I have just a few tips that I think most photographers agree on that I will elaborate on a bit and some that I just personally like to see. But ultimately it's always what the client likes and what the client feels most comfortable in.
I know I'm not going to feel my best in something I just don't normally wear so stay true to yourself ;)
1. Coordinate, do not match.
This is my biggest suggestion to families and couples. Just because you're all in love and happy does not mean you have to be identical. What you definitely don't want are those silly 90's beach photos of everyone in a plain white t-shirt and mom jeans. (thanks mom for never making us take one of those and sticking to good ole Olan Mills LOL)
Stick to similar colors and tones. That way everyone can wear something different but it will still go well together.
Ever. Don't do it. It's not ok. lol
Think how a big Under Armor or Nike logo would look in this adorable shot below?
Hint: It would't look very good.
Tan! Brown! White! Gray! They are your besties!
It just makes everything look more classic. Your backdrops will most likely be bright enough so you don't see anything flashy.
Look how little Charlotte is the center of attention in the pic below. That's because her, her mom and dad are in neutrals!
Now sometimes you will know exactly what kind of backdrop you will have and can plan accordingly.
Say we're going to a Christmas tree farm for some Christmas family photos. Obviously some red accents, sweaters and scarfs.
Or you're at a dairy farm and want a more vintage look. Bowties, suspenders and ruffles ;)
Where are you going to hang this?? The Willinskys broke a few rules and went for some more vibrant colors for their maternity session. See the pink belt and greenish blue dress.
You know why? Because those were going to be the colors in little Haydens nursery.
And when I saw them hung in their home oh my gah it worked PERFECTLY!
This is a good rule for engagement shoots. Lindsey brought an outfit change and when I saw the tutu I died!!!
It added so much to the shoot (which was on a mountaintop btw lol)
And I think it was really her style so it made her photos unique.
And since this was an engagement session she also had some more casually dressed photos as well.
Bear with me here lol.
So we talked about setting the scene but what about setting a feeling?
Maybe it's just me and I'm weird lol but I have some outfits that just give me this particular feeling. Like rocking a red lip gives me a "I can do anything" attitude or a really sparkly top makes me feel just a bit more girly and peppy.
I feel like Loretta did that in this flowy dress she stole from her sister LOL
It just makes the whole shot here feel so much more dreamlike.
And see how she stuck with the above mentioned rules still (neutral and coordinated).
Here come the Willinskys again breaking my "don't match" rule and rocking it.
This is one of my favorite family shots. I think white is honestly the only color you can all match and get away with.