There have been so many changes to your family since the last set of family photographs were taken! It is officially time to update those family pictures on the wall before the kiddos grow any bigger. Every Mama gets it, trying to pull together outfits for your family portraits can sometimes feel challenging, especially for a larger group or with young children. So when trying to plan for your pictures here are some suggestions of what to wear for family portraits:
One great way to start picking out outfits for your family photography session is to choose a color scheme. Some people like to think about their home decor theme since they’ll probably be hanging framed pictures on your walls or setting them on your mantle. What colors would pop and make your beautiful photos stand out against your wall? Don’t like to match? That’s okay; we’ll discuss that soon!
What setting and time of year do you want your pictures? Is it spring or summer when you might want to wear light and airy colors, maybe pastels and pretty florals? Or, are you planning for fall and winter when darker colors pop, and plaids are all the rage. Since we love outdoor family photography sessions here in Mississippi, you’ll want to plan appropriately for the season – and the mosquitoes!
Just because you’ve chosen a color theme, you don’t necessarily need all of your outfits in the same shade (unless that’s your jam)! Try using varying shades and hues of one particular color. You can also create visual interest in your family photography by pairing contrasting shades of the same color, such as a light blue and a dark blue or a black and gray combo. This method keeps things coordinated but not look completely matchy-matchy.
Have you ever watched the evening news, and one of the anchors is wearing a patterned shirt? Maybe it is just me, but it ultimately detracts from everything else that is going on if it’s too “loud.” Although I love patterns as much as the next southern girl, for your family photos, be careful that your outfit doesn’t look too “busy.”
If you’re in love with the latest plaid or chevron, be aware that you don’t want to have too many different patterns in one picture. You could pair some plaid for Dad and boys with varying shades of solids, or a pretty floral for mom with coordinating accents, like a hair bow or scarves for sisters. You probably wouldn’t want both plaids and florals in one picture or two different florals or two different plaid patterns where they could clash too much.
If your pet is as much of a family member as our’s is, you may consider bringing them along! If you do decide to include your family fur-member in your pictures, you could even dress them with a matching bandana or keep the leash in the color scheme, too.
Your family portraits should reflect who you are individually and also as a family. Do you have a 3-year-old who refuses to wear anything besides his Batman costume? Or, a 4-year-old Princess ballerina? Make it work for you and enjoy a superhero saving the day, or have a royal princess tea party during your photoshoot! Or have fun using “too big” prom dresses and suits for a “when I grow up” styled photoshoot. Keep your littles involved and plan some fun outfit changes for them to make the experience more fun and memorable!
Remember, your family photography session is more about you and showing the bond you have with your family than what you’re wearing. If you still need some ideas, feel free to reach out to your Brandon, MS family photographer for more suggestions! Before every session, I make sure to discuss everything from the perfect location to the outfits you’re wearing, and everything in between! Sit back, relax, and let’s make some memories together!
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