Start with Mom

I recommend starting with the woman's outfit/dress first. That gives you a starting point for color pallete. Second, select the kids clothes. Last, select dad's clothes.

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Keep it Simple

You can never go wrong with simple and solid. If you have one person in the photos wearing a pattern, everyone else will look best wearing solid colors that compliment the patterned piece.

 

For group portraits, avoid matching colors, outfits, and patterns. Rather, think about color schemes and complementary colors.

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Keep Skin Tone in Mind

Pick something that complements your skin tone. If you have fair skin, choosing a black shirt might make you look very pale in a photograph, while wearing a white shirt might make you look washed out. Choosing a neutral light gray may be a better choice.

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Add Texture

Add interest to a solid color outfit with textures and layers! For ladies this means, jewelry, sweaters, or blazers. For men, think about a jacket or sports coat paired with a sweater and button-up. These create more dimension and make for an engaging photo. If you chose to wear a pattern like plaid, stripes, or floral then you need LESS texture and those wearing solid outfits need MORE texture. Keep seasonality and location in mind for this advice!

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Picking Your Colors

Soft, earthy, neutral or pastel colors (beige, cream, stone, blush, mauve, lavender,

sage, soft olive, gray, camel, blue-gray, denim, etc) are classic and always photograph

beautifully.

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I recommend avoiding bright primary or neon colors. The biggest reason for this is

something called "color cast.” If you wear a bright red shirt and your child gives you

a hug, the red from your shirt will reflect back onto their face, giving their skin an

unnatural hue.

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The Extra Touch

If you have the extra time and budget, for the ladies it never hurts to have your hair,

makeup, and nails done. I like to coordinate my haircuts with family photos so it is

one less thing I have to worry about.

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Consider the Location

Beach Tips

Neutral and pastel colors, such as soft pinks, cream, light blues, soft greens and white all photograph extremely well, as they blend effortlessly with the natural elements rather than competing with them.

 

A flowy dress photographs well; especially if we get a little wind.

 

I recommend not wearing shoes

 

I like to start the photoshoot at the dunes and end it by the water. Some clients prefer to just get their feet wet, while others prefer to hop fully in. Something to consider when choosing clothing!

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