Outfit choice can make or break a photo. As the photographer, we are supposed to be the experts! We take pictures ALL the time, but this is a very special occasion for the family. It might be their annual session or their first family session ever!! It is our job to help our client’s feel comfortable and at ease with the entire family picture taking process. This starts with choosing their outfit! The best way I have found to help a client choose what to wear for family pictures is providing them with a guide.

3 STEPS TO CREATING A WHAT TO WEAR FOR FAMILY PICTURES GUIDE

STEP 1: CREATE A RESOURCE WITH SPECIFIC TIPS

Whether it’s a blog post, a welcome packet or an email template, provide every family with the best tips for what to wear for family pictures. More specifically, where do they begin and what photographs best. For example…

1. START WITH A FOUNDATION

Start with a foundation color then add a few accent colors. Use as many tones, textures and patterns as you need to add variety, but keep consistency at the same time. Families should coordinate, but don’t have to match.

2. LAYER & ACCESSORIES.

Add scarves, jewelry, watches, belts, headbands, earrings, fun shoes, and jackets or blazers! Not only does this make for an awesome picture by adding texture, but it allows you to bring your personality and style to the scene. Details, details, details!!

STEP 2: SHOW EXAMPLES

The list of tips you provide are fabulous, but incomplete without some examples! Go to POLYVORE.COM to mix and match outfit choices that fit your target client. This is an amazing resource to create What to Wear Guides. The best part is, it’s free!!

STEP 3: 3 QUESTIONS FOR THEM TO THINK ABOUT

Do they feel comfortable in their outfit when they look in the mirror?

The emotions we have looking in the mirror are the same emotions we have when we see our photographs. Therefore, it’s important for our clients to be aware of their bodies.  If they don’t want to draw attention to their bottom, cover it with a dress or longer shirt/jacket. If they don’t like your arms, try wearing a long sleeve or 3/4 sleeve shirt. Make sure they are 100% comfortable with what you are wearing!

How and where will the pictures be displayed?

If the photos will be displayed in a specific room, it would be a great idea to consider the wall, furniture and decoration colors. Create outfits that would fit great in the space they will be displayed.

Do their outfits reflect their personality?

There are so many cute trends these days, but they should not follow a trend if it doesn’t fit their personality. If they are a fun family, their outfits should be fun. If they are formal and serious, their outfits should be serious. It’s okay for them to break the “rules” to bring their personality to a session. I believe family sessions should reflect the family 100% – poses, outfits, and setting!