Picking out the perfect outfit for your family photos shouldn’t be this hard.

But fear of choosing the wrong clothes, or clothes that don’t coordinate, can hold a lot of us back from getting that date scheduled and on the books. If you’re like me, you’ve been watching your children transform before your eyes the past few months at home. We’re heading into the fall season, and some of you may be thinking about yearly family photos. With cooler temperatures and pretty leaves on the horizon (albeit the distant horizon for us Texans), fall is a great time for outdoor family photo sessions. It’s so important to capture life as it unfolds. Family photos help preserve those sweet memories.

So, even if you’ve forgotten how to dress or interact with humans, I’m here to help! I have two young ones myself, so I understand the importance of family photos – but I also know how stressful it can be to plan a family session with littles. Nonetheless, your family deserves a great photo session just like every other year. Pandemic or not, 2020 shouldn’t go undocumented. In fact, make it even more memorable by incorporating masks or silly disinfectant props into this year’s historic family session. Don’t worry,  I bet I can make it a super fun experience for you!

How to Choose Family Photo Outfits

1. Ladies First

   Yes, Mom, I’m urging you to put yourself first this time! Everyone else’s outfit can center around yours. You sacrifice for you family every day and put all your energy into loving those tiny humans. But how many photos do you have of you and your children living doing life together? (And no, those mid-blink shots taken by your toddler don’t count.) This is your time to shine and celebrate the whole family unit – you included!

   Find something that makes you feel amazing – your photos will reflect that . If you don’t really love anything in your closet right now, splurge on a new outfit that makes you feel beautiful and confident. Take it a step further by getting your hair and makeup done, too. You deserve it, Mama!

   The only thing I ask is to find a camera-friendly outfit – i.e. no graphic tees, busy patterns, neon colors, undefined shift dresses or boxy shirts, or clingy jersey knit that show undergarment lines. Think: Accentuating colors and lines. Define your best features; don’t hide yourself.

   

   
   

2. Consider the Location – Where you’ll take your family photos AND where you’ll display them

   Choose seasonally appropriate outfits. Don’t forget to coordinate with the backdrop (outdoor, home, or studio). Your session maybe be scheduled for October, but it’s Texas. I can tell you that a two-year-old in wool leggings on a hot “fall” day make for an unhappy little camper. It’s worth it to ditch them and just capture those toothy grins instead.

   Also, don’t forget to keep in mind where you’ll hang your photos. Want a gorgeous eye-catching family portrait above the mantel? Be sure to choose a wardrobe color palette that complements your living room interior décor. If the portrait will be a permanent piece, avoid overly seasonal attire (you may not want to display black and orange or red and green year-round – go classic and neutral instead.) Ask me more about wall art options HERE.

   

3. Coordinate – Don’t match

   Overly matchy-matchy outfits make family members indistinctively blend together. Instead, add some texture, color, and personality through outfits that complement each other. Select a color palette you like and coordinate outfits accordingly. (See example photos.) Try mixing and matching by choosing a few solid pieces plus a few with camera-friendly patterns (plaid, floral, stripes, textures, etc).

   

4. Accessorize

   Without going overboard, pull your look together with accentuating accessories: Scarf and earrings for Mom; Belt, vest, or cardigan for Dad; Headband or necklace for big sister;  Cute hat or bowtie for little brother. I always love a good statement piece for extra aesthetic appeal. Be sure to consider all groupings (such as mother-daughter photos, sibling photos, and couple’s portraits).

   

5. Try It Out!

   If you have time (big if right?), have everyone try on their outfits and take a few pics with your phone to see if you like the results. If that’s just not possible, no worries! Snap a photo of your outfits together and send it over to cory@coryryan.com – I’m happy to offer suggestions and guidance!

   

What to Expect at Your Family Photo Session

As a parent, I know the importance of keeping your family both happy and safe. I’ll do my very best to do both for your family. Here’s how:

Flexible Family Photo Session Times

We’ll consider the age of your kids and their schedules to determine if a morning or evening session is best. Golden light is beautiful, but not if your baby is melting down. We’ll personalize the session to your family’s particular needs. That’s why I offer in-home, studio, or on-location sessions as well as shorter mini sessions. Be sure to check out some of our previous mini sessions: Seaholm Holiday & Woodbine Mansion for inspiration! If you want to book an outdoor session now, I recommend morning sessions due to the summer heat.

Balance Candid vs Posed Photos

I know kids won’t pose for an hour. That’s ok! I don’t want them to. We’ll have fun during our family photo session together. Go ahead and play games, laugh, and do life together. Candid, authentic photos always tend to be the favorites anyway.

Safety First

I *ALWAYS* wear a mask during sessions, no matter the location. I promise to respect distance to keep us all safe. As a professional family photographer, I utilize longer (and more flattering) lenses for all sessions these days. We can get awesome photos without getting too close.

A Note from Cory about Family Photo Sessions

My kids are 3 and 5 now, and those newborn photos are some of my all-time favorites to have and look back on! Don’t skip photos this year. I know in-the-moment iPhone photos rarely make it to print and aren’t exactly wall art worthy. I would love the chance to document such a special moment in time for your family. Connect with me for session availability.