Sometimes a photograph can draw you in, take you to that moment and time in space and draw out emotion from the image as if you were there. There are many qualities that can make up a great photograph and allow a family’s love and beauty to shine right on through. For me, this begins before the first photo is even taken as I focus on the light, the location and equally important, the clothes! I’ve broken it down into my top 5 tips for styling your photo shoot that will allow the beauty of your family to truly shine through, creating the bones of a beautiful subject and cohesive image!
1. Pick a Color Palette (neutral preferred). I always recommend to my clients to stick to muted colors – ivories, whites, grays, khakis, navies, maybe a soft peach. This really allows for the beauty of the family to shine through and eliminate all the distractions.
2. Don’t Match, Coordinate. Try not to have everyone matchy-matchy, like all the guys in the same striped polo shirt. Instead, use that fantastic color palette you chose and find great outfits for everyone that ties into that main scheme. It creates such a beautiful flow to the images when everything is combined.
3. Go With The Flow. Choose clothes that are comfortable and that aren’t too fitted. Avoid clingy clothes, but also steer clear of clothes that are too big. The best tops have a nice flow to them, move with you and don’t pull. Pair it with a fitted cardigan or blazer for a polished, yet carefree look. Flowy, organic dresses for children and lacey dresses/skirts or tunics over leggings for the ladies are always my favorite choices. They are so romantic and photograph with a beautiful feminine quality.
4. Add Dimension. This isn’t a necessity but adding layers can add a lot of depth and dimension to your photos and, when done correctly, without distracting from the main subject – your beautiful family. A collard shirt under a mens sweater, a cardigan or scarf, boots over leggings with wooly socks peeping out, a light colored denim vest over a white tank with an ivory tulle wedding skirt. So that last one sounds frivolous but I’ve shot it and it was beautiful! Get funky and try things on that you wouldn’t normally pair together.
5. When In Doubt, Lay It Out. Now that you’ve found those great outfits for everyone all tying into your selected color palette, lay everything out on the bed. I prefer a made bed, because I’m quasi type-a like that, but if sheets in a pile at the foot of the bed is your thing, so be it! This is a great way to see everything together and see how it looks. Does it need anything else? Are there pieces that could be swapped out for something more cohesive? This is the perfect time to tweak and perfect so you can be confident your clan will be looking their best!
6. Shout It Out. So maybe this is numero six but let’s consider it a bonus, shall we? I always tell my clients to text me their clothing layout. This way I can assure them that they’ve done an awesome job and add any suggestions that I think might take it up a notch. More often than not, I pull from my own closet or studio findings – cardigans, jewelry, accessories – items that might add that extra oomph. It also allows me to get a feel for the shoot and grab any blankets or other props that I think may flow well. Ask you photographer if you can do the same – I’m sure they would be more than happy to see all your shopping and planning come to fruition before the shoot. If not, shoot me an email and I would be more than happy to help you out!
Be sure to follow me on Pinterest for beautiful visual inspiration and access to boards like these:
Laura Gattis Photography & Lookbook: Family Style
This is what I truly love to do. And I would be honored to collaborate with you on your dream, your vision, too. You hold more beauty than you know – let’s shine a light on it!
xoxo,
la
