One of the first questions my Huntsville, Alabama clients ask me during our pre-session consultation is, "What do I wear for our family photos?"

This blog post is going to be more extensive than most as I'm going to help you answer that question in depth as well as provide links to my favorite shops, outfits and pinterest boards to help set you up for success this season!

So before we dive into the "how", let's talk a little bit about the "why." 

Styling is probably the most important preparation element that goes into creating an amazing, emotive session. 

I will say it again for the people in the back. 

Styling. Is. Crucial. 

When you hire a professional photographer, choose someone you can trust to guide you in this area-and allow yourself to be led. You may come in with ideas of white shirts and jeans (more on that later), but that will not give you the amazing portraits you've seen on your lifestyle photographer's website. 

Clothing has the ability to completely transform a session. 

Colors play with your surroundings and enhance you, the subject, as well as your backdrop. 

Textures add depth to your images. 

Movement adds emotion and gives the feeling of actually being present in the image. 

There are so many layers (no pun intended) to styling that can take an image from being good to being one that takes your breath away. If you're already a client of Animal House Photography, take a deep breath, don't stress and trust me to help you look your best for your family photos. 

Colors are so important when styling your family! The photographer you choose will have an impact on what colors photograph best within his/her style. There are technical considerations behind these decisions: lighting, backdrop, etc. Spend some time looking around their website and getting a feel for what colors work best with their style of shooting or editing. 

I love deep, rich tones in my images. 

Some color palettes that work well for my style are neutrals, earth tones, and some jewel tones. 

Avoid pastels, as they tend to not translate well in this style. 

Pick 2-3 colors that you love to form your family's color palette. Having these colors to guide you will go a long way as you choose what you'd like to wear during your session. 

Head over to my Pinterest Color Palette Board to see a full list of different color palettes and find one that fits your family!

So often our go-to when we hear family pictures is to get everyone matching. I think this is because it seems so simple and, as a mom with littles myself, simple is always where I try to land. 

However.

When it comes to your family photos, having colors that compliment is the way to go. 

Gone are the days of all white shirts and jeans. This tends to have a "floating heads" effect in your picture and really distracts from the connection that you are wanting to portray. It's hard to have your pictures look lifestyle, unposed and authentic when everyone showed up to the field wearing the same thing. 

Pick colors and styles that compliment but aren't too matchy-matchy.

As a mom our inclination is to take care of everyone first and throw something together for ourselves last. 

Not today. 

If even for just this once you are the star of the show and the leading lady. Everyone else in the family will build on you. 

My goal as a photographer is to allow mom to see herself as her family sees her: absolutely beautiful. 

And though I know we wear our sweats and lounge clothes most days, for this session we are going to step outside of that comfort zone. 

Introducing the flowy dress.

Flowy dresses are amazing for sessions for so many reasons. Maxis and flowy dresses allow for movement which highlights emotion and allows you to move freely with your kiddos during the session. They are also very comfortable and flattering on all different body types. 

You can go simple or fancy! 

Movement can also be achieved with linen, flowy pants or even jeans, a nice blouse and a kimono to go over!

When my clients come into a consultation with me in my Huntsville Alabama studio, styling and fitting mom is one of our main priorities. You'll be able to choose from a variety of dresses that I know with confidence photograph well. I'll also attach some links at the end of this guide to some of my favorite shops and dresses. 

Ok, this is where the fun begins!!! 

Textures and patterns are the final elements to giving your photos that W O W factor!!

First, let's talk patterns.

For every 4 people in a session you can have up to 2 different patterns. I love putting mom in some type of floral print and then adding in baby with a stripe or small polka dot. It's best to avoid having two stripes, two florals, etc as they can tend to compete with each other. But having a variety of patterns and prints give your pictures interest and depth. Don't be afraid to mix patterns and have fun with it!

And then, there's texture. Texture and layering pull everything together. A cardigan off the shoulder of a maxi dress takes that dress to next level.

Bonnets for a sweet toddler's outfit. 

A hat for mom, especially if we get lucky enough to catch some wind. 

Knee high socks, 

A long sleeve shirt under overalls.

The list goes on and on. Look for ways to add layering to the outfits you choose as well as different textures and prints. 

Do:

• Layer and mix textures and patterns
• Add accessories such as hats, scarves, and cardigans
• Pick colors that enhance the landscape
• Choose one statement outfit to coordinate around (ideally mom's)
• Level up and dress your best this evening, even if it's a little out of your norm
• Choose colors that fit in with your home decor

Don't:

• Wear tennis shoes
• Wear clothing with logos 
• Have multiple people in jeans
• Mix similar patterns (stripes with stripes, plaids with plaids)
• Wear bright, neon colors that cause trouble in editing
• Try to be matchy-matchy
• Wear shift dresses or overly baggy clothing
• No polos for the men (button downs, henley tees, etc. work much better)

Pinterest Color Palette

Fall Styling Examples

Amazon Shopping List Favorites

I know we are all soaking in the last bits of summer before life resumes as normal and kiddos go back to school. People always ask how far in advance to plan for and schedule a Fall session.

The answer is...

Yes.

Now is the perfect time to start planning out wardrobe for your session. Items take time to ship in and try on. The stress of what to wear is not one you want overshadowing your amazing photo experience. Start now and plan ahead so that you can pull everything together and walk into your session with confidence.