Family Portraits: What should we wear?

Fall is the perfect season for capturing beautiful memories with your loved ones. And what better way to do that than with Family Portraits, conveniently just in time for Christmas Card season? As the leaves change color and the weather becomes cooler, it's the ideal time to gather your family for a photoshoot.

I know what you’re thinking. “Ok, great, but what do we wear!?” I got you. In this blog post, I will guide you through some tips and ideas for creating a picture-perfect wardrobe for your upcoming family portraits.

The Art of Color Coordination - How not to look like a Walking Fall Foliage Chart

This multi-generational family portrait session took place at City Park. The color coordination was perfection, with balanced and complementary tones and patterns!

Fall is a beautiful time of year, but that doesn't mean you and your family should blend in with the scenery. So how do you avoid looking like a bunch of mismatched leaves? The art of color coordination is key!

First, choose a color palette that complements the season. Instead of going for the obvious red, orange and brown, opt for deeper hues like burgundy, mustard yellow, and olive green. These colors will add depth and richness to your photos without overpowering the natural beauty of the season.

This Family Portrait Mini Session took place at Hilltop Arboretum, which is filled with vibrant greens, yellows and oranges!

Next, consider the location of your photoshoot. If you're going to be surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves, choose colors that will stand out against the backdrop. For example, if the leaves are mostly red and orange, opt for contrasting colors like deep blues or purples.

But don't be afraid to mix it up! Different shades and patterns can add visual interest to your portraits. Just make sure to balance it out by keeping some elements consistent. For example, if one family member is wearing a patterned sweater, have another family member wear a solid color that complements the pattern.

Lastly, accessories are your secret weapon. A scarf, hat, or statement necklace can add that extra pop of color or texture to tie everything together. Just… please don’t dress your entire family in the same scarf!

By following these color coordination tips, you can create a family portrait that is visually stunning and captures the essence of fall without blending in with the foliage. So go ahead and stand out from the trees with your picture-perfect wardrobe!

Fashion Staples: Mixing Comfort with Style for Your Family Photo Shoot

Family photo shoots can be a fun and memorable experience, but they can also be a source of stress when it comes to choosing outfits. You want to look stylish and put-together, but you also want to be comfortable. The good news is, you don't have to sacrifice one for the other. With the right fashion staples, you can mix comfort with style and rock your family photo shoot. 

First things first, let's talk about shoes. Ladies, let's leave those heels at home. Trust me, you don't want to be sinking into the grass or tripping over tree roots during your photo shoot. Instead, opt for some stylish and comfortable flats or boots. Dad, put away those worn-out sneakers and try a pair of clean and stylish loafers or boat shoes.

Now, let's talk about clothes. The key here is to choose pieces that are both comfortable and stylish. Ladies, consider wearing a flowy maxi dress or a cozy sweater paired with jeans. And don't forget about layers – they add depth and dimension to your outfit while also keeping you warm.

For the guys, a button-down shirt paired with jeans or chinos is always a classic choice. Add a cozy cardigan or a stylish blazer for an extra touch of sophistication.

This Family Portrait Mini Session took place at City Park, which gives beautiful oak trees and shade to any photoshoot!

Remember, the most important thing is to be yourselves and have fun. So go ahead, mix comfort with style, and create picture-perfect memories with your loved ones!

Attire Do’s and Don'ts for Capturing the Best Autumnal Tones

Notice that two of the men photographed here are wearing (mis-matched) plaid shirts, which you may think is a major “don’t”. However, it totally works here! On the right, you see he is wearing a brown vest over his plaid shirt, which not only eliminates any issues of plaid-clashing, but also helps to tie together the overall style of the photo as the brown vest complements the neutral/brown tones found in the other outfits. Stunning!

Now that you have a better understanding of color coordination and fashion staples, it's time to talk about some important do's and don'ts when it comes to capturing the best autumnal tones.

First, let's talk about the Do's.  

1) Do embrace the colors of fall. Rich and deep hues like burgundy, mustard yellow, and olive green will perfectly complement the season and create a stunning backdrop for your portraits.

2) Do layer your outfits to add depth and dimension to your look. Scarves, cardigans, and jackets not only keep you warm but also add a cozy autumnal touch.

Now, onto the Don'ts.

1) Don't be afraid to mix patterns, but don't go overboard. Choose one statement pattern and keep the rest of your outfit simple and complementary.

2) Don't forget about fit. Ill-fitting clothes can ruin an otherwise perfect portrait. Make sure your clothes are tailored and flatter your body shape.

3) Don't forget to have fun and be yourselves! Your family portraits should reflect your unique personalities and capture the love and joy you share.

So go ahead, embrace the best autumnal tones, follow these do's and don'ts, and create picture-perfect memories that will last a lifetime!

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P.S. It’s never a bad idea to bring the dog, even he may add to the color coordination!