Family Photographer Hull, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire
“Now I've just got to find something for everyone to wear!"
Said every person who has ever booked a family photoshoot with me at my family photography studio in North Ferriby, Hull in East Yorkshire.
In fact, it's something I know that can even make people put off having they photographs taken, the stress of trying to style everyone so the end result is timeless and stunning photographs you'd be proud to hang on your wall.
Don't panic, I'm here to help. This is my area of expertise, it's my job and I love it! All my sessions include a consultation appointment so we can discuss who is coming to the session, what you are wanting from your session and what style you are wanting to achieve in your photographs. I can help advice you personally for your individual session, you can even use dresses from my client closet, but in the meantime, here are a few tips to help you get started.
1. Patterns are the enemy!
I love patterns, they can be fantastic in the right place but they can also steal the show quicker than a proposal at a wedding reception. They draw the eye away from the real subjects of the photographs- the people in them! No-one wants their thunder stolen by their daughter’s favourite spotty dress or grandad’s stripy shirt so avoid them at all costs! Subtle, gentle patterns like in the dress above are okay, but keep them to a minimum, just one person or things can get confusing.
2. Clear the Contrast
Like patterns, contrasting colours in your group will change the way the photograph is viewed. Too may colours or choosing colours which contrast with each other will make the image too busy and uncomfortable to look at. So choose a pallet of complementing shades to create a cohesive look. (Don’t panic, more about this later)
3.Don’t panic about shoes!
One thing you don’t have to plan are shoes! Shoes date easily, look back at family photos from when you were young and those height of fashion trainers you were so proud of at the time will tell you exactly when the shot was taken. It’s also difficult to get a cohesive look when wearing shoes as different age groups favour different styles. For timeless, beautiful photographs which you will still adore in 20 years’ time, bare feet are best.
4. Leave the Logos at Home
Logos are designed to make you look at them, not the person wearing them.
Having discussed problems with patterns and how photographs can be dated by the clothing worn, it stands to reason that the same applies to T-shirts with logos, pictures and words on them. But I have teenagers too, so just in case they are looking for a loop hole, the same applies to their favourite T-shirts and hoodies too. Sorry guys, but you'll thank me one day!
5. Stick to a theme
So up to now I have tried to advise you on what to avoid. Now I hope to help you choose what you can wear. Often, especially with larger groups, its easier to start with the hardest person first and style around them. Timeless styles of clothes work best: Collared T-shirts / shirts with Chinos / smart trousers or jeans for men and boys and dresses / skirts /trousers with a blouse for women and girls.
Whatever style you pick, keep everyone within that theme. A mixture of styles looks a bit mismatched as though it is a coincidence you happened to meet at the same time. A little planning can make all the difference. I’m not saying you have to buy matching shirts for everyone but if you choose a smart /casual style make sure no one turns up in beach wear or they will look like a photo bomber!
6. Colour Pallets
Depending on what style you are going for: light and airy, dark and moody you need to pick a colour pallet. I have given some examples here to help, obviously it depends on the number of people in the group whether you use all the tone in the pallet of just stick to a couple. The more people in the group you can use more of the tones but be sure to pull the tones through the group using accessories such
as scarfs, headbands.
Well I hope that helps! But remember I want you to adore your photographs so send me a shot of your chosen outfits before your session and I will gladly give you any help and let you know how they will look on camera. Styling for photographs is not something most people do every day, I do! So use this part of my service, its what I do!