FAMILY and GROUP SESSIONS

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Family and Group Sessions- What to Wear

A family or group photo session is fun and probably not something you think about doing very often.

Here's a quick guide on things to consider before your session. If you have specific questions and want to talk more about it, please let us know- we love family sessions!

First and foremost: Relax and be yourselves! It's really important that YOU are who shines through in these unique, once-in-a-lifetime photos, it's easier than you think.

No CHEESE allowed. We'll go through some simple and easy tweaks and ideas about how to look and feel most comfortable, and unlearn some things our Moms have always told us ("Say Cheese!"). Our goal is always to create natural images in which you look your best, happiest, and most connected to one another.

It's OK to feel a little nervous. This is a special time for your family, and now's the time to pause from the usual and enjoy the time with each other. It's natural to feel a little "nervous" at first because most aren't used to being in front of the camera in this way, but the session will be a great success and fly by if you focus with each other and have fun.

Hair & Makeup? Yes, it's absolutely recommended to help you look and feel your best. We have a stylist available if you'd like to add it to your session, which will take about 90 minutes prior to the start time. If you want to do it yourself, remember that you want it to 'pop' in the photos, especially because some of your shots will be of you from a distance. For this, it is a great time to splurge on a professional hair/makeup session. If you're getting manicure and/or pedicure, polish should be clear or neutral such as very pale pinks or taupe. (No bold colors like reds, whites, blacks, purples, blues, etc.)

Stay timeless. These will be photographs that you and your family will enjoy for generations to come. Avoiding trendy and staying timeless with your wardrobe and jewelry choices will keep with the longevity of the images, without dating it. Clean lines and simplicity is a good rule of thumb.

Casual or Dressy (or both)? Jeans/dress pants + top or a dress, depending upon your personality, both look great in photos. Be sure you can sit down in whatever you choose. We have a private dressing room so please feel free to bring a change of items or full outfits to add variety to your photos. Dressing in layers (think sweaters, blazer, jacket, scarf, etc.) where you can easily add/subtract something will also introduce different styles without having to do a full change. Guys look great in jeans/chinos + sport shirt and of course, a suit. Not all guys are comfortable in a button-down shirt, and have great options such as a Henley, Polo, or sweater. If your stumped, wear what you would to a nice restaurant for a date.

Colors/Prints/Patterns You don't have to match colors, but try to keep to a similar tone/hue or complimentary shade. Neutrals with a pop of color works well, as does complimentary colors. Neutrals include shades of browns, khakis, tans, taupes, blues, blacks, pale pinks, crimsons. Please, no fluorescent colors. Also keep bright whites to a minimum, unless you're all planning to wear something white. Stick to solids because they won't be distracting which distract the viewer's eye from your awesome faces (focal point). Avoid stipes, large or small prints, plaids, and patterns.

Remember your feet. Some photos will be full-length, some will be of you sitting, so your shoes and socks (if you have them) will also appear in some of the photos. For the ladies, heels can be great if that's your preference, but flats are also a timeless option. For the guys, keep the white socks at home. Unless sneakers or chucks (or something like that), gym shoes or running shoes should also be skipped this time around.

Inspiration is great. Companies such as J. Crew, L.L. Bean, Chicos, and Macy's hire the best in stylists for their branding, so they can be a terrific resources for inspiration. Don't forget about fashion magazines like Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair, and GQ. They offer amazing ideas for what to pair with what clothing and jewelry-wise. Pinterest is a given, so collect your ideas together into a board that gives your family ideas for what to wear and bring.

If you have questions, or want to talk more about how to prepare, we'd love that! Please reach out with your questions. We're looking forward to photographing you! See you soon.