I like to try and follow what I call the “Three Colors + POP” rule:
1. Pick three colors (one being a neutral) and put together outfits with those colors only. More than three colors can seem a bit busy. Example: Navy blue (dark wash blue jeans), white, and pink. Neutrals include black, white, gray, khaki, etc.
2. Add in an unexpected POP of color. The girls’ fuchsia headbands fit the bill. Would I wear a fuchsia headband? Probably not. Adorable on the little girls? Yes. Be aware that this POP will become a focal point in the picture, so I wouldn't advise adding this color in an area that you don’t want others to look at too closely. I kept the girls in the middle of the picture so that your eye is instantly drawn to their sweetness.
Other tips:
1. Think coordinating, not matching. Again, unless you want your family picture to look straight out of 1990, try to not match outfits exactly (although I have been known to match my girls just because it’s so darn cute).
2. Try and pick colors that complement the surrounding environment. Navy blue and white are classic color choices for a beach session.
3. Use your brightest colors as accessories. You don’t want the brightest colors detracting from the most important part of the picture: the PEOPLE!
4. It is ok to mix solids and simple patterns. I know a lot of photographers might argue with me on this one, but I like to think that SIMPLE patterns add interest and texture to a picture. Dad has a patterned, buttoned-down shirts, and it works just fine with the solid colors. If you stick to a color scheme, everything just naturally blends together.
5. Glasses, Most lenses have a glare. The safest option is to check with your eye doctor and ask if they’ll loan you a similar pair without lenses.
*So, that’s it! Hopefully, the above tips will help you do a little advance planning for what to wear for family photo shoots to create a beautiful family portrait you can be proud of.
1. Pick three colors (one being a neutral) and put together outfits with those colors only. More than three colors can seem a bit busy. Example: Navy blue (dark wash blue jeans), white, and pink. Neutrals include black, white, gray, khaki, etc.
2. Add in an unexpected POP of color. The girls’ fuchsia headbands fit the bill. Would I wear a fuchsia headband? Probably not. Adorable on the little girls? Yes. Be aware that this POP will become a focal point in the picture, so I wouldn't advise adding this color in an area that you don’t want others to look at too closely. I kept the girls in the middle of the picture so that your eye is instantly drawn to their sweetness.
Other tips:
1. Think coordinating, not matching. Again, unless you want your family picture to look straight out of 1990, try to not match outfits exactly (although I have been known to match my girls just because it’s so darn cute).
2. Try and pick colors that complement the surrounding environment. Navy blue and white are classic color choices for a beach session.
- If you want to take this one step further (if you plan on displaying this picture in your home), try and choose colors that will compliment your home decor. My home is decorated with a lot of neutrals; thus, I would never pick neon colors for our outfits. Of course I’m exaggerating, but you get the point.
3. Use your brightest colors as accessories. You don’t want the brightest colors detracting from the most important part of the picture: the PEOPLE!
4. It is ok to mix solids and simple patterns. I know a lot of photographers might argue with me on this one, but I like to think that SIMPLE patterns add interest and texture to a picture. Dad has a patterned, buttoned-down shirts, and it works just fine with the solid colors. If you stick to a color scheme, everything just naturally blends together.
5. Glasses, Most lenses have a glare. The safest option is to check with your eye doctor and ask if they’ll loan you a similar pair without lenses.
*So, that’s it! Hopefully, the above tips will help you do a little advance planning for what to wear for family photo shoots to create a beautiful family portrait you can be proud of.