Let’s do better than ‘white shirts an jeans’…

Lots of moms struggle with this daunting question of what to wear for family pictures.  I hate that this is topic can feel burdensome.  I want to help.

Photography is largely about flattery, and showing our best.  That’s why we own hairbrushes, makeup, and irons.  It’s the way we take care of ourselves and put our best foot forward, visually speaking.  It’s also why I retouch all purchased images.  That pimple Clinique didn’t hide, Photoshop will.  So our CHOICES of what to wear is no different.

White tops and jeans, black shirts and khaki, and everyone wearing a different color, are/were popular because a) its easy to communicate. You can just tell your sister the simple instruction, and it takes little explanation.  And b) It’s not complicated to pull off. Who doesn’t have at least one black shirt.  Admittedly, both reasons are appealing, but we need to elevate the look just a bit.  Truly stunning photographs of families happen when we apply just a bit more effort.  Fortunately, with Pinterest you can browse color pallets and land on an idea that fits your style, and your home colors.

Have a look at This Pinterest Page and find Boards showing the neutral look, and the look using brighter colors.

SKIRTS AND HEALS HEADS UP

Standing in front of the mirror, you’ll probably look amazing.  Skirts are flattering, feminine, and slimming, and high heals elongate your legs.  Problem is, they are very limiting with posing.  (And that’s fine; I just want you to know ahead of time.)  If mom wears a skirt, obviously I pose her carefully and formally; not to casually. No criss cross apple sauce.  Other than keeping her standing, using a chair is nearly a must for a person in a pencil skirt.  It’s just a bit limiting.   There’s another funny thing with skirts and dresses.  Moms seem to have a tricky time relaxing and having fun. Its as if there’s a distracting self consciousness that keeps her from being in the moment.  That distration is more of a problem than any posing hurdle I have.   Bottom line.  Be comfortable in what you wear. You be you.

LOCATIONS MATTER

It matters VERY much WHERE we are shooting.  Some locations lend themselves to certain colors, and some have a very casual feel.  I never want to flippantly select a location without hearing from my client about her end game.  Is your perfect family shot going on display in your formal living room adjacent to the baby grand, or in the den above the cozy fire?  So let me in on your wardrobe plans if you’re on the fence.  I’m sure I’ll have an opinion.

BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND

So hypothetically, Say this is your home… which set of outfits below would you say would be most successful in this space?   That’s the idea behind choosing outfits to work with the space in which your beautiful wall portrait or canvas will be displayed.

check these images I snagged off Pinterest…

All of these sets of outfits are great, however, to me it is clear that one has the edge for this particular living room.  I encourage you to take your space and when you know a portrait will hang proudly on the wall, let that be a guide to your wardrobe selection.