It can
be challenging to pick just the right outfits for your spouse and kids when
it’s time to do the family portrait.
What you
wear in a photograph tells part of the story about who you are at that moment
in time. Anyone with a yearbook
photograph from the 1980s understands this all too well.
The
first step in selecting an outfit is to walk away from the closets. Yes, walk away from the closets and find some
comfy chairs. Sit everyone down and get
ideas from everyone in the family. This
exercise isn’t so much about finding the right theme or style but getting everyone
to buy into the idea of a professional photograph of the family. You’ll want those expressions to be happy
rather than sullen.
There
are some basic guidelines for portrait clothing. If you are setting this photo on a beach,
then pick summer clothing. If you are in
a formal setting, think tuxes and gowns.
Colors
should complement each other. You don’t
have to all wear the same color unless that’s part of your theme. Everyone in a white T-shirt with jeans can be
a great look. Or, you can each wear a
shirt in a different primary color. The
point here is to coordinate. Blue and
orange are striking; blue and green are calming; blue and black may be a bit
too dark if you’re all brunettes.
If you
want to match clothing, then match.
Don’t try to get away with “close enough” because those words will haunt
you every time you see the family portrait.
Return
to the idea of your professional photograph as a story. Where is the drama and how do you want to
focus the attention of anyone who sees this portrait? The general answer here is “faces” so don’t
go overboard with accessories or clothing that attracts more attention away
from the family.
Your
professional photographer will help with posing but give some thought about how
you want to group your family. That
might help you select between outfits.
For example, if you are going to focus from the waist up, then you don’t
need to worry about the color of pants.
A family portrait should be a fun time that will memorialize
your loved ones in time. The little ones
will grow fast so capture this moment with more than just the professional
portrait. Enjoy the experience and call PremierPortraits Studio for more tips and answers to questions!
