"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord..." -Psalm 27:4a
How do I choose an outfit for pictures?
Don't match, coordinate!
Neutrals and Earth Tones are Your Best Friends: Cream, white (off-white/ivory is often softer than stark white), grey, tan, brown, olive green, muted blues, and blush pinks are excellent starting points. They create a timeless, natural look and won't clash with the background. Consider the Season and Location: Spring/Summer: Softer tones like pastels (blush pink, light blue, mint green, lavender), creams, and light neutrals work well, especially outdoors with blooming flowers or lush greenery.
Mix Textures and Fabrics: Adding different textures creates visual interest and depth without introducing more colors. Think: Knits (chunky sweaters, cardigans) Denim (jeans, jackets) Lace, ruffles, chiffon (for dresses/blouses) Linen, cotton, corduroy. Layering also adds dimension (e.g., a vest over a shirt, a scarf, a light jacket).
Start with One Outfit: It's often easiest to choose one outfit, usually for the person who is hardest to shop for (often Mom!). Then, build the rest of the family's outfits around that. This helps ensure a cohesive feel.
What to Avoid: Neons or Super Bright Colors: These can be distracting, cast unflattering colors on skin, and may not photograph well. Matching Outfits: Everyone in the same shirt and jeans is a dated look. It makes individuals blend together and can look stiff. Logos, Graphics, or Words: These are distracting and can quickly date your photos. Too Many Bold Patterns: One or two subtle patterns (e.g., a plaid shirt, a delicate floral dress) can add interest, but too many will make the photo look chaotic.
Tips for Large Groups (10+ people):
Communicate Clearly: Share the chosen color palette and style guidelines with everyone well in advance.
Suggest "Sub-Groups": Within the larger color palette, suggest that smaller family units (e.g., immediate families) have slightly varied combinations of those colors, creating mini-palettes within the larger one.
Lay Everything Out: Before the photo shoot, lay all the planned outfits (including shoes and accessories) together on a bed or floor to see how they look as a whole. This will help you spot any clashes or missing pieces. Share a picture with your extended family.
Prioritize a Few Key Colors: For very large groups, focusing on 2-3 primary colors (one of which is neutral) and allowing for variations in shade within those colors can simplify the process and still look cohesive.