Family Photo Styling Tips from a Pro

Fun fact: My sister is a photographer. What can I say? The creative gene runs in our blood. Since we’re neighbors, she offered to take some family photos for us and to say I’m thankful is an understatement. I’m excited to display them in our home for years to come to remember this season of life. I get emotional when I think about it too much, haha.

Honestly, I love having photos of us/loved ones to cherish and look at every day. I particularly love getting them around the holidays. These photos were taken in great timing because I’m hoping to use a few for our Christmas card this year! I thought it might be helpful to go straight to the source and ask my sister about some styling tips if you’re looking to get pictures taken in the future.

After polling you guys over on Instagram, I rounded up the most frequently asked questions you had for a photographer about what to wear for family/engagement/holiday photos. I sent these to my sister and here are the answers from a pro!

Side note- All of the photos in this post were taken by Maggie Rose Photography !

Q: Are there certain colors to stay away from? Which colors photograph best?

A: Always stray from bright, neon colors or anything with big logos or wording or super bold patterns. Look around your house when choosing outfits. Most likely you will be hanging up these photographs in your home. How do you decorate your house? What is your home decor style and what colors do you have in your house?

Q: Is mixing patterns ok? How many is too many!?

A: Mixing patterns can definitely work in a good way! Try to find a color palette you like and stay within that palette. That way you have a couple different colors to work with. I wouldn’t mix more than two or three (depending on how many people are going to be in the photos). When in doubt, throw in some neutrals. Also, mixing different textures is always a good idea as well. 

Q: Should you stick to seasonal colors? (Ex. red/green for Christmas & orange/yellow for Fall?)

A: Sticking to seasonal colors does work most of the time because it will coordinate with whatever the color scheme outdoors is. If you live in an area of the country that experiences all four seasons this is especially true. Also, be mindful of how your photographer edits. No two sessions are the same but look at other sessions done by your photographer that you loved. You can look to those sessions for inspiration and see how those colors would look when edited. 

Q: What time of day is best for outdoor photos to be taken?

A: Again, this might be different for different photographers but typically most photographers prefer to shoot at golden hour. Golden hour is the first hour after sunrise and the last hour of light before sunset. The light is warmer and softer. I get a lot of concerned parents that worry about pre-bedtime meltdowns or couples that stress about getting off work in time while scheduling a session for that time frame. Keep in mind that sunset is later the summer months but is earlier in the fall, so that could also help determine what time of year is best to plan your session. Nothing beats that golden hour lighting and I promise it is always worth it!

Q: To add accessories or not to add accessories? (Ex. hats, watches, jewelry, scarves etc.)

A: Yes, yes and yes to accessories! A hat, scarf, and boho necklace can give a lackluster outfit the  right amount of punch and provide great pops of color. Bright hues in small doses are great! Layers are fantastic for  photographing. Add in the layers (jackets, vest, leggings and tights) and accessories (hats, scarves, necktie or bowties, suspenders and headbands or barrettes) to give your outfits that stylized look. It can really change the entire outcome of your session! 

Maggie’s top tip? Above all, wear something that reflects who you are while also having it be something you’re comfortable in. I always tell my clients if they feel uncomfortable or awkward it’ll photograph that way.

Make sure you check out Maggie on Facebook and Instagram! Honestly, she’s someone that inspires me to chase my dreams of owning my own business because she’s so good at what she does…and it shows.

I hope this was super helpful if you’re hoping to get family photos taken! You can always save this to your Pinterest boards if you’re getting them a few months from now. Oh and if you’re debating on getting those pictures taken…just do it! You’ll never regret documenting the memories.

Thanks for stopping by the blog today!

xo,

sarah jane