Family Photo Tips

Does the thought of family photos get you excited or does it give you anxiety? I love getting new family photos taken, but my initial thought and panic is “what the heck are we going to wear”? I tend to be the one (ok I’m always the one) who picks our outfits. I’ll usually decide on my outfit…which is never an easy task. I raid my closet and must look through at least a dozen outfits before I can narrow it down. Then it’s on to outfits for the rest of the family. If you’re anything like me, you’re likely the one responsible for deciding what everyone else is wearing! Cue the much needed wine! All the while you are praying that “just one” photo turns out.

Some simple yet effective advice on how to nail down the perfect outfits for you and your family is:

1. Be cautious of dark colours

When I was pregnant and was taking my maternity photos, I was told that a flowy dress would be the most flattering. So naturally I went with a fitted black dress (lol). I really wish I hadn’t. While I love my maternity photos, unless I was photographed from the side, it was hard to see my baby bump.

2. Take practice shots

I don’t mean tequila shots! But hey, no judgment! I normally try on a few outfits and see how they photograph before I decide what I’m wearing.

3. Take more practice shots

Once I have decided on my outfit, I will do a flatlay of everyone’s clothes to make sure that the colours and patterns work together.

Those are just a few suggestions, but nobody has better advice than a professional! We reached out to one of our favourite photographers in the city, Those are just a few suggestions, but nobody has better advice than a professional! We reached out to one of our favourite photographers in the city, Melissa Johnstone from Sugar and Soul Photography and she was kind enough to share some of her best family photo advice.

Keep reading to see what she had to say!

1. “Avoid "matching" perfectly!

I assume if you are reading this post you don't want to emulate a 1990's Sears portrait studio image where every family member is wearing a white t-shirt and jeans...or maybe you do - and in that case then my apologies, DO YOU!!! But if you are instead going for a modern, well-put-together look, think more along the lines of "coordinating" vs matching! Think of using a colour palette instead of a uniform, and remember that anything leather or denim is considered neutral :) Always try to avoid too much of one colour at a time (for example if everyone wears lots of dark navy or black, when the family all sits together it all blends in to one dark blob). For example:

Fall photo palette - warm brown with navy and burgundy:

•Dad wears tobacco brown pants and a navy/burgundy plaid shirt and brown shoes.

•Mom wears jeans, brown heeled booties, with a black sweater and burgundy scarf

•Brother wears denim and a brown/navy plaid shirt and brown shoes

•Sister wears a navy or denim dress with a burgundy cardigan and brown high boots

The above will create a colour scheme of deep gem tones mixed with warm neutrals. Need ideas for palettes like the above? Search Pinterest under "family photo outfits" and you will get tons of inspo!

Make sure to coordinate in formality as well. If the ladies are dressed fancy, it might look funny if the boys are in t-shirts and runners. Also, it's always wise to avoid ball caps and brand names, or any writing at all as it tends to distract the eye.

Ladies, dresses with movement are always a good idea!

2. Take your backdrop into consideration

•The playful light greens of late spring and summer lend themselves contrast nicely with muted and pastel tones (avoid green clothing as it won't stand out).

•Deeper warm tones of fall go awesome with gem tones (avoid too much beige in fall). I love the way a cool toned colour such as blue looks against the warm tones of fall!

•Winter whites pair well with lots of colour, as the backdrop is very white/grey (avoid wearing white!). Watch out for really bright and neon colours close to the face (such as a bright scarf for example) as they will reflect back onto your skin!

•Early spring in Manitoba isn't the best time for outdoor photos as things are wet, barren, dirty and very beige! If you happen to do outdoor photos here, add colour!

•For indoor shoots, ask what colours the studio or location will be. My studio is all whites and neutrals so very easy to coordinate with!

3. Lay out your outfits so they are ready to go day of, steamed/pressed with the accessories and shoes ready to wear.

There always seems to be a rush to get to the photo location because we all have busy lives!

•For babies bring a change of clothing "just in case" of a bottle spill, diaper blow-out etc

•Your photographer will probably have a blanket with them but bring one you like just in case theirs is not to your taste. You may want one to sit on if the grass is damp!

•For younger ones, if you feel like toys may help get their attention then totally bring along. Word of warning - any toys, snacks, etc that you bring may end up being in the photos if the child refuses to give them up! You know your kiddo best so decide carefully if you think you will need snack bribes!

4. Overall, try and relax and let it go

I am a mom too and totally understand how stressful planning a session can be, especially when your littles are fighting your outfit choices and really making things challenging. Maybe your little one completely refuses to wear the outfit you picked out. Maybe she just wants to wear her favourite cartoon character t-shirt (see if you can at least smuggle a cardigan over top!). Ultimately, it's nice to have pretty pictures but it's more important to capture the fun and the love between you and your family members! So don't sweat if it doesn't completely meet your dream outfit expectations, you will still get amazing photos of your family hanging out and having fun!

Side note - I like to have my 4 year old pick out her outfits with me! I point out what would look nice as a family and she seems to get excited about it and will play along really well, since I let her pick her outfits for daycare she doesn't mind having me step in occasionally. Bonus for me that right now she loves to dress up! She also is old enough to understand that she only has to wear it for 30 min at the session.

I hope this helps you narrow down your family session look and makes prep a bit easier!”

We hoped you enjoyed these tips! Thank you again to Melissa Johnstone for sharing her expertise.