Phileo Photography says "Don't WEAR THAT!"
We get asked all the time what you should wear in a family photo session. This really IS a great question and I LOVE when people ask if they are in doubt. Because if you are in doubt..and you go ahead with that shoot....Things may just end up...messy :)
I first answer this question with a question of my own.
"What do you inted to use these family prints of art for? Will you be displaying them in your home?"
If they answer is yes to the second question then I instruct as follows:
Decide what room you will be most likely placing your largest print in. Look around. What is your color scheme? Your style? We want to match that. You want to treat your family print like what it actually is: a piece of the greatest artwork you will ever own. You would never go into an art gallery to purchase a piece of work to hang in your living room that didn't coordinate with your decor. The same idea holds true when deciding what your family should wear in their upcoming photoshoot.
If you have say.........torquoise and browns in your home then by all means stick with these colors for your photo session. Add an additional complimentary color if you like which will make your family artwork "POP" even more in your display.
I am a huge fan of LAYERS! Layer add interest, depth, texture to your famiy image. By layers I mean, don't be afraid to add that scarf, that awesome jacket, that quirky hat. Add that extra shirt.
Patterns CAN work if you are VERY cautious. I usually suggest that the adults stay with layers and solids within those layers OR if you must have a pattern....have it be in your scarf or accessories. Put the little ones in the patterns. They deserve to stand out from the crowd and it just is visually appealing. Maybe because the patterns in the little children...well...are little. They take up less visual space in the final image. So..their pattern is a great accent.
Accessories?? ABSO-freaking-LUTELY! Accessories make the image fun...it makes it almost "move" so to speak. Bring on the accessories. Note: Accessories are very different from PROPS. I don't promote props too much unless that little toddler is just not having it without his blankie or her stuffed bunny. By all means...what the kids say...GOES! No exception. Them having props documents a time in your life as a family. It reminds you (and you WILL forget) that they loved that treasured item til it was filthy and adored to shreds. Moms, you know what I am talking about.
I do bring props to newborn shoots as well as advise high school seniors to bring items that document their interests. This is different. We are not a studio. YOU are the greatest prop in your family. We want to capture YOU and your families true personality. No prop can compensate for not capturing that.
Changes of clothing? Sure, but not too many. Another reason to layer. Removing or adding layers makes for a quick wardrobe change and variety to your final proofs. Having numerous wardrobe changes breaks up the energy of your shoot and in the long run, that hinders the final product in a big way. The sessions energy is truly vital to great final images. (This is up to the photographer to bring out. Be wary of boring, slow photographers. Sometimes paying too much attention to details makes you miss the actual moments happening.)
Please stay away from the "white t-shirts and jeans look". Sorry folks but this is just plain BORING. Don't all dress in the same shirts or even all the same color. MIX it up! I promise...you will be much more pleased with your images if you mix textures, colors, layers and minimal patterns.
I am amazed at how many do not actually take this advice. Here are a few that actually did. It made for outstanding images if I do say so myself.
