Summer is the perfect time to get the family together and get a picture of everyone. School is out, so the kids are home during the day, and the weather provides plenty of natural light to help you get a great photo. But you might be wondering how everyone should dress. If you want it to stay up on your relatives’ fridge, your family photo needs to be at least somewhat coordinated. That means Dad probably can’t wear his favorite t-shirt, and Mom might have to pick something out for the kids. Here are some tips if you’re looking to get your summer photo right.
Build Off One Piece
Women’s clothing is usually better when it comes to a statement piece—they have a lot more options than guys do. But whether it’s a dress or Dad’s sweater, take one piece of clothing and build off it for the rest of the wardrobe. Also remember that if it’s you, your spouse, and a baby or a couple of small children, then the viewer is going to be drawn to your children no matter what you do. Might as well pop a cute bow on the baby and build off that, because that’s where everyone is going to be looking.
Don’t Match
Instead, coordinate. You don’t want everyone to wearing matching striped t-shirts or boat shoes, or whatever you’re imagining. Your all-white-everything beach photos—also, no. Start with a basic color palette while keeping that first piece in mind. Also, you might want to try keeping the other outfits simpler if the initial piece of clothing you chose is really flashy or different. You’ll end up looking slightly ridiculous if you have a lot of bow ties, suspenders, and zany colors all over the place.
Location, Location, Location
Know exactly where you’re going to be taking the picture—if it’s on the beach, in your backyard, or indoors in your living room. The palette you choose can help complement the surroundings. Just don’t go too far with it unless you’re making a card for a specific holiday. If you want your picture to stay up all year long, you should probably avoid putting the baby in a pumpkin outfit. Even though that’s wicked cute.
Accessories
Bringing accessories into your photo is a great way to help everyone stand out. As with every piece of advice we’ve given—don’t go overboard. The key is to let each member of the family have a little flair, without having each accessory fight the others.
Keep It Comfortable
This one is more for your small children. Adults can make it through a photo shoot in something they aren’t quite comfortable in, as long as it looks great. But if your kids are uncomfortable, it’s going to show in the photo. Try to get them into an outfit you like, but if it isn’t meant to be, it isn’t meant to be.
For more great tips on taking the perfect pictures for every occasion, visit the Nixplay blog.
Bea is Nixplay’s Social Media Manager. She enjoys drinking coffee, reading about wars, and writing stories. Send her a message at beatrice.bisais@nixplay.com.