Here you'll find my top tips for making sure you and your loved ones look their best at your session.
family & maternity style guide
Pick a location
The location of your photos will be important to decide before you pick any outfits.
Almost all of my sessions are done on the beach as the white sands and soft sunsets create a beautiful, yet undistracting backdrop for your family.
For beach sessions pastel blues, whites, and tans all pair nicely with the colors of the beach. Again, we want your family to be at the forefront of these images, so selecting muted colors allows for your family's beauty to shine through!
1
consider where your photos will be displayed
Will your photos be hanging in your foyer? Or perhaps in an album on your living room table? Thinking about the color scheme of the location your photos will be displayed will tie your decor together in a seemingly effortless way.
2
Choose a color scheme
(and coordinate, don’t match!)
3
Select a color scheme and coordinate within that range. Some specific color palettes that I suggest are neutrals (white, tan, brown), greens, and blues.
An important note here is that it's always better to coordinate rather than match. It might be tempting for the ease of it to tell everyone to wear a white shirt and black pants, but trust me when I say coordinating within a color palette will look much more timeless and elevated.
wear muted colors
4
No matter your color scheme, muted tones will always be ideal in photographs. Not only do these display better in print, but they are also more timeless. Avoid bright colors as they will be distracting and take the focus away from you/your family as a whole.
subtle patterns & textures
Patterns and textures can add visual interest to your photos when done in moderation. Avoid patterns that are too big, too bold, or generally distracting. Lace and woven fabrics are a safe bet.
5
dress true to your family
While it’s easy to get excited about photos and trends you see online, it’s important to remember these photos are about capturing your family as their best, realest selves.
If your child absolutely hates green, then don’t force them to wear it. Likewise, if you’re the kind of person who never wears dresses, don’t feel obligated to do so for photos!
6
bonus tips for men
For the men in your family, khakis, chinos, or even dress pants (depending on how formal your photos are) will be a great choice. For the adult men, opt for long pants, while the kids in the family can get away with shorts without being too casual.
For shirts, long or short sleeve button ups, or even a sweater (depending on the time of year) will look nicely put together.
bonus tips for women
I always recommend dresses or skirts for the ladies if that’s your style. They look beautiful in photos, are comfortable, and are easy to style. Long dresses are ideal especially in the case of wind.
If your daughter is still in diapers, put her in some bloomers as to hide any accidental diaper slips!
For tops, opt for a nice blouse that fits will and compliments your shape. If you have certain areas that you are self conscious about, dress in a way that will make you most comfortable in photos.
I hope these tips were helpful! If you have any additional questions or would like to send me photos of your family's outfits for your session, feel free to email me at hello@kennaschott.com
See you soon!
