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FAMILY GUIDE
GILBERT PHOTOGRAPHER
family session tips, clothing guidance, color recommendations & more!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I have photographed a lot of families over the years, and seen so many different color combos, styling, etc. when coordinating family outfits. And over the years, I've been able to recognize what types of outfits and colors typically work best with my photography style.
So, if you're ready, let's dive in! I know family photos are a big commitment and investment with booking the photographer, choosing outfits, coordinating schedules, and having the stars align as far as everyone's temperament, being well rested, not hungry, etc. I put this guide together because I want you to TRULY LOVE your photos, to help them feel timeless and beautiful, and to be everything you're hoping to remember this time of your lives by.
- AMANDA LOEW
I'm so honored you chose to trust with me with your memories! Please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the process!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-Empty your pockets. Remove all keys and wallets out of your pockets before we start photographing! I always have my big camera bag with me and you can set your purse etc. with it if you'd like.
-Arrive 10 minutes early. Nothing is more stressful than running late. The stress of being late can negatively affect the way you feel about the photos before you even take them! We don't want that. (But if it does happen, no stress. We will work faster/smarter.)
-Relax & try to enjoy your family. I am a mom to young kids with big personalities - I know kids can be stubborn or distracted. Trust me to handle it - this is not my first rodeo. I have not ever left a session without all the photos I needed. Kids often can be distracted with candy, or drawing attention to other things, or playing together. I've got you. :)
I will ask you to play and be a little silly. I do my best to read the comfort level of the kids and see how well they're doing, and choose poses based on that. I also try to keep an eye on hair, tags showing, etc. Your only job is to have fun!
General Tips
Want to know the secret to looking amazing in photos?
Relax and have a good time. Seriously, it's that simple.
I always look for the best light. A regular person would often scout out a location with a pretty background. A photographer, however, takes many things into consideration when choosing where to take pictures. A gorgeous background in the wrong lighting will make a terrible picture. A nice spot on the wrong side of a red barn will bounce a red cast onto everyone's skin! Light has to be first, every time. So with that, try to trust me when I make suggestions about location.
Weather will impact the overall look.
In Arizona, we have mostly sunny days. We can typically count on a beautiful golden hour glow. Some people are surprised to learn that cloudy days are also very nice for photos but do have a different look. There won't be a golden glow, but there is an inherent softness to the shadows that is really beautiful. If you are concerned about the difference, please let me know and I will show you examples.
Let kids be kids. I know I already mentioned this briefly, but it's key. I can take tons of photos and catch the child looking just at the right moment and oftentimes an adult is the one not looking. Trust my methods and just relax. I will handle it or ask for help. :)
Empty your pockets
Arrive 10 minutes early
Relax and have fun!
Manage expectations
general tips Checklist
Managing Expectations:
My Method
how i approach my own family's outfits
I often begin my search on Amazon. I love that many things have free returns and I order lots of options and ship back anything I don't love. Sometimes I see something in stores or that someone is wearing as inspiration and start there. Pinterest or favorite IG shops are another great place to look.
Neutral, timeless pieces are my go-to. I check to make sure the fabric isn't a stretchy knit because knits are often not very forgiving. I look for interesting texture. I look for fabric and a fit that allows for movement. I make sure to not draw attention to areas I am self conscious about.
3. FIRST, MOM'S OUTFIT
After I've figured out my outfit, the vibe and style is narrowed down for everyone else. For example, dressed up and muted tones or casual fall colors. I take into consideration the location of the session. Super dressed up may look out of place at a Pumpkin Patch, for instance.
I'll turn to Pinterest and look for color palettes. For this dress I would type in "fall color palette" or "white and rust color palette". Here are a few color palettes that stood out to me from my search.
2. CHECK Pinterest FOR INSPIRATION + Color PaletteS
After gathering ideas, it's time for shopping and combining ideas by laying them all out on my bed/floor or making a collage in an app. I step back and squint a little. It helps me see the outfits more as blocks of color and less as individual patterns.
