Planning a family photo shoot involves many details, and two of the most critical are selecting the right wardrobe and choosing the right location. As a DC family photographer, I understand how overwhelming these decisions can be. That’s why I’m here to help guide you through the process, ensuring your photo session is enjoyable and successful. My full-service portrait process includes guidance through your portrait session to create a custom experience every time.
Today, I want to offer five ways I can assist you with choosing your wardrobe and location.
5 Ways Your DC Family Photographer Helps with Wardrobe and Location
1. Start with Your Vision
Before diving into wardrobe and location recommendations, I want to understand your vision for the photo shoot. Are you looking for a casual, candid session or prefer a more formal, posed style? How are you planning to print and display your portraits? By discussing your preferences and ideas, I can tailor my suggestions to align with your desired aesthetic and the story you want to tell through your portrait artwork. We always start with the end in mind.
2. Wardrobe Coordination
Choosing outfits for a family photo shoot can be challenging, but I want to make it as stress-free as possible. Here are some tips and tricks I provide to help you select the perfect wardrobe for every member of your family.
- Color Palette – Select a cohesive color palette that complements your family’s style and the chosen location. Neutrals, pastels, and coordinating colors work well together without being too matchy-matchy. Avoid overly bright or neon colors that can be distracting.
- Comfort is Key – It’s essential that everyone feels comfortable in their outfits. Ensure that clothes fit well and allow for easy movement, especially for young children who may be active during the shoot.
- Avoid Busy Patterns – While patterns can add visual interest, it’s best to avoid overly busy or large patterns that can dominate the photo. Subtle patterns and solid colors often look best in professional portraiture.
- Complement Each Other – Choose outfits that complement each other without being an exact match. For example, you choose colors from the same color palette while letting every family member choose a different style shirt or blouse.
I hope these tips were helpful. In fact, I have an entire guide to help you choose the perfect outfits right here.
3. Location Selection
While DC offers some iconic backdrops, I may recommend avoiding these areas. Why? There are some outdoor photography session considerations to keep in mind. You might need to pay for a permit, there could be crowds, not to mention that parking and traffic can be a nightmare. I have an entire blog post on the subject here for further information.
I have a few favorite outdoor locations that offer the perfect backdrop without all of the hassle of a busy downtown DC location. Every fall, I open my calendar for a few outdoor portraits in these locations. To join my outdoor fall session waitlist, please click here.
4. Personalized Guidance
Every family is unique, and my goal is to ensure that your photo session reflects your individuality. I’m here to answer any questions, provide feedback on outfit choices, and offer location advice based on your final portrait vision. My personalized guidance helps take the guesswork out of planning, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experience with your loved ones.
5. Stress-Free Session Day
To ensure a great shoot, I offer practical tips to ensure everything goes smoothly:
- Timing: For outdoor sessions, I recommend scheduling the session when the light is soft and flattering – either during the golden hour – an hour before sunset, or in the early morning.
- Weather: Here in DC, the weather is always a concern so we make a backup plan or choose to shoot in the studio.
- Give Yourself Time: My goal is to keep your session running smoothly so that we can enjoy the experience without needing to rush. I know how busy you are, and I always respect my clients’ time. Give yourself a buffer before and after the session so that you do not rush into the studio or need to rush back out after we’re done.
A formal family portrait session can feel like a lot of work, but I’m here to help and offer guidance every step of the way.
DC Family Photographer
As your DC family photographer, I aim to make your photo shoot experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Together, we can create beautiful, timeless images that capture the essence of your family with a stress-free photoshoot experience. Let’s work together to make your vision a reality and create artwork from your memories that will be cherished for years to come. The first step is a quick phone call. Please click here to schedule our call!
Related posts:
5 Questions to Ask When Hiring Your DC Photographer
Is Professionally Printing Your Family Photos Worth It?
What to Wear for Your DC Family Photos
The True Value Behind the Cost of Professional DC Family Photography
How to Decide if You Want a Full-Service Photographer
Considerations for Washington DC Outdoor Family Photography
