July 29, 2023

My Top Five Tips: Coordinating a Family Portrait Wardrobe

Capturing Timeless Moments Through My Lens


As a photographer, capturing family portraits is a privilege that allows me to freeze time and immortalize the love and bond shared among family members. To create extraordinary images, coordinating the family portrait wardrobe is a vital aspect of my craft. Carefully chosen clothing choices can elevate the visual appeal of the photograph, while also bringing out the unique personalities of each family member, resulting in a harmonious and timeless composition. In this blog post, I will share some practical tips from my perspective on how to coordinate a family portrait wardrobe and create stunning, heartwarming images that families will cherish forever.

1. Setting a Style and Color Scheme


The journey of creating beautiful family portraits begins with selecting a unifying style and color scheme. As a photographer, I encourage families to explore a range of complementary clothing options that enhance the overall aesthetic. Whether it's a classic and elegant style with muted colors and neutral tones or a more vibrant and playful look with bold colors and patterns, I work closely with the family to ensure their vision is brought to life through their wardrobe choices.

2. Consider the Location


As I plan for the family photoshoot, I always take the location and backdrop into careful consideration. The clothing choices should harmonize with the surroundings and the mood the family intends to portray in their portraits. If we're capturing the portraits in a natural setting, I suggest earthy tones and soft textures to create a seamless blend with nature. On the other hand, if the family prefers an urban environment, I recommend contemporary and stylish attire that complements the cityscape.

3. Dress for the Season


In my experience, I've learned the importance of dressing appropriately for the season. In colder months, I advise families to layer up with scarves, cozy sweaters, and accessories to add depth and dimension to the photographs. On warmer days, I suggest lightweight fabrics and airy dresses to create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere during the session, resulting in more genuine and natural expressions.

4. Avoid Loud Logos and Graphics


As the photographer, I guide families in their wardrobe choices to ensure the focus remains on the love and connection shared between family members. To achieve this, I recommend avoiding loud logos and graphics that may distract from the main purpose of the portrait. My aim is to create timeless images that families can proudly display for generations to come, and opting for classic pieces over trendy ones is key to achieving this goal.

5. Coordinating but Not Matching


Coordinating outfits without overly matching them is the key to capturing visually captivating and authentic family portraits. By encouraging families to choose complementary colors and styles that reflect their unique personalities, I can bring out the individuality of each family member, resulting in portraits that truly represent who they are.

I consider it a great responsibility to coordinate a family portrait wardrobe that enhances the beauty and emotions within each image. By setting a style and color scheme, considering the location, dressing for the season, and avoiding distractions like logos and overly matching outfits, I can create portraits that families will cherish forever. When everyone feels comfortable and genuine, I am able to capture the true essence of their love and connections through my lens, creating timeless photographs that will be treasured for years to come.