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Your Family Session

WITH NANCY CHABOT PHOTOGRAPHY

How to successfully prepare for

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This is one of the most commonly asked questions that I get as a photographer. Selecting a location first will set the tone, which makes it easier when it comes to choosing your outfits.

Do you want a beach location? Trees and greenery? A flower field? The colorful fall trees? Maybe a snowy background? There are endless possibilities for your family session– it's just best to decide before making any other decisions.

What should we wear for the family shoot?

Colors such as white, khaki, gray and shades of blue work very well for beach photos. Light and airy summer dresses for women, polo shirts and khaki shorts or pants for men are great options for family outfits at the beach.

Adding different textures and accessories, such as hats, will give your pictures a unique look. Keeping your outfits in neutral tones will make your family portraits look classy. These portraits will look fantastic on the walls of your home.

Family Pictures on the Beach

When photographing whites, it's very easy to overexpose clothing, which means it will lose all detail in the image. It will look distractingly bright and too white compared to the faces.

All-black clothing can lose all depth and details, which it makes it tricky to photograph.

If possible, choose outfits within a pastel or neutral color scheme.

Stay away from pure whites and all-blacks

A little bit of pattern can work for a few of your family outfits, but keep in mind that patterns can be distracting if everyone's outfit has one.

I highly recommend that you limit patterns as much as possible. If one person in the group is wearing an outfit with a pattern, try to pair it with other outfits in solid coordinating colors. This will help balance out the overall look in your images and prevent clashing patterns and clothes that look overly-busy or distracting.

Limit patterns on your outfits

When coordinating outfits for your family, think about your home and where you intend on hanging your portraits within it. Use the color scheme in your house as an inspiration for your images. Whether you like bright colors, neutrals, or have a very specific color palette in your home, you want to make sure that the colors and tones of your clothing will go well with your decor.

Choose a color palette that will match your home

When coordinating outfits for your family, think about your home and where you intend on hanging your portraits within it. Use the color scheme in your house as an inspiration for your images. Whether you like bright colors, neutrals, or have a very specific color palette in your home, you want to make sure that the colors and tones of your clothing will go well with your decor.

Choose a color palette that will match your home

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Once you've chosen your outfit, you will know the color and theme you are working with for the rest of your family members. Trust me, now the hardest part of the process is over!

I highly recommend having your hair and makeup professionally done. Even when done in a natural way, it still adds that perfect touch to your photos. A trained professional knows exactly how to give a classic, natural look that shows up flawless on camera. They know the right way to contour your face to look great in every light. They know what color to use to compliment your eye and skin color and they can use false eyelashes to truly make your eyes pop! Plus, you deserve to get pampered before the main event!

If you decide to go with a two-piece outfit for your photo session, then go with a skirt + top combination. Make sure they match well in colors and textures. It's best to choose a shirt that is fitted in the waist and flows out over the hips.

If you love pants/jeans, you can accessorize with boots or high heels to accentuate your legs. Pair the look with waist-length fitted jackets or blouses.

Choose a dress for yourself that is figure-flattering. Even if you don't prefer to wear dresses, they always look the most flattering in photos. A dress with an accentuated waist is ideal, as it will give you shape and show off your curves.