New ideas always on my pinterest page

I made this blog a while ago, and the ideas still apply, but I'll be adding new ideas to my photo clothing pinterest board, so check that out, too!

Pinterest Board for Family Photo Clothing

Color Ideas

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I also love the website, Design Seeds, because it helps to think out of the box with colors that would complement each other well like this image:

For Color combo inspiration, go to Design Seeds.

Clothing Suggestions

Decide if you want your portraits to be casual or dressy, classic or trendy. Think of all the outfits you choose for your family as one big outfit.  Mom--start with you.  What color and style looks best on you?  Pick that and plan everyone else around you.  Have dad in a different color.  If you have a small baby, who will probably hold the baby the most?  Mom?  If so, have the baby in a different color as well so you won't be blended together. 

Choose a neutral (denim is also a neutral in this case) and then add a couple of accent colors that will complement each other and use variations of those colors with the family members. Use the 3 color rule - it’s best to limit the bolder colors to 3.

Stick with solids, or simple coordinating patterns. Layers (jackets, hats, scarves, jewelry) and texture add richness to the portrait. Very busy patterns and logos tend to distract from faces.
Your shoes will likely be in some of the photos, so make sure they compliment your outfit. Match your socks to your pants so they don’t stand out.

Love accessories.

Another thing to keep in mind is where you plan to hang your portrait art. Will the clothing you’ve chosen complement the colors in the room?

Some people ignore these tips and some get so concerned that they go ultra-conservative (white shirt and khakis). So, these samples here are a visual to work with.


If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Coordinating outfits for a family portrait session does take thought and planning, but the end result will be worth it!

For teens having their Senior Portraits taken, I say to bring 4-5 of their favorite outfits including accesories such as hats.  Bring different colors and different looks for the images to stand out from each other. Eash outfit brings out a different layer of personality.

Parents--Just Relax!

As a mother of 4, I know the desire for that perfect portrait. All smiling perfectly, behaving wonderfully for the photographer. But the more stressed you are, the more stresssed your children will be. Let me take the lead on getting them relaxed and looking at me.

If I am doing individual portraits and you aren't liking the cheesy smile, DON'T tell them to "say cheese." Take a walk if you need to, but the worst thing you can do is threaten them to smile. I will talk to them, ask questions to get them to laugh and get that true joy. If you have ideas or songs that you know your child will love, I'd love to hear them. I always say that planning to get a special treat after the session is good bribery encouragement. :)

If anything, dads often have the hardest time with that natural smile.

Great BIG group

I am just LOVING the colors in this big group (I did not take these).  Each individual family unit coordinates and together they all blend.  The key to this is mostly solid colors.  To see more of this photoshoot, check out SIMPLICITY Photography.

My family

Here is what I've done for my family portraits in the past few years...

For this pic above, we got the inspiration from the outfits up above.