With Fall and Christmas mini sessions opening, the major question I tend to get is... "Okay, what should we wear?!" So, instead of writing this all out in a bajillion emails, I thought I'd put together a list of some tips that I've either been given myself (my sisters pretty much have to come to my rescue EVERY time I have to pick out outfits for family pictures), found through fellow photographers (and <3 Pinterest<3), or seen first hand with JustB Photography.
Now, please keep in mind, these are simply some beginner tips. If you are a PRO at all things matching or Picture-Perfect Ensembles - much like my older sisters seem to be- by all means, have at it! In fact, I wouldn't mind getting some pointers from you for my upcoming portraits! Haha However, if you're like I was the first time I had to find matchey-but-not-TOO-matchey outfits for me and my kiddos...hopefully these pointers will give some guidance. (And ease). ;)
1. Dress for the Season
Trust me, I KNOW the weather round these parts is like an emotional roller coaster: freezing in the morning, storms for an hour, bright and sunny in the 80s for the afternoon! Like, weather, can you please get it together? I canNOT tell you how many times I tell clients to just "fake it 'til ya make it"! Side Bar- there's never a time me and Hannah feel more weird than when we are telling the clients in 80 degree weather "wrap the quilt around you and be cold..brrrrr...you're so coollllddddd". (Yes, we see the way you look at us....but, you do what you gotta do!)
No matter the degree... you ARE out there with the intentions of putting this on a CHRISTMAS card! So, try to dress according to what the weather is SUPPOSED to be doing in November and December. Mind you, I would not recommend heavy jackets and scarves if the weather isn't going to play into your cold weather plan. You still want to be comfy....and the "glistening" look only works for so many pictures. ;) Light-weight long sleeves or 3/4 length sleeves work great. Both sessions seen above did a great job of dressing to fake the season, even if it WAS a little toasty outside.
2. Be COMFY!
Keep in mind that you will be put into poses... standing, leaning...sitting. We love moving our clients around to find the most flattering poses and bring large groups closer together. Besides, who doesn't already feel uncomfortable while being photographed? (Just me?... Awesome...) Being comfy is always a big tip from me...especially for the kiddos and hubby! It helps them not be restricted to certain poses...and keeps everyone from having another reason to complain about Mom dragging them out there. (Is that only my kids? Hmm...)
3. Light Colors
Going a neutral light color helps the darker features in the image stand out such as facial features, hair color or the beautiful background. I love the classic look of a mixture of neutral colors, which produces a family portrait that is timeless! It's also an image that can be displayed year round... without seeming like you're celebrating Christmas all year round (not that we would have a problem with that).
4. Dark Colors
Putting the whole family in dark blues helps them stand out against the fall backgrounds. Navy tends to be a color that compliments most complexions and looks great during the fall/Christmas seasons! Dark blues, grays and even mustard yellow are always a big hit for family portraits!
5. All the Plaids!
When I think of the Holidays, I think of being cozy! Sweaters... thick socks....snuggling up under a quilt by the fire. Cozy and comfy! To me, nothing screams Christmas-cozy more than flannel! Maybe it's because I've always wanted to be that family with all the matching flannel Christmas pajamas? (**Maybe one year I can convince them all.**) So, when a family walks up in flannel and plaid, it just makes my heart happy! ALWAYS a classic for Christmas portraits!
6. Going Colorful (Or a POP of Color)
It's the Holidays! HAVE FUN! I adore all the colors this first family wore to their session! It was so fun putting them in front of more bright colors that simply fit in with their outfits. I also love when there is a *pop* of color in the middle of neutral colors. It helps add a little something extra to the portrait. No matter what, you really CAN just have fun with it!
7. Go Formal
We got to do our first formal Christmas session last year and I could NOT be more obsessed! What a better time to go all out and get everybody dressed up?! Seriously? When else do you get the opportunity to coordinate and have the whole family dressed formally AND have all the Photographer's attention on YOUR family?! It's the perfect time to get some formal portraits taken. These will certainly be family favorites and be TIMELESS for having displayed in your home. It makes me want to just throw a fancy black-tie Christmas party and invite everyone! Haha
8. Be Festive!
When it comes to kids' Christmas Portraits...you simply just can NOT go wrong!!! Be festive! Throw them in ALL the Christmas colors and themes! I promise, no one will say, "Ewe...your kids are way too into the Christmas spirit!" On the contrary, it will cue all the "aweee"s from every on-looker. Guaranteed! Christmas smocked outfits? A sea of red and green? Even Christmas Pajamas.... kids just have this way about them that makes them able to pull it off! Wanna hop in there with them? EVEN BETTER! Have fun!!! It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year...and it's okay for your Christmas pictures to say that as well!
9. Don't take yourself too seriously
At the end of the day, I have never had a client regret the Christmas portraits they had taken due to the outfits they chose to wear! Regardless of what you decide to wear, you will still LOVE the outcome because you LOVE the people in them. :) So, don't take yourself too seriously. Pick something you love and that works for the whole fam and just let us do the rest! And, please, oh please, let us know any tips or pointers you may have for what to wear this Holiday season for portraits!!
If you're thinking about the outfits and still need the Photographer...well, we'd love to help you with that, too! Click here to contact us about booking your Family Christmas Session today! Thanks for stopping by!!
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