9 STYLING TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FAMILY PORTRAIT

1. MOMS, YOU COME FIRST
WARDROBE. As mothers, we dedicate ourselves to our family, do you also forget about yourself sometimes? You pick out the perfect outfits for everyone, and what about you?

Don't just pull something out of your closet that only looks "alright". You need to feel and look AMAZING in your family portrait!

I suggest picking something out that looks gorgeous on you, then plan the rest of the family around THAT! It is already hard enough to get yourself IN the photos, so when you are finally in them, you want to feel and look amazing. 

MAKEUP & HAIR Depending where you want your shoot and how much time you have. If we are on location or at your home, usually with small children, we will go straight to family portraits, so we don’t keep everyone waiting. You can style your hair like you normally would, put on your makeup a bit heavier than usual. But don’t worry, I will give you a touchup before we start. You should be looking your part as the queen of the castle!

If we are in the studio, then we will first take care of you, you arrive first and enjoy pampering hair & makeup. Then the family can join in near the end of the shoot.

2. COORDINATE COLORS
Pick a couple of colors and choose clothes that fit in that color scheme. Your outfits do not need to match but should go together and share a similar color palette. Also, avoid red, neon color, orange, or bright pink. See my Pinterest Board for get the creative juice going.

3. COLOR SCHEME OF YOUR HOME DECOR
Are you a fan of bright fun colors? Are you more earthy and neutral? Because you will be displaying these portraits in your home you want to certain that the colors of your clothes go with the color scheme of your home.

4. ACCESSORIES
I personally like a bit accessories, not only they add to your outfit, they can be really fun to jazz up a session. Have your husband or son wear a tie for the mom to pull them in for a kiss. Necklaces for the children to play with or hats to play a mysterious look. But no need to go crazy.

5. LIMIT PATTERNS
Some patterns can be fun, but definitely, it is a no go for everyone on the photo to have a different pattern, it may distract the final image if everyone is wearing something with patterns. I would keep the pattern to minimum, so we focus on your faces instead.

6. SHOP IN COLLECTION
It is always a good idea when you invest into a session, you might as well go something new and in the season. Not only will the clothes be sparkling clean and pressed, you can also take inspirations from their latest collection, if you have more than one child, it will be way easier to buy clothes for all your kids from one store. Their outfits will for sure be coordinated. And saves you lots of time too!

7. PLAN AHEAD
Once you have booked your family session, begin to plan the wardrobe straight away. You may think that certain dress might fit, or that outfit is clean, but if you wait until the day of or the day before the session, you may have an issue of fitting (kids grow so fast!) it might be dirty or needed to be iron. So don't wait until the last minute!

8. STAY AWAY FROM LOGOS & CARTOON CHARACTERS
Your little girl loves her Elsa shirt, but you should try to hide it before the session. Logos and characters on shirts can be very distracting.

9. THINK TIMELESS
Lastly, these portraits will be on display in your home and treasured for years to come. So think simple, classic outfits, they will give your family portrait an overall timeless feel.

Do you need more ideas on what to wear in family photos? Check out my Pinterest boards for some more inspirations.

When you have all your outfits together, get everyone to try them on and send me a few snaps! I would love to see your outfits.

Thank you so much for reading through all the tips. Have fun with it. You are creating a heirloom which your family will cherish, I congratulate you!

Please let me know if you need any help on deciding the outfits. I am here to assist you in anyway.