What has worked best for me is just buying a few different options, bringing everything home, laying it all out, and taking back whatever I don't need. If I don't do that and I am in a store and I find a piece I love, I take a pic of it hanging up in the dressing room for a consistent background, (or screen shot it if I'm shopping online) and combine the whole family's look together in an app. (Also, this makes it so easy to send your ideas to me if you want a second set of eyes on it.)
3. SHOP & COLLAGE
The first thing you should do when planning your family session outfits is to consider the location. What is the general color palette? What shoes will make sense? Where on the casual to fancy scale should our outfits be to "make sense"?
1. KEEP LOCATION IN MIND
The second tip when choosing your outfits is to compliment each other, without "matching." You'll want to avoid outfits that are the exact same colors. Instead, focus on matching each other's level of formality. For example, if one person is wearing an evening gown, another should be in nice slacks and a button-down shirt. A t-shirt would be out of place.
The opposite goes for patterns! If one person is wearing a floral print or plaid pattern, you'll want to include a mix of mostly solid colors and different sized prints. This will avoid any clashing or "color melting" (colors being so similar you look like you're conjoined)!
2. coordinate instead of matching
Color Palette
building the ideal
Over the years, I have seen and photographed many, many families and couples with every color scheme imaginable. I've found that certain colors consistently photograph and edit better than others with my style of photography.
I'm a big fan of pastels and soft earth tone colors. Sage green, pastel blues, tans, blush, cream, etc. Basically a soft tone of any color. I prefer to stay away from bright pinks, bold oranges, and reds because they can bring out red hues in your skin or even cast colors on your skin or other people.
Some families have had one person in a bold color or pattern and it was STUNNING! If you decide to go bold, I recommend just one person wearing the bold color and then the other family members wearing more pulled back simple neutral colors.
WHEN IN DOUBT, NEUTRALS AND EARTH TONES PHOTOGRAPH BEAUTIFULLY EVERY TIME
I recommend not sticking to a particular palette as you start your search for the perfect outfit but to rather follow my general outfit tips and search for your dream outfit first, Mom, then build from there! I want you to feel incredible in what you're wearing, so that means you get first dibs on outfit choices! ;)
After you've found your dream outfit, head over to Pinterest and search "[dress color] color palette". (Example: "blush color palette") Pick a few palettes that you love and use those as a base for the rest of the family's outfits.
Keep in mind that neutrals can be added to any palette. I will show examples, but I include navy, army green, blush, mauve, chambray blue, cream, khaki and cognac with neutrals.
-Fit is so important. It might be hard to convince them, but slim cut shirts and pants are usually the way to go. I'm not necessarily talking skinny jean tight, but definitely jeans that are more fitted. That goes for shirts too. Fitted shirts (not too tight), the kind that aren't baggy photograph the best. Baggy clothes tend to look a bit slouchy in photos.
Outfitting Men
next tip
--When in doubt, go neutral. Almost always, you'll be trying to coordinate* his outfit with the outfit you've already picked out for yourself. Neutrals are always, always a winner! They are timeless and classic.
*No need to find the exact same colors. Lighter or darker tones of a color or just a neutral is perfect.
Outfitting Men
next tip
--A note about patterns. This probably goes without saying, but try to avoid graphic tees and text on shirts. If I ever need to head swap, graphic tees and text make it next to impossible. Small patterns or solids are best, but do be aware of small, tightly spaced lines. They can create a visual illusion called "moire", a sort of wavvy pattern, as seen in the example photo.
Outfitting Men
next tip
--General rules for accessories. Unless you are wearing black or dark colors, I prefer cognac, light brown, tan, or white shoes on men. They read neutral and don't draw attention. A jacket, vest, or tie adds another layer and extra class. A watch, ring, and 1-2 other accessories are plenty. A pocket square or scarf can be fun and add personality. More may become distracting.
Outfitting Men
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If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I'm here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. I can't wait to see you soon!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this guide! Feel free to email me any time at amanda@amandaloew.com.