where to begin...
Go through your closets and look for things that go well together (for families). Find one thing in one closet and build from there. Lay out all of your outfits on the bed to see how the colors look together and make sure someone doesn't stand out or to make sure there's not too much going on. You'll know what you like.
Keep with a simple idea. Busy patterns or plaids can sometimes be distracting.
Match color schemes or tones with each others' outfit. You don't want one person in white or a light color if everyone else is in darks.
Layers can work nicely.
Ultimately though, this is YOUR picture so wear what you are all comfortable wearing.
General rules to remember when choosing outfits
- Keep in mind location
Are you going to be indoors or outdoors? Is the area paved, muddy, rocky, or grassy? What kind of colors would look best in that setting? If you will be outside, it's a good idea to wear clothes you would be comfortable sitting on the ground in.
- Stick to one style
Make sure everyone in the group is wearing one style of clothing such as classy (formal wear, suits, dresses, etc.), casual (shorts, t-shirts, sandals, etc.), or contemporary (a mixture of classy and casual--like a dressy top with jeans and heels).
- Avoid loud patterns or huge logos or words on an outfit
Smaller patterns on part of an outfit look fine, but keep it to one or two people in your group. Patterns should compliment each other, not draw attention away from the main subject of the photo, you! Colors don't have to match, but they do need to go together. Clothing from the same color pallette or based on colors in one outfit tend to create a cohesive look without feeling too "matchy." We love fun and vibrant colors; they help the portraits "pop" off the screen or print, but remember, the emphasis of the photos should be on your faces, not your clothing.
- Bring accessories and props that pull together the outfit
Using props and accessories is a good way to get different looks out of a single outfit. Think about things that characterize you and your personality: scarves, purses, shoes, items from your line of work, hobbies, and interests. Props and accessories are especially useful in spot color photography.
The typical recommendation is that you should wear long sleeve tops (for adults) and long pants/jeans/skirts etc. This draws attention to your face and eliminates potential distractions from your arms or legs. The rules are certainly not set in stone so if you prefer wearing short-sleeves tops, skirts/dresses/shorts; just be aware of the cut of the fabric and make sure it complements your skin-tone and body-type.
Thank you Laurie Sach's Photography, Touch of Eden Photography, Butlet Family Photography, and Pinterest for your great tips on what to wear.
