What to wear for your family photo session - my top tips this season!
Read moreIntroducing... The Clark Family!
While awaiting an adoption date, Stephanie Clark contacted me with a special request- scheduling her family’s first professional photo session. We had a lot of fun in Wakefield, Massachusetts on a sunny autumn day, and just a few weeks ago, the adoption was finalized. Introducing… the Clark Family!
What should I wear? My top five tips this season
A few years ago, our own family gifted my parents with an extended family photo session for their 50th wedding anniversary. As a mom figuring out what my family should wear, I started to feel the stress that my clients feel when they ask themselves “What should I wear?”
#1 Choose a color palette of 3 colors
Choose colors that complement each other. When choosing neutral colors, be sure to add one complementary color to add a little “pop”. If you are having a hard time choosing a colors, choose ONE patterned piece- this could be a shirt or a scarf, etc. Pull the colors for all other pieces from this pattern. You may want to consider where you plan to display the photo in your home; what colors will complement your home design?
What colors should you choose? This is really up to you. For fall, I love jewel tones:
#2: Consider the background, and the weather
Consider what colors and clothing will complement the setting for your photos. For example, if you’re headed to a Christmas Tree Farm, choosing lots of green may not be the best idea. Think about complementing colors, instead of blending in. Dress for the weather! Everyone will look more natural if you’re warm and comfortable.
#3 Embrace individuality
Instead of forcing kiddos to conform, embrace their individual flair! Less stress, and the kids will be happier. How does this work?
#4 Play with textures
Textures add some visual interest to your photos. Examples include tweed, denim, and wool. Fall is a perfect season to play with textures!
#5 Footwear
After all this planning, don’t forget the footwear! Shoes don’t have to be fancy or expensive, but do consider how your footwear complements your outfit.
Top 5 things to avoid
Multiple patterns
Solid black and solid white tops
Too many colors
Shirts with lots of graphics, logos, or writing
Lots of classic red (unless a Christmas shoot)
Overall, you don’t have to spend loads of money on your family outfits. I’ve had families get super creative by working with what they already have, bargain shopping, or even borrowing a piece or two from a friend!
North Shore Massachusetts family photo session: The Oleks Family
Multiples have a special place in my heart. Twenty years ago, my sister went in for her regular ultrasound appointment, and the doctor said, "There's two in there." My sister replied.... "Two what?!" Over the years, it has been so rewarding to see my twin nieces grow into young women; from the time they were babies they had a very special bond, often sleeping nose to nose in the crib.
Needless to say, I was excited for this family photo session with these adorable twins this fall at Appleton Farms in Ipswich, MA. I am sure they will have a bond like none other.
North Shore family photography: The Ball family
Why do toddlers always want to eat leaves? It's a mystery. I LOVE experiencing fall through a toddler's eyes... the colors, the crunchy leaves, the gentle wind. Everything is an experience for them! The Ball family and I had a fun afternoon at Appleton Farms in Ipswich, MA.
North Shore family photography: The Gaither Family at Appleton Farms
I first met Shannon at a birthday party, where I was taken with her adorable toddler twins. Since then, I have photographed their family every year in the fall, and it has been a joy to watch them grow! We met up at Appleton Farms in Ipswich, MA for this family photo session. Shannon is now the editor of North Shore Macaroni Kid , which is a great resource for parents and caregivers!
Senior Session at Appleton Farms: Wayne
I have known Wayne's mom since I was a child. I remember taking photos of Wayne when he was a toddler, just before my best friend's wedding. Now, he is a young man, and a senior in high school! We had a lot of fun at Appleton Farms in Ipswich, MA for his senior portrait session!