Hey, y’all! One of the most common questions in my DMs right now is “What do I wear to family photos?” or “How do I coordinate the whole family for photos?”
When it comes to any type of photography, there are some definite guidelines to follow to make your photos picture-perfect. First, think about the overall aesthetic and vibe of your shoot. Are you thinking of something more casual and natural or more formal and festive? Once you know the overall look of the photos you are going for, it’ll be easier to pick outfits.
Here are my easy guidelines for holiday photos:
Pick a color palette with multiple colors in the same family. For example, go for beige, white, and touches of black or navy. Or for something more colorful try emerald, navy, white, and maybe a touch of metallic. Another variable to consider is texture. Fabrics like corduroy, velvet, sequin (especially during golden hour), and faux fur work well for holiday photos and add depth to photos!
Once you have your palette, dress your family members in coordinating outfits - not matching ones. If someone wants to wear a white dress, have someone else in beige or the men of the group in navy pants or tops. Depending on how many people you have in your photos is how many combinations you’d need.
If you want a more vibrant outfit, stick the pattern on one or two people only and make sure not to overcrowd. colors and patterns or the photos will become busy, This will take away from the shoot and you always want the focal point to be your family and faces!
Consider making your atmosphere or shooting environment the theme vs. your outfits. There is elegance to a snowy outdoor scene and classic outfits, holiday decor, and a formal ensemble. Try incorporating holiday elements like trees, snow, decorated Christmas trees, etc., in the background and play off that environment’s natural color palette for your outfits.
Lastly, and most importantly, wear what you are comfortable in and what makes you feel like you. If you’re fidgeting with your outfit, uncomfortable with a part of it or simply don’t feel like yourself, then that will show in your photos. Wear something that you’ll look back in the photos and feel good about!
Outfit Inspiration for her
Below is a liked style guide for different types of pieces to wear and some explanation behind why I chose them. They are intentional a more neutral color palette as I wanted to focus more on the type of item rather than the specific item shown (although the exact ones would work too!)
If you click the image it will take you to everything linked in the graphic.
Outfit Inspiration for him
I’ve found that men are more visual when it comes to getting dressed and react when they are shown ideas and outfits that are already put together. Because of this, I added specific color palettes based on the out ideas below. I can attest to the shoe selection as my husband, Kollin, owns all three pairs and loves them.
If you click the image it will take you to everything linked in the graphic.
Once you have an idea of the color palette, coordinating items, and the environment you’re shooting in, looking for and finding items will be easy! Most of the time, you’ll already have them in your closet at home. I’ve also heard from mom friends to let your kids wear the outfit before the photoshoot so you can see if there will be any issues the day of or if you need to change something. That way, you don’t have to deal with it during the photoshoot!
Do y’all have any other tips for family photos? Where is everyone taking them this year? Writing this post is reminding me that I need to get on making our holiday cards ha. I hope everyone has a great weekend and Halloween!
