The art of coordinated family style
I've worked with many families over the years and have developed a personal preference for what outfits photograph best. While your comfort is key, I'd love to share my advice on which patterns will look amazing in your family photos.
Keep reading for more information.
Add depth & richness with a variety of fabrics, textures & layers
Let’s kick things off by talking about fabrics and textures—they are truly the secret weapon for adding depth to your outfits! Playing with contrasting textures, like pairing soft silk with rugged denim or cozy wool with crisp linen, creates wonderful visual interest that makes any photo pop. For example, styling a chunky knit sweater with a delicate silk camisole is a surefire way to make your images more engaging. Or, try throwing a denim jacket over an elegant, simple dress for that perfect, effortless"casual-cool" vibe.
Next, let's focus on prints and patterns. Instead of going over every pattern that would look great, I think it’s more helpful to point out the ones that don’t translate well in camera. For your photos, it's best to steer clear of logo tees and anything with tiny stripes. When photographed, stripes that are thin and close together can create a strange, wavy effect called moiré. While some geometric patterns can be great, those with small, dark shapes on a light background can be distracting and pull focus away from your family. If you're a fan of plaids and florals, go for it! Just stick to one patterned outfit for your session. Use that patterned piece as your inspiration, helping you choose coordinating solid colors for everyone else.
After playing with different fabrics and prints, the next logical step is to introduce layers into your ensemble. To achieve this dimensional effect, build up your look with versatile pieces. Use items like blazers, cardigans, vests, or even layer a simple tee under another top, like a flannel. During a photoshoot, this layered approach is a lifesaver, allowing you to create multiple looks just by adding or removing a single item. Finally, bring your outfit to life by incorporating pieces that move. Think flowing skirts, elegant dresses, or lightweight jackets that catch the breeze. The movement of the fabric creates dynamic, eye-catching shapes in your photos.
And if you only remember one thing, let it be this: don't have everyone wear matching clothes, like the classic white tees and jeans. Nothing kills an image faster than perfectly matched outfits. Trust me, you'll be much happier with photos that show off each of your unique personalities, rather than pictures that feel a bit flat and stuck in the past.
Bring your outfits to life with accessories & props.
The secret to elevating an outfit lies in the accessories. These small details have the power to define a look and can be the difference between a great photo and a flat one. Accessories in a photograph serve a variety of purposes, from adding visual interest and depth to telling a story and conveying personality. Building on our recent discussion about using layers to create depth, it’s time to focus on the small but mighty details. When used effectively, accessories can transform a good image into a captivating one. It’s the small additions that make the biggest difference in a photograph. Elevate your outfit by incorporating fashion accessories like a classic watch, a statement belt, hats, a delicate scarf, or eye-catching jewelry. And for a personal favorite, I absolutely love adding floral crowns for a beautiful, whimsical feel.
Moving beyond accessories, let's talk about props. So, how do you choose the right props? Your props should always be selected with your specific session in mind. The best choices will reflect the style and purpose of your photoshoot. Using personal items can add a human element and help build a deeper connection in your images. For an in-home session, games, musical instruments, books, and toys help capture your family's personality and shared memories. Board games, puzzles, dress-up, blocks, and Legos can capture some great candid interactions. A family member playing a guitar or another instrument can be a natural focal point for the rest of the family to gather around.
Matching your props to the time of year can give a cohesive look to a seasonal-themed session. Use fresh flowers, rain boots, or a colorful kite in the spring. For summer sessions, consider fun and refreshing options like blowing bubbles, drawing with chalk, running through sprinklers, or a classic family picnic. Add cozy elements to your fall photos with a warm blanket, or capture a more playful shot by raking a pile of leaves for the kids to enjoy. Winter offers two fantastic settings for photos: the great outdoors or the cozy indoors. You can capture playful moments in the snow or opt for a warm, intimate session snuggled up on the couch with some hot cocoa or baking cookies in the kitchen. The beauty of baking cookies is that it's not just a winter activity; it's a year-round delight.
Express who you truly are.
I've shared some of my favorite ways to add accessories & to capture the joy of the season, but the best photos are made when we work together. Please bring your own ideas to your photographer and see what creative options they might offer. Props that are fun and interactive are magic—they help you forget the camera is even there, capturing the most genuine connections in your family. These tips are based on my experience and artistic style, and are meant to help your photos look their best. However, the most important thing is that you feel both comfortable and confident in outfits that reflect your personal style. My goal is to deliver images that you absolutely love.
Want more outfit ideas?
My Pinterest boards have you covered.
