minimum portrait order of $300)!