Your Fall Family Portrait Session
Unveiling the Art of Coordinating Outfits
What not to wear?
Welcome to an educational journey where we delve into the world of coordinating outfits for your fall family portrait session. As a professional photographer, I am here to guide you through the process, providing valuable tips and tricks to ensure picture-perfect results that capture the essence of your family. With the fall season quickly approaching, let's embark on this adventure together and discover how to create stunning, coordinated outfits that will make your family shine.
Why outfit coordination is important for family portraits
Family portraits are not just beautiful images; they hold deep sentimental value and tell a story that can be cherished for a lifetime. Outfit coordination plays a vital role in creating a cohesive and visually appealing look, drawing attention to the faces and expressions of your family members. It also helps foster a sense of unity and enhances the relaxed and natural poses during the session.
Try pairing bolds with neutrals or pastels to break up the look a little.
Choosing a color scheme
The first step in coordinating outfits for your fall family portrait session is selecting a color scheme. This choice unifies the outfits and creates a harmonious look. Popular options for fall include warm colors like red, orange, and yellow, which evoke feelings of coziness. You can also explore cool colors like blue, green, and purple for a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Earth tones such as rust, olive, and mustard offer a rustic and organic aesthetic. Remember to consider the location and surroundings, ensuring your color scheme complements the environment.
Selecting clothing styles and textures
Once you have a color scheme in mind, it's time to select clothing styles and textures that reflect your family's personality and style. Keep these tips in mind:
Dress for the occasion: Match the clothing style to the formality of the occasion. Formal attire for formal portraits, and casual attire for more relaxed settings. Or… if you want to get really creative, throw in some juxtaposition like formal attire in the woods!
Mix and match patterns: Experiment with patterns to add visual interest. Pair different-sized patterns, such as a large floral print with a small polka dot print, for a delightful blend. Just be mindful that sometimes busy patterns can throw off the image. When in doubt, ask your photographer.
Consider textures: Incorporating textures adds depth and visual intrigue. Combine chunky knit sweaters with silky blouses or experiment with different fabric textures to create a well-rounded look.
Accessorizing for the perfect finishing touch
Accessories provide the perfect finishing touch to elevate your family's ensemble. Choose accessories that complement the color scheme and clothing style. Consider these ideas:
Jewelry: Select jewelry pieces that enhance the overall look and align with the color scheme. Gold or bronze jewelry works well with warm colors, while cooler tones may benefit from silver or platinum.
Scarves: Add a pop of color and texture with scarves that align with your color scheme. Floral prints or patterns can beautifully complement earth tones.
Hats: For a fun and playful touch, choose hats that match the color scheme and style. Plaid patterns work wonders with cool colors.
This is a great example of the use of accessories!
Dressing for the location and season
It's essential to consider the location and season when selecting outfits for your fall family portrait session. Remember these tips:
Layers: Fall weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. Sweaters over blouses or scarves over dresses can be added or removed as needed.
Footwear: Choose comfortable footwear suitable for the location. Consider the terrain if you'll be in a park or outdoors. Western boots are great for this. I would advise against wearing heels that aren’t chunky because you won’t have the needed stability.
Outerwear: If the weather is cold, opt for outerwear such as coats or jackets that complement the color scheme and clothing style. Neutral colors like beige or gray work well with warm colors. These can be removed and put back on if you would like a mix in your gallery.
Coordinating outfits for different family members
Coordinating outfits for different family members can be a delightful challenge. Here are some tips to achieve a cohesive look:
Parents should take the lead in coordinating outfits that complement each other and reflect their personal style. Please make sure that your shoes are spiffy and clean. Dad’s New Balances are great for working in the yard - not so great for family heirloom portraits.
Consider age and individual personalities when selecting clothing for children. Prioritize their comfort and freedom of movement. If you have your heart set on matching sailor outfits, bring along some comfier options for later in the session to try to keep overstimulation to a minimum.
If including pets in your session, coordinate their outfits with the overall color scheme and style. Accessories like bandanas or bow ties can enhance the coordination.
Tips for a comfortable and enjoyable photoshoot
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable family portrait session, keep these tips in mind:
Choose a comfortable location: Select a location that accommodates everyone's needs and accessibility.
Plan for breaks: Incorporate breaks throughout the session to allow everyone to rest and recharge. No one wants their portraits showing smile fatigue.
Bring snacks and drinks: Keep everyone energized and focused with easy-to-eat snacks and drinks that won't create a mess, or gunk up your teeth.
Dos and don'ts of outfit coordination for family portraits
Remember these essential dos and don'ts when coordinating outfits for your fall family portrait session:
Dos:
Choose a complementary color scheme for the surroundings.
Mix and match patterns and textures to add visual interest.
Accessorize thoughtfully to enhance the overall look.
Dress appropriately for the location and season.
Coordinate different outfits for different family members.
Don'ts:
Avoid clothing with logos or distracting text and busy patterns.
Steer clear of clothing that is excessively tight, loose, or revealing.
Resist the temptation to wear completely matching outfits.
To sum up
Coordinating outfits for your fall family portrait session is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. By selecting a color scheme, choosing clothing styles and textures, and adding the perfect finishing touches, you can create beautiful and memorable portraits. Remember to dress for the location and season, coordinate outfits for different family members, and prioritize comfort and enjoyment during the session. With these valuable tips and tricks, you'll create stunning family portraits that will be treasured for years to come.