How to Mix All the Colors

The goal for coordinating outfits is to visually break up the colors and shades so that you’re not all wearing the same color on top and bottom (like everyone in blue jeans with white shirts). The more you can mix it up, the better! I encourage you to think about planning each outfit with “dominant colors” and “accent colors” in mind. A dominant color is a color that you see the most in an outfit, while an accent has a smaller piece of visual real estate. When you’re planning each family member’s outfit, if you can aim for each person to have a different dominant color, and then tie in and vary the accent colors, it’ll look great altogether. 

 

For Example: Husband, Wife, and family – if you’re wearing a blush dress, soft blue earrings and nude heels (blush being your dominant color), then your modeling partner could wear a navy coat with a white button-down and gray pants, paired with brown leather shoes and maybe even a blush pocket square (making navy his dominant color).

Mother-Daughter duo: Your daughter could wear a soft blue top with a white tulle skirt (making a soft blue her dominant color) 

Mother Son duo: your son could wear light beige pants with navy suspenders and a white button-down (making white his dominant color). 

Now each person has their own dominant color while still incorporating a few touches of the other colors that will pull all the looks together. This will visually break up all the colors and highlight each person and their individual personality. 

Coordinating the Looks With Others Photographing With You

As you’re coordinating your outfit with someone else, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palette and wardrobe pieces coordinate, but don’t actually “match.” In fact, I recommend that you avoid thinking about “matching,” and instead think about what “fits” together. This will create more visual interest, and allow each personality to shine through.

Prepping Your Little Ones

Setting expectations before your session is the key to great photos and happy kids.

Before your session, pack a bag with water and your kids’ favorite snacks. If they’re too young to follow directions, bring any objects that you think might help me get their attention (like small toys or stuffed animals) when it’s time for them to look at the camera. 

If your little ones are old enough to understand you, it’s a good idea to prepare them for what’s to come before the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you so they know to be on their best behavior. A lot of families pick something fun to do –– as a treat after the session –– if their kiddos are good listeners. Like dinner at their favorite pizza place or an ice cream cone! 

It also helps if your kids’ bellies are full and they’ve had some good rest before the session. After you do your best to prepare them, give yourself (and them) some grace! I have a lot of experience working with kids, so if they’re “in a mood” or aren’t cooperating perfectly for some reason, rest assured that we’re not judging you (or them). I have seen it all, and know how to get great photos no matter what! Our goal is to make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be for you and your family! This season of life feels long right now, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s short. So even if things don’t go exactly as planned or as you’d hoped in terms of your kids’ behavior, one day, you’ll be so glad you took these photos.  

 

Most men don’t enjoy taking photos.  This is why, before your shoot, I recommend sitting down together for fifteen minutes to educate and empower your man. Tell him why you chose me and our style of photography. Show him your three favorite sessions that I’ve done, explain why you love the photos so much, and express to him how much this session means to you. Trust us, if he loves you, he’ll bring his A-game and light up the camera for you!