Getting Started

Getting dressed in the morning is hard enough as it is, and now you want me to do so with everyone coordinating, not having random stains, hair styled, and wearing the correct shoes!?! Trust me, I totally get it! So here’s a general guide to help your nerves from getting frazzled, and to feel ready to go the day of.

5 Quick Pointers

Here’s just a quick rundown before we get into the details!

  1. Be Comfy: There’s nothing wrong with buying a new dress and getting glammed up for a photoshoot, but it’s never fun to wear something you’re not confident in, you’re having to worry about being immodest in while chasing the kiddos, or isn’t really You.
  2. Match the Location & Season: Don’t wear all green in a grassy forest, something that becomes see-through in a likely-to-be-wet environment, or all black on a hot, sunny day (trust me on this, I know the latter from experience😂).
  3. Consider Outfit Changes: This can offer lots of fun and variety (ESPECIALLY if we do location changes too), and even act as a backup. Another plus, is it would allow you to test out the outfit in person for the best option if you’re worried about that. No need to worry. I have a nice pop-up tent for changing!
  4. Play with Texture & Movement: Just an idea… choosing flowy fabrics that can be caught up in the wind, or more natural fabrics like wool or cotton can be very flattering. Sometimes the stiffer more formal fabrics can be less forgiving.
  5. Using Color Theory to Compliment & Pop: I think most of us used a color wheel at least once in Middle School, right? Well, here are some examples below! ⬇️

Softer Tones & Neutrals

Family group portrait sitting on rustic stone steps with architectural backdrop.

Neutrals

Wearing this would pretty much guarantee you don’t clash with your environment, and is pretty easy to throw together and compliment each other.

Fashion portrait with metallic skirt accented against  a rough desert landscape.

Fun Texture

This could be a furry material, metallic, or leather. It adds depth, a neat element to build around, and sets a cool mood.

Family walking together on desert trail with saguaro cactus at sunset.

Soft Pastels

Easy to compliment, gives a bright and fresh feel, and easy on the eyes.

Complimentary Colors

Young family posing in a picturesque garden courtyard with red flowers and stone archways in the background.

Color Pop w/ Neutrals

Pick a bright color for one family member, then style everyone else in complimentary neutrals. Bonus points if that color also matches a part of the background!

Family wearing coordinated outfits poses together against a rocky desert backdrop during sunset.

Muted Natural Colors

Pick two colors on one side, and their opposites. This is very pleasing to the eye because they’re all naturally occurring colors.

Family enjoying a playful moment together in a sunny field with tall grass.

Bright Pop w/ Muted Natural Colors

Here, you have a bright magenta with complimentary yellow and green. Wearing the green shirt next to the other colors actually helps to tie them in with their greenish background.

Analogous Colors

For this specific idea, have one person do this in a group for options 1 & 3

Woman in a purple pleated dress and blue boots poses confidently on a sidewalk.

Monochromatic

This could mean you wear all one color in exactly the same shade, or different shades of the same color.

Happy family in casual white outfits enjoying a sunny day at the beach.

Match the Scenery

I know I’m technically contradicting myself, but here’s why. In some cases, picking the same color of the background can be good. Just make sure it is a different shade from the background, or add a color like white to breakup the color rivalry so you still stand out.

Stylish outfit featuring hot pink sweater and red midi skirt against urban brick backdrop.

Analogous Harmony

Pink and red are right next to each other, but look so good together!

Closing Thoughts

Ultimately, what showcases you all the best? Wear what you love and looks good! Mix materials, do layers, accessorize, or play with color. Hope this helps! Feel free to reach out and ask, or go to Pinterest for more ideas!

Love Y’all Muchly, Sarah Gill