Planning Your
FAMILY
Session
Hi there! I’m so excited to be working with your family and can’t wait to see you soon! I hope this guide will help make this as stress free as possible for you, but please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need any additional help picking out outfits. I’m more than happy to send over some links to outfits that will work for your family if you need help!
WHAT TO WEAR
Here are a few general tips to keep in mind…
01
BE PREPARED
It’s never too early to start shopping! Have outfits picked out well in advance and make sure everyone tries them on to make sure they fit. Give yourself plenty of time in case you need to exchange for a different size, etc.
COLOR palette
The first thing to decide is the color palette for everyone’s outfits. I recommend picking colors that go with the decor in your home so that when you hang the pictures on your walls it will go with your home decor. Neutrals are my favorite because they are timeless and they’ll go with anything as you change home decor in the future.
I always recommend that clients pick a color palette of either warm neutrals (light beige, white/ off white, blush pink, sage green) or cool neutrals (light gray, light blue, white). Choose clothing with those colors, and it’s always nice for one person to have a subtle pattern (i.e. floral) or texture (i.e. lace) to add some interest, instead of everyone wearing solid colors.
Avoid bright colors– The light will bounce off your clothing and create color casts on your skin that are unflattering.
02
03
WHERE TO START
Once you choose your color palette, I always recommend picking mom’s outfit first and then picking out all of the other outfits to coordinate with mom’s dress.
FABRIC CHOICES
Pick one outfit with a subtle pattern (think subtle floral pattern) and then all other outfits should be in neutrals and colors that go with that pattern. Choose fabrics such as cotton, linen and gauze; avoid satin and shiny or heavy fabrics.
04
LET'S GET STARTED...
Step 1: Choose Your Color Palette
Here are a couple of basic neutral color palettes paired with some soft colors…
Step 2: Choose Mom’s Dress
Some things to keep in mind when shopping for your dress:
Most moms are pretty particular about how we look in pictures. Pick out a dress that is flattering for your body type. Some examples: If you don’t like the way your arms look in pictures, wear sleeves. Wear a long dress if you don’t want to show your legs. Wear a neckline that is flattering for your body type.
Wear something that you can move around in, especially if you have little ones– avoid low cut dresses (unless you wear a bralette or cami underneath).
Below are several dresses I’ve found that are available to purchase online. Click on the picture and it will take you to the link where you can purchase the dress…
Step 3: Coordinating Your Family’s Outfits
When coordinating outfits for your family, choose one subtle pattern, then solid colors and neutrals for the rest of the family that coordinate. Try to add some texture with lace, a textured sweater, etc. Henley shirts that have brown buttons are another good option instead that adds a little visual interest instead of just a solid colored shirt.
Make sure you’re picking out clothes that are comfortable for them to wear. In Houston, we have many days in the fall and even in the winter, when the weather is still very warm. If you’re going to pick out a sweater or something long sleeved, make sure it’s a lightweight sweater or lightweight fabric.
Dads
A neutral colored henley or lightweight sweater with khaki chinos work great for dads. Some dads prefer to wear a collared button up shirt, and that is fine too. A light gray linen button up is a great option. Khaki Chinos are recommended for dads as opposed to jeans.
Below are several options available to purchase online. Click on the image and it will take you to the website where you can purchase the item.
Girls
A dress in a lightweight fabric works great for girls. For younger girls, make sure it’s easy for them to move in (avoid a-line dresses). For toddlers, a romper also works great so you don’t have to worry about their diaper showing if they’re moving around. At the very least, make sure if little ones are wearing a dress that they’re wearing a coordinating diaper cover so you don’t have to worry about their diaper showing in pictures
Below are several options to choose from that are available online. Click on the image and it will take you to the store where you can purchase the item.
Boys
Linen overalls are a favorite for young toddlers. For toddlers and older boys, a simple t-shirt or henley in a neutral color with khaki chinos works great. For toddlers and babies, avoid collared shirts since they tend to hide part of their face when they’re moving around.
Below are several options to choose from that are available to purchase online. Click on the image and it will take you to the store where you can purchase the item.
Sample Style Boards
Scroll thru to see some sample style boards…
Client Wardrobe
Click on the link below to see the dresses that are available to borrow in my Client Wardrobe. These are not available for mini sessions (full sessions only). Please send me a screen shot of any of the dresses that you’d like to borrow for the session.
HAIR AND MAKE UP
I highly recommend that moms schedule hair and make up to ensure they look their best for their session.
Pink Palette Artists can come to your home before your in home session, or to my studio for a studio session. For an in home session, I recommend scheduling hair and make up at your home one hour before your photo session. If you’re doing a studio session and want to schedule hair and make up, please let me know and I’ll coordinate the timing.
Click on the link below for more information about to check availability for Pink Palette Artists. If they’re not available and you need other recommendations, please let me know!
CHECKLIST
- Mom's Dress
- Outfits for Siblings
- Outfit for Dad
- Jewlery- none or minimal (nothing that draws attention)
- Shoes- neutral colored or bare foot
- Hair and make up appointment- Pink Palette Artists
- Nail appointment for Mom- light colored neutral nail polish
Once you're done shopping...
Lay out all of the outfits together to see how they look together. I recommend that you email me a picture of your clothing choices at least two weeks before your session so I can make any necessary recommendations. When you take a picture of the clothes, put them all on a neutral colored floor or blanket, by a window with no overhead lights on so that I’ll have a true picture of the colors.
**If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck on what to wear, please send me an e-mail. I’m happy to help in any way!
BRITTANYAVENUEPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM
