Even though a great family photo shoot will capture a degree of spontaneity, you don’t want to show up to the session without any forethought. Even a small amount of planning will help make the photographs much more special and memorable. Here’s a rundown of what you should and shouldn’t do for the big moment. 

Do: 

Color coordinate. 

Since the photo shoot is a planned event, having color coordination will help establish the connectedness of the group and create visual cohesion. The best practice is to huddle up before and discuss what everyone should wear. Not everyone has to wear blue, but choosing colors or shades that complement each other will help you create a more successful photo.

Include accessories.

Adding natural accessories to a family photo shoot can help bring out the personality of different family members. While a goofy top-hat or other funny prop is a no-no for this setting, wearing a pop of color in a necklace, other jewelry, and even your watch will add texture to your look and persona. For kids, a cap can be cute if it’s something they normally wear.

Don’t: 

Match perfectly. 

While coordination is a fantastic idea, exact matching is not. When family members wear the same colors or outfits, you end up looking awkwardly like The Brady Bunch. By providing some distinction, you’ll achieve both being a tight-knit group and a collection of special individuals. 

Forget to iron. 

When you’re trying to create an elegant image, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is forgetting to iron your clothes before the photoshoot. Showing up with wrinkled pants, dresses, or shirts will end up being an unfortunate visual distraction and won’t convey you at your best. 

If you’d like a beautiful family photo shoot, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted veteran like Meredith Struebing Photography in Saint Charles, MO. Bringing over two decades of experience, this photographer offers props, wardrobe advice, and a variety of other tools for making the pictures come out as gorgeous as possible. Her photography has been featured in everywhere from Forbes to Model Source Magazine. For a free style consultation, call (636) 255-4679. Learn more about family photography by visiting her online.