In the old days, photographers might have told a family to wear something like all white and denim or all black. Easy, YES, but good, NO! Seriously, how many families go around looking like clones? We want your family portrait to be a natural look but there are things to consider. Here are some do’s and don’ts!
*DO these things:
1.Come up with a plan for the portrait session. Do not allow each person to just show up in their favorite clothing. Color harmony and mood is important.
2. Wear colors that would look like a great accent in your home. In other words, if you decorate in gray and blue, don’t wear colors such as red, hot pink, burgundy, etc. Stick with neutral tones that will blend with your home’s decor.
3. Wear clothes that somewhat match each personality yet blend with the family. Solid colors mixed with very small prints containing the solid color choice and jackets, vests, etc. are usually a nice look.
4. Wear layers, jewelry, etc. to highlight each person’s unique style.
5. Women should wear a little make up! You can look sick and pale with nothing to highlight your face! I know you want to look natural, but a little makeup is a great thing.
6. Wear a variety of textures.
7. Wear colors that go with the natural background of the season. (Ex: Do not wear springlike colors in a fall landscape)
************************************************************************
*DON’T do these things:
1. Wear bold patterns ESPECIALLY bold stripes!
2. Wear WHITE especially if you’re the only one! You’ll be too bright and overpowering.
3. Wear short sleeves if you are even a pound overweight. Trust me on this one. We can help the situation in the retouching process but help me by not doing it and help yourself because your arms will look bigger than you think.
Wear socks that will show such as little white athletic socks!
Wear a mix of light and dark colors. Choose either light or either dark or all neutrals on top. PLEASE AVOID SHIRTS LIKE NAVY AND WHITE STRIPES, ETC. This is an absolute killer.
Use this chart to help you come up with a color scheme!
