I don’t have a lot of styling “rules” for sessions. I don’t want to take away your creativity as you are choosing what to wear, but I also want to make sure you have some ideas and general guidelines if you’re looking for direction and make sure your outfits flow, as an entire family unit. Try to remember that these categories aren’t rules, just ideas. You have free reign to choose your own outfits.
One thing I won’t do : Too matchy matchy. You’re entire family photo shoot in white t-shirts and jeans is very 1998. Let’s keep it natural. Try to compliment colors together instead of matching perfectly.
Pastels and Light Colors
Pastels and light colors are dreamy, whimsical and easy on the eyes. Add lace or leather, or even add fringes for a boho feel. Chiffon or lace kimonos would be a very pretty cover up if you like those. Remember everyone doesn’t need to wear the same color, but compliment colors together.
Autumn Colors
Warm Autumn colors are a personal favorite of mine. Wine, burgundy, mustard, olives, rusty oranges and browns are so fun together. Blues, black, denim and greys go together easily with Autumn shades. Instead of all matching in the same color, they’ve complimented them all together.
Earthy Colors
I guess Earthy shades can be a lot like warm Autumn shades so maybe I should have grouped them together, but oh well, I’m a free woman. Olives, browns and muted colors go well together.
Bright colors, Rainbows and Primary
Bright pops can be a lot of fun!
Please avoid neon colors. They do not photograph well.
Matching Colors Without Being Cheesey
This couple both chose navy. They make it look effortless because one is in dots, the other in floral. They’re both wearing the same color, but it’s not cheesey looking or obviously matchy-matchy or forced looking.
Textures and Fabrics
Varying in textures and fabrics adds visual interest and photographs very well! Linen, ribbed, cotton, muslin, wool, gauze, denim, fringes, lace and leather are just some ideas.
Dad is wearing a denim button up and Mamma has some embroidery on her shirt.
Here’s an example of textures from my own maternity session with Bailey Aro. (left)
The lace, fringes and wrinkled gauze make the photo interesting and I think it adds a whole new level to how this photo FEELS. I truly believe the person behind the clothing is more important, but interesting clothes can add a layer to your images that you may not have had otherwise.
The Rules Are There Are No Rules (Except for this)
I have lots of families choose their regular, every day clothes and their photos turn out phenomenal and are some of my favorites to date! (If I do say so myself, thank you!) I don’t want you to fret too much, but I am always happy to take a look at your clothing options and help you decide. Send me a cell phone photo of the outfits together spread on your bed, or I can see different options when I arrive.
