Styling your session
The outfits you choose to wear for your session should reflect you style, both individually and as a family. However, colors, textures, and styles will play a huge part in the way your photos turn out.
01. COLOR
You want the colors you wear to both help you stand out, as well as blend with the environment. I recommend starting with the location. In general, think warm, neutral, earthy, and vibrant.
Choose colors that compliment each other instead.
Including a lot of neutrals will help prevent a color overload.
02. TEXTURES & PATTERNS
Textures and patterns help add movement, dimension, and visual interest to your photos.
Examples of different textures include chunky sweaters/cardigans, long flowy dresses (if they are translucent, even better), linens/gauze, velvet, fringe, corduroy, statement jewelry (earrings, bracelets, or rings) etc.
Mix and match a variety of textures both within each outfit and across your entire family.
Patterns can be another great way to add more visual interest to your photos. A general rule to follow is one for every three people should be in a pattern. Go for a medium sized pattern. Stripes and florals are always my favorite. Please, no buffalo plaid, super thin stripes, or tiny patterns.
03. LAYERS
Adding layers to your wardrobe will give your photos an immediate sense of coziness, warmth and cuddles.
Cardigans and even blankets look good worn off the shoulder. Open work shirts, jackets, overalls, and vests are great to layer with men in the family.
04. SKIN
Remember how I mentioned layers can make your photo feel cozy? Well, skin can make them feel intimate.
Show as much skin as you are comfortable with while keeping it classy. For girls think off the shoulder, slits, and showing modest cleavage.
For boys think shirtless or tank tops (NO SHORTS except on toddlers).
05. Contrast
Contract is a styling principle that will keep you looking from one monochromatic blob.
Example, if mama wears a dark dress, dad should be is a lighter tone, and baby in a medium tone. Or if someone wears dark on the bottom and light on the top, then whoever they are most likely to stand near should be light on the bottom and dark on the top.
Simple contrast.