I’ve been chatting on my facebook page, helping my readers plan for their family portraits. I LOVE designing clothing for a photo shoot, especially the challenge of coordinating, instead of matchy-matching with a family. The bigger the family, the more fun the challenge! I was helping a friend shop last week for clothing for her family portraits, because the idea just overwhelmed her. She decided on grays and blacks (great for winter photos), and I suggested a splash of color…but what color? I’m still not sure what they will go for, but I am building this post around grays and blacks and a splash of color. Here are some fun clothing suggestions ideas I’ve found online:
A touch of YELLOW…
{source}
Now, before you get all crazy about where to buy this stuff, the link above is from a year ago, and the items are likely unavailable now. BUT, use this as a guide…mom doesn’t need a yellow leather jacket (though it pretty much rocks) but a yellow cardigan would work. I love how the little girl just has a touch of yellow in her headband and the shoes. Yes, shoes matter! The investment for family portraits aren’t JUST for the photographer/prints, but in cohesive clothing and bringing it all together for an overall beautiful look. I shop and buy and shop and buy and return, return, return after I have what I want.
Here is a splash of yellow on REAL people:
love those peekaboo yellow tights, hint of yellow shoes, yellow shirt poking out of the mans plaid shirt–LOVE!
A touch of GREEN…
{source}
A touch of RED…
OR
{source}
A touch of TEAL…
{source}
And check out these handsome people pulling it all together from this inspiration board:
recognize anyone?
{source}
See…painless, right?
Kristen Duke
Latest posts by Kristen Duke (see all)
- Tips for helping people feel comfortable at photo sessions - June 15, 2013
- BlogHer Food 2013 Blogging Conference - June 14, 2013
- Tips for a Great Headshot - June 13, 2013
Great, great suggestions Kristen. We did a family portrait last year (the first one in 19 years – many regrets about that) and didn’t think about coordinating us until the day before. It worked out wonderfully, but I truly hadn’t thought about it. We’re going to give my parents the gift of a family session, including my brother and his family, for Christmas and your suggestions are just terrific!
I couldn’t live without ‘what to wear’ guides! I designed our entire wardrobe based on suggestions like these from pinterest!
Hi Kristen, I love reading your blog, where can I get these, what to wear suggestion sheets to e-mail to a client before a family shoot, do you buy them from somewhere or make them up yourself. I know I have seen them on other photogs sites but can’t figure out how to get them so I can use them with my clients. Thank you so much for sharing ! Julie
Hi Kristen – great round up! I’ve actually pointed clients in your direction before on how to coordinate. I finally got to apply it to my own family! It even includes a dress that’s in the Red board above. Check out the purple fall outfits I picked, I also linked back to you
http://adaywithlilmama.blogspot.com/2011/11/coordinating-fall-family-portrait.html
Hi Kristen – great round up! I’ve actually pointed clients in your direction before on how to coordinate. I finally got to apply it to my own family! It even includes a dress from the Red board above. Check out the purple outfits I picked, I also linked back to you
http://adaywithlilmama.blogspot.com/2011/11/coordinating-fall-family-portrait.html
Mindy
I love the post. The color and style are perfect. This is not only the photography but fashion and design. ” A Touch of Red” is my favorite now.