THE MAIN THINGS TO REMEMBER:

Do coordinate – Don’t match!

Be comfortable. Be yourselves! Let your and your family’s true personality shine through!

 


WHERE DO I START?

It can be challenging to coordinate a family and especially a large group! These steps will help everyone look their best and will contribute to better family photos.


Colour Scheme


1)     Decide on a colour scheme

The best way to start is to choose 2 or 3 coordinating colours that make you happy, are present in your home/go with your decor (where you will hang prints), are seasonal, look good with the location, etc.

·        Not too "matchy matchy". The blue jeans with a white or black shirt had its time in the photography world but as of right now it's gone. The current family photo approach is more eclectic and individualistic.

·        You can have a “pop of colour” in mind (i.e. red, mustard yellow, a light blue or turquoise or a brighter pink or purple) and then pair it with another colour or two (i.e. blue, grey, purple, brown/tan, green, etc).

·        A couple of neutrals can always be added in (creams, tans, beige, grey, brown, navy black or white). Avoid all white or black.

Need Inspiration?


Check out some colour palettes by season or by colour at this website: www.design-seeds.com/by-color/ 

·        It’s nice to find one item that has all your main colours (i.e. dress for a girl, shirt or scarf for the mom) to tie it all together - though not necessary.

·        Consider the location. (i.e. If you are going to be in a green area, it’s best not to have too much green in your outfits.)


Check out my Pinterest Board with great outfit ideas!

Accessories! Texture! Layers!


2)     Accessorize! Add texture! Layer!

 ·        Don't be afraid of colors, patterns and textures. They can bring interest and vibrancy to a photo. (Avoid horizontal stripes though as these can make you look wider than you really are).

·        Wear some heavy jewelry, a scarf, a big belt, headband, tie or hat to pull your colours together and add more interest.

·        Textures and layers include things like jackets, cardigans, a button-down shirt, sweaters, scarves, different materials (wool, leather, cotton, etc.)

·    Avoid logos, cartoon characters or words on your clothes. It's distracting and can go out of style quickly.

·        Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Patterns, colours and accessories are a wonderful thing for pictures but make sure that it's not over-kill.

·        You will treasure these photos for years to come. So think of choosing classic and simples clothes to give your images a more timeless feel.

Lay It Out


3)     Lay it out on the floor or a bed

 ·        This will help you to visualize the outcome. Take a picture of it.

·        You can see where there might be too much of a certain colour, where a colour needs to be added in, how the accessories look, see if there is something distracting, etc.

Footwear


4)     Don’t forget footwear

·        Choose seasonal or somewhat dressy shoes.

·        Make sure they are clean!

Final Things to Note


***DO NOT WEAR GLASSES THAT TURN DARK IN SUNLIGHT!! Please choose a regular set of glasses or even empty frames.


Make sure everyone is fed and watered before the photoshoot. You can bring snacks along but please nothing that will melt or cause stained lips/tongues/shirts.

It’s OK to use (bribes) prizes for kids – tell them you will go for ice cream or they will get a treat afterward if they cooperate. But don’t worry too much about kids that don’t totally cooperate. This is the life stage they are in and little kids can’t be expected to pose perfectly. Candid pictures are often the best anyway and showcase your family better!