Calgary Newborn & Family Photographer
Full-Service Photography in NW Calgary
Airdrie | Cochrane | Chestermere | & Surrounding Areas in Alberta, Canada
You've got your family session booked! Your session date is set, perfect! Now the big question arises: "What do I wear?"
Choosing what to wear for your session is important when creating beautiful, timeless portraits. You likely don't want your family portrait to end up on some "Awkward Family Photos" blog. You want to tell your family's story right and you want it to last!
Your first instinct might jump immediately to the good ol' white tops and blue jeans get up. Gone are the days of trendy "matchy matchy" family photo outfits (thank goodness!) We are not all the same within a family. Everyone has different tastes, styles and personalities. Don't be afraid to express that during your family portraits. You are perfectly capable of putting together outfits that are different but beautifully complimentary to each other.
What To Wear For Your Family Session
- No Matchy-Match! Opt for neutral, easy-to-coordinate colours that express everyone's individuality! We aren't all the same, even within a family, and everyone should show off their own unique style. That doesn't necessarily mean anything goes, but you can still choose a complementary colour scheme that pieces together nicely. For example, yellows compliment blues, mint compliment peachy tones, and don't get me started on the power of beiges, tans and taupes.
- Patterns. Whether it be plaids, florals, polka-dots, what-have-you. Layer them up with solid colours and denims, and you've got yourself a killer wardrobe for your session.
- Layer it up! Maybe you'll want a little bit of wardrobe variety during your session. But it can be hectic to have to change in and out of outfits mid-session. Layer up with shawls, scarves, button-up sweaters, etc. and you'll be able to change up your look quickly and easily!
- It's A Photo-Sesh, Not A Sweat-Sesh. Avoid wearing activewear. I know your yoga-pants are oh-so-comfy. Opt for tights instead.
- These Shoes Were Made For Walking... but if they were made for running, maybe give that another thought. Dress shoes, boots, dressy sandals all look great in a family photo. Even bare feet from time to time. But when it comes to running shoes, make sure they're solid colours. SOLID. COLOURS. No neon stripes or super-duper bright princess Elsa light up shoes. They'll stick out like a sore thumb!
Dressing The Kids
- Let's Keep It Classy... Avoid putting your little ones in short skirts or dresses, as they have a tendency to ride up during the session. You'll likely be spending most of your session playing, so keep that in mind when it comes to the functionality of your kiddos' outfits.
- Spanx. If you do have a dress that is just too cute to resist, make sure your kiddo is wearing shorts underneath. Same goes if your little one is still in diapers - put them in pants that cover up the diaperbum and are easily pulled up if need be, or a long shirt that easily covers up the waist (but nothing too baggy).
- Be Mindful While Accessorizing. Most of the littlest ones get distracted when they are suddenly having to wear things they don't normally wear. This could be hats, scarves, bracelets, etc. Remember that the goal of the session is to capture the interactions between you and your family members, and not so much about fussing about bits and pieces of your outfits.
Do y'all remember this TLC show?
What Not To Wear
- Unfitted shirts. Loose t-shirts, polos, hoodies, sports tops. Don't do it. You'll thank me later.
- Logos & Graphics. Nothing like a good ol' Nike logo to throw off a good family photo!
- Ball Caps. Or any hat, for that matter.
- Victoria's Secret. Try and wear tops that hide them bra-straps.
- Cargo Pants. 'Nuff said.
- ALL white or ALL black.
- Crocs. Sports Sandals. Skater Shoes. Running Shoes... think along the lines of "Sunday best". ;)
- Short dresses. And if you must, wear something underneath. But you'll have way more comfort and flexibility with your posing options without having to worry about having one of those terrible mishaps that make the tabloids whenever a celebrity has one. The only flash that should be at the session is the one on my camera, ha!
Dang, You Look Good!
#SelfieTime
You're ready to go! The family is dressed, looking picture-perfect, and everything is going to go easier than you think! Pretty well any pattern and texture is great. Great creative with mixing and matching (but not matchy-matching!) styles to show off your personalities. Everyone will arrive at your session feeling confident. And when you mix neutral colours you’ll be sure that your family portrait will still look great 20 years from now, regardless of whether you've repainted your walls or not ;)
Want To Work With Me?
I will give you one-on-one guidance when it comes to piecing together the outfits for your session. I know that your family portraits mean a lot to you and you want to make sure you're picture-perfect on the day of your session. I'm there for you every step of the way!
Contact the studio for information on my availability, packages, and to plan your very own custom session.
Now booking June through to October for outdoor family sessions.
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