We all love to see and even be a part of fun in beautiful family photos. October through December is the peak time to gather family members for family photos.
Family photos can be a great way to show how your family is growing, but they can also be stressful - especially when it comes to deciding what to wear. The right styling will not only elevate your portraits, but it can show off your individual style and personalities in a fun and festive way. No matter what you wear, these guidelines can help you plan for a low-stress, fun, family photo session.
Plan ahead. If you plan to buy new clothes for your session, purchase them early enough to allow for possible delivery delays or in case you need to return items that don’t fit. Start to plan one to two months before your annual photo session.
Check for fit. Many family photoshoots run late because of the last minute discovery that a planned outfit doesn’t fit. Do a trial run at least a week before the session to make sure everything not only looks good, but is comfortable to move around without looking baggy.
For kids, comfort beats looks. Nothing makes for a cranky child like shoes that are too small or clothes that are stiff or binding. If you want happy, relaxed photos, make sure clothes and shoes fit comfortably and allow for movement.
Show your personality. If you’re a casual family, be casual. If you like to dress up, put on your holiday best. Whatever your style, be yourself. If you try to vary too far from the norm, small children can be uncomfortable and less likely to be relaxed and happy.
Janet Howard is a professional photographer who lives and works in Chamblee and the surrounding areas. For more information about Janet Howard Studio and to book appointments for your next family photos, visit janethowardstudio.com.
1. Coordinate, but you don’t have to match. Instead of matching exactly, modern family photos allow for a palette of color. Try starting with a neutral color like gray, beige, or blue, and adding two to three accent colors, including a range of hues.
2. Mix in patterns and textures with layers. Solid colors photograph well, and adding patterns and textures creates visual interest. Add textures with sweaters, vests, or scarves, hats, or ruffles. If you do incorporate patterns, try to do it in more than one place to avoid one person standing out.
3. Avoid small stripes, graphic tees, and neon colors. Small stripes can cause visual strain, and neon colors can reflect back on the skin to create a color cast.
4. Embrace the season and location. In the spring, light yellows, greens, blush, and dusty blues look great. In the fall, think mustard yellow, burnt orange and sage green. Winter calls for deep reds and greens, or icy blues.
It’s fun to gather and show how your family is growing...The right styling will not only elevate your portraits, it can show off personalities in a fun and festive way. Janet Howard of Janet Howard Studio in Chamblee