Wardrobe is always a sticking point for my clients and I want you all to know I AM RIGHT HERE WITH YOU. I absolutely LOVE being a part of your styling process, and that's why I also keep key pieces in my own client wardrobe to help you out.
Each member of your family deserves their very own intentional wardrobe pieces to bring out the beauty of each individual as well as add to the general artistry of your final product. Here are a few tips that you might not think about on your own to get the MOST out of your family aesthetic.
1. Vary colors of jeans/pants.
In a family session full of boys, for example, you might have several individuals wearing jeans. I love it when grey, khaki, light and dark denims are varied. It is easier to tell whose legs are whose and gives texture and depth to an otherwise often neglected aspect of of composition. When I end up layering subjects everyone still stands out on their own.
And speaking of standing out....
2. SHINE LIKE THE MAMA DIAMOND YOU ARE
Wear something that makes you feel so lovely you can hardly handle yourself. I am a mama, and I know the struggle is real when it comes to looking easy -breezy beautiful after getting all the kids put together but this really should be more about you than them. Wear the prettiest dress you can find. (I have a bunch of things available as well.) Flow like an ethereal angel. Get your make up done. Get your hair all extra. Put on a statement necklace that makes statements you wouldn't normally make. Wear pink in a sea of boys. Be the bling. Don't hold back. GET YOUR SHOOT, GIRL.
3. Keep it Natural
I love skin. Any chance you can just show a little is always good on camera. Whether it is a slit in your maxi dress, a short dress with your boots, or bare chested blond boys on the beach, a little skin is always in. I love a hint of bare shoulder or back or leg. Just a little something extra to add a casual beauty to your compositions.
4. Vary Shirt Colors and Textures
If you are both wearing the same color blue, you are going to look like a big blue blob THERE I SAID IT. If someone is wearing a blue shirt with grey pants, someone else can wear a gray top and blue jeans and the whole thing just looks so much cleaner. So, I say pick a color scheme that also works with your home decor (for prints!) and stay in line with that style guide. I love how the hug in the above image is highlighted by the texture and color (and SKIN!) and everybody has their own unique look yet they still look great together. SIGH. PERFECTION. This will look beautiful in any room in the house.
5) Think in Terms of Texture
Your black and whites are going to shine with more texture in your wardrobe. when you wrap yourself in a yummy blanket scarf or snuggle the baby up in gorgeous cable knits and sweater textures, more layers of beauty show up in your final product. Hugs seem warmer, hand holds stand out more, and you can vary the color scheme only slightly to get beautiful tones and texture. Texture is so rich in itself and layering textures in a composition is just SO DANG LOVELY.
So there you have it. I plan to discuss your wardrobe ideas at length, and as I said , I am also happy to consult, point you in the direction of great items online, raid your closet, or bring my own stuff to make sure that your whole family looks amazing. I want you to love (and PRINT!) your pictures. And I think this is key to a lasting kind of love.