Sometimes I find that the biggest obstacle in scheduling a family session is concern over a family member being photo-ready. Often this is a frozen panic at the thought of trying to coordinate clothing choices, other times it may be someone (a Mom or a teen) feeling uncomfortable in his or her skin. I am hopeful reading this will help someone who might be wrestling with similar concerns!
You would love family photos, and then you realize that would require everyone to have coordinating clothes, haircuts, pants that aren't sweatpants... and you think maybe next year. Oh we've all been there, especially during COVID times, but don't let that stop you from documenting your family this year. Let's talk through it...
Start with booking the date so you don't have the opportunity to second guess your decision. Like so many things, sometimes just setting the date is enough to get you going! When it comes to dressing your family, I always suggest that you aim to look like you are all going the same place. This is even more important than color schemes so don't let yourself get caught up in believing that you all need to be wearing the same color and then spiraling into visions of dragging unruly children shopping. You want to coordinate, not match. That said, a good color palette will really make your photos pop, and working with complementary colors can often be done with pieces already in your closets. I suggest starting with the parents and if needed purchase complimentary pieces for the children. There are only a few things I suggest avoiding: busy patterns, logos or overly bright colors. Very fine stripes, most often found on men's dress shirts, can cause a moiré effect in photos, so I suggest avoiding those as well. Remember that you want whatever you choose to be comfortable. If you're pulling at your clothes or otherwise fussing, it will show in your photos.
Need some inspiration? I have tons of suggestions, color palettes, as well as links to some of my favorite online boutiques on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maggiemartin/photography-what-to-wear/
For Dads keep it simple! He probably already has a button down shirt in his closet that would work just fine with a pair of jeans or khaki pants. Give him a few options and make sure he chooses one that fits. Every year I have a Dad who goes to wear what is set out for him on the day of the session and it's an older shirt that poses a fit challenge. Same thing for teens and boys. Adding layers on men and boys is a great way to add texture too (maybe a sweater over a button down shirt or even a button down over a solid t-shirt.) For Mom's and girls, I don't believe you can ever be too dressed up (this IS a special occasion) so if you enjoy dresses, wear one! Flowy dresses are my favorite and what little girl doesn't love a good twirl. Don't forget about the details! Shoes and jewelry can add a lovely finish to your looks. And as silly as it might sound, I love to see painted nails! The most important thing is to make sure that you're feeling your best so don't neglect the little things that make you feel polished.
If you've gotten past the planning for your family and you're stuck on how to get yourself photo ready, I feel you! When I feel myself stalling, I think of Brad Pitt as Achilles telling Rose Byrne as Briseis in Troy "You will never be lovelier than you are now. We will never be here again." So true!! (Also I just lost an hour looking for this as a gif to no avail so you'll just have to google it.) Please know that I will bend over backwards to make sure that you feel comfortable and relaxed and ready to fall in love with your photos. I always ask clients if they have areas they want to flatter as well as areas they would like to minimize. If I know that you hate your profile, I promise not to deliver photos that highlight it! My goal as a photographer, a woman and a mother is for every one of my clients to look at their photos and feel beautiful and SEEN!
Don't get caught in the promises of next year. Babies don't keep! Your children will grow and change so much each year, don't put off documenting your family!
I'm always happy to help! If that's looking over some wardrobe choices or simply listening to your concerns, I'm here for my clients.
