This is probably the number one question I receive before family photo shoots.

As a mom of four kids, I know how stressful it is to put together outfits for four kids, my husband and myself. Plus making sure everyone actually likes what they are wearing and wont’ complain too much, it’s stressful. I won’t even mince words, it is flat out stressful on the family’s ‘official wardrobe coordinator’.

I’ve put together a few tips to help make your life go a little more smoothly when getting those outfits ready.

Pick clothes that are comfortable.

Choose clothes that you know your kids might normally wear. No need to fight the kids on wearing a new fabric they think is itchy and irritating or getting shoes that are cute buy hurt your feet. If your kids like jeans, jeans are great in photos! If your girl loves wearing skirts and dresses, the movement of a dress looks beautiful on camera.

Start with a neutral.

Base your clothes choices around a neutral color. White, cream, ivory, black, grey, and brown all work as great neutrals. Plus you can use more than one, and they’ll match each other!

Choose 2-3 complimentary colors.

What’s a complimentary color? Ok, I’m going to get technical for just a minute. Complimentary colors are two colors on the opposite sides of the color wheel. It’s one primary color and the secondary color is created my mixing the other two primary colors. There are three primary colors.

Primary Colors: Red, Blue, and Yellow
Secondary Colors: Green, Orange, and Purple

Easy sets of complimentary colors:
Red and Green
Blue and Orange
Yellow and Purple

Complimentary colors make each other pop! They’re appealing to the eye without thought which is exactly what you want when choosing clothing colors!

Keep clothing patterns simple.

Clothing patterns are definitely good! Just don’t go too crazy with them. No giant zigzags or giant flowers on a shirts. Keep the patterns smalls and simple. Nothing too complicated. Plaids, stripes, polka dots, small flowers all are great ideas.

Stay away from Neon Colors and Clothes with Logos.

Having a giant Nike swoosh on a neon green shirt detracts from the whole photo. Neon colors are really bright. Too bright from family photos unless you’re going for a throwback 1980’s photo re-make (which I’m definitely down for doing!), but if you’re wanting a more traditional photo, it won’t look good.

Clothes with large logos also detract from your photos. Small logos (think polo shirts) are fine. You can’t really see them, so it doesn’t take away from anything.

Layering works!

A jacket or sweater over a dress/shirt works really well. Plus it adds dimension to your clothing choices which makes your photos look more dimensional and alive. It brings life to your family photos!

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize!

Hats, necklaces, scarves, and jewelry… go for it! Add a touch of you through your accessories! Love a chunky necklace or have a favorite scarf? Wear it!

One of my favorite accessories not many people think of is shoes! I love it when clients wear fun shoes! Converse and Vans come in a variety of colors that really tells you a lot about a person! Have a favorite pair of boots? Wear them! Be you and show me who you are through your shoes!

Weren’t able to take fall family photos because of hectic schedules? Winter and Spring are great times to get updated family photos without the rush of the holidays! Contact me to book your winter or spring family photo session!