A Plan for Perfect Family Pics

With spring right around the corner, you might be itching to have new family photos taken. The trees are blooming, things are green instead of brown; it’s a time of rebirth and the perfect backdrop for photos. So, you book your photographer, decide on a location and then you remember! You still need to pick out what everyone is going to wear! And that’s where I come in. Follow along for tips and tricks on how to nail that family photo! Remember, it will hang on your walls, become your screen savers and create a memory for years to come!

Don’t wait until the last minute to put these looks together. Start outfit planning for this session as soon as you book your photographer. Browse Pinterest for inspiration to help you decide on an overall vibe. You want to create the look that will fit your family’s personality and your home. Also, be thinking about a color palette that you love too!

Your look should be coordinated but not necessarily “matchy-matchy.” If you would like to use a print, keep it minimal by only having one or two people wearing it. Pick other looks based on the colors and style of the print. 

Darker colors are going to look the richest in photos. They also provide great contrast to your backdrop or scenery. And we girls know that dark colors and black are always slimming. 

Find the right fit. There is a sweet spot between clothes that are too snug and that way-too-oversized look. For photos especially, you want the clothes to fit just right. Trust me, if you decide to wear something too loose to hide your curves, you will be sorry. 

Family photos are not the time to start experimenting with new trends! Pick looks that are more your signature style because that is what you are going to feel and look most comfortable in. That way your photos will look effortless.

Once you pick out everyone’s look, lay them all out together on the floor and take a picture of them. Ask yourself: do the colors coordinate together? Does something need to be pressed beforehand?

Have fun! Genuine laughter always creates the best smiles in a photo. ■

Abby Wood is a wardrobe stylist and style blogger in Kansas City, and her education in design plus retail experience make her an expert in fit, fabric, style and trends. Her professional experience in fashion began with an apprenticeship with a bridal designer, shifted to creating and showing her  own line, moving up to management and training at a retail level and now professional styling as an independent consultant. Abby loves to help individuals develop and evolve their own sense of style. 

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