Coordinating the family's outfits for a session can be overwhelming, but it's easier than you think. Each of your individual personalities should shine through these portraits with what you’re wearing. Different colors and textures add visual interest, and they also make your photos look more true-to-life. You never walk down the street in matching white t-shirts and jeans, so why start now?!

A great way to start planning is choosing a solid "base" color and adding in complimenting patterns and colors that blend with the main color. We suggest choosing Mom’s outfit first and building from there. If she has a charcoal shirt and black pants, then dad can wear a charcoal and black button up, daughter in a black dress, and son in a solid black or gray polo. Incorporating accessories like scarves, headbands, or sweaters is a great way to tie things together.

Looser or layered clothing is awesome. You will be sitting, standing, kneeling, and hugging. We will always pose you in the best way, but if you are self-conscious, feel free to let us know and we will pay special attention. Wear flattering clothing, short or long sleeves, light cardigans or jacket if you like.

Whatever you wear should represent your family as a whole. Don’t feel you have to go out and buy something new just for the sake of family portraits. As nice as it is to buy new clothes - it’s not something we necessarily recommend or require. Don’t show up in a ratty t-shirt and pants that are so worn they no longer fit properly. Wearing something you're comfortable in and you know that it fits you is great. Remember - don’t go crazy trying to do something that is out of the ordinary. If your husband doesn’t like to wear pink - don’t put him in a pink shirt. If your toddler refuses to wear the outfit you chose the morning of your session, pick something else. In 10 years you will laugh at the memory. No matter if your clothes are new or old, they look best when washed and ironed.

Relax! More often than not there is at least one family member who isn't necessarily comfortable in front of the camera. You don’t want to look back at these pictures and remember that. In 20 years you’ll just want to think about the wonderful memories from that time in your life. Family is forever, as are these portraits.