~WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR BEST PHOTOS~
1)  Pick a color palette.  Don’t just grab matching shirts and go.  The jeans and polo thing might work on the beach or something, but usually it looks a little…well, overused.  Lots of people have done it and if you’re walking around with everyone wearing the same outfit, everyone knows you’re probably there for a family portrait.  It’s not very natural and probably doesn’t show off your personality very well.  So rather than grabbing the same shirt for everyone find a shirt you REALLY like and want in your image and start matching everyone else’s clothes to colors from that shirt.  You can usually also add in grays, whites, tans, and blacks to the palette to give is more variation, if you need neutrals.  But don’t be scared of a few more bold colors.

2)   If you’re using bold colors, consider two things.  The first is the decor of the room you plan to hang your portraits in.  If the room is all deep reds and blues, then a royal purple might not really look super.  So, keep those in mind and avoid potential color conflicts.  The second thing to consider is where you will be having your images made.  If you are doing a fall shoot, choose something other than say, brown, as your color palette.  You’ll blend right in.  Rather, some jewel tones will pop right out among those fall leaves and you’ll look great.  If you’re having pictures made in a deep green field, then avoid green, and go for colors that will stand out against the background.

3)  Don’t be afraid of layers.  They add lots of visual interest to an image.  A collar under dad’s sweater.  A button-up twill shirt over brother’s t-shirt.  A denim jacket over sister’s dress.  A chunky necklace or fun scarf for mom.  Especially consider things that make a statement about who YOU are.

4)  Consider hats carefully.  Hats are likely to hide your hair and face and cast a shadow.  If you have a special hat you love, bring it along, but be open to some shots without it, so we can get some great light in your eyes.

5)  Once you have your whole ensemble picked out, throw it all on the bed and see if anything just doesn’t go.  If it doesn’t look like it matches in a pile on the bed, then be aware that it probably will look mismatched in your pictures.

6)  Either new clothes or clothes that are freshly laundered and ironed will look best.  Cameras are so sharp and have such high definition that worn and wrinkled clothes really show up in pictures.

7)  Try to steer clear of clothing with large logos, icons, or graphics on the front.  They are distracting and busy and usually take away from the shot.  Simple patterns and solid colors usually look best. Anything with reflective material catches the light. NEON colors overpower and can reflect the color on your skin.

8) Men, freshly shaven photographs best. Facial hair should be well groomed.

9) Glasses. Every effort to avoid glass glare will be practiced. I highly recommend removing the lenses of your own glasses or a similar style. A glass wearer myself, I usually opt to remove mine. Transition lenses will appear dark in outdoor and sometimes indoors with a flash. 

    Remember that all of these are simply guidelines, and you might find the perfect ensemble for your family that goes against ALL of these and yet looks amazing and works.  (Although, ironed probably ALWAYS works best. )  So be open to anything, but these ideas can steer you in the right direction.