"What should we wear to our photo session?"

This is the question I hear the most, and with good reason; clothing choices can truly make or break a photo. Choosing your wardrobe with care can bring a whole shoot together. Using a theme color goes a long way to create harmony in your photos. Selecting a color, and incorporating it into everyone’s wardrobe, either as a solid piece, or as a part of a pattern, or in a different shade, says “we belong together”. 

Take a look at my tips and examples below for pulling together a great look for your next family photo!

I like to try and follow what I call the “Three Colors + POP” rule (I'm not sure who came up with this rule, but they are a genius!):

1.  Pick three colors (one being a neutral)  and put together outfits with those colors only.  More than three colors can seem a bit busy. Neutrals include tan, white, gray, khaki, etc.

2.  Add in an unexpected POP of color.  One bright color can add interest to your image.  Be aware that this POP will become a focal point in the picture, so I wouldn’t advise adding this color in an area that you don’t want others to look at too closely.

{I must make a disclaimer: RULES CAN BE BROKEN.  These are just guidelines!!}

Other tips:

1.  Think coordinating, not matching.  I really stress to my families to think coordinating outfits not matching. Choose colors from the opposite sides of the color wheel (complementary colors), or the colors adjacent to each other (harmonious colors). 

2.  Try and pick colors that complement the surrounding environment. Once you determine a location, keep this in mind along with the colors of the season when deciding on colors.

If you want to take this one step further (if you plan on displaying this picture in your home), try and choose colors that will compliment your home decor. (I LOVE getting photos from our clients with the photo we took of them on their wall!!!)  

3.  Use your brightest colors as accessories.  You don’t want the brightest colors detracting from the most important part of the picture:  the PEOPLE!

4.  It is okay to mix solids and simple patterns.  Personally, I like to think that SIMPLE patterns add interest and texture to a picture.  If you stick to a color scheme, everything just naturally blends together.

Here are some great examples using the tips above!