What to Wear for Family Photos – Choosing Patterns | NH Family Photographer

Getting ready for family photos can be so exciting yet a tad stressful, especially when you don’t know what to wear for family photos. One of the best ways to elevate your family’s photo game is by incorporating patterns into your outfits. Patterns add visual interest, personality, and can even help tell your family’s unique story. So, let’s dive into some fun and practical tips on how to add patterns to your family photo wardrobe!

Choosing What to Wear for Family Photos can be stressful. Here are essential tips to add pattern into your outfit choices.

1. Start with a Solid Foundation

Before diving headfirst into patterns, choose a color palette for your family. Pick 2-3 colors that complement each other and stick with them. This will ensure that everyone looks cohesive, even with different patterns in play. Think soft blues, earthy greens, and warm neutrals for a classic, timeless look.

2. Mix and Match Thoughtfully

Mixing patterns can be a bit daunting, but here’s the secret: balance is key. Pair a bold pattern with a more subdued one. For example, if mom is wearing a vibrant floral dress, dad could opt for a subtle striped shirt. This creates harmony and prevents the patterns from clashing. I would only choose 2 – 3 patterns to incorporate into your families wardrobe.

3. Anchor with Neutrals

When in doubt, anchor your patterned pieces with neutrals. Neutral colors like beige, gray, and off white can ground your look and make the patterns pop without competing for attention. Plus, neutrals are timeless and photograph beautifully.

4. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Gone are the days of perfectly matching outfits. The goal is to coordinate, not match exactly. Let each family member’s personality shine through while still looking cohesive. A little coordination goes a long way in creating a polished yet natural look.

Patterns to Avoid

While adding patterns can make your photos pop, there are some you might want to steer clear of to ensure your photos are picture-perfect:

• Very Small Patterns: Tiny, intricate patterns can sometimes appear as a blur or create a moiré effect in photos, which can be distracting.
• Overly Busy Patterns: Patterns with too many elements or very bright, contrasting colors can be overwhelming and take the focus away from the faces.
• Dark + Light Patterns: High-contrast patterns, such as black against white, can be too stark and may create a jarring effect in photos, drawing attention away from your family’s faces.
• Logos and Graphics: Large logos or graphic tees can be distracting and take away from the timeless quality of your photos.
• Matching Identical Patterns: Avoid everyone wearing the exact same pattern. It can look too uniform and lack the dynamic quality you get from mixing different patterns.

Pattern Perfect Ideas

• Florals and Stripes: A classic combo! Try a floral dress for one member and a striped shirt for another.
• Subtle Shapes: Think soft, abstract shapes or minimalist designs that add a unique touch without overwhelming the overall look.

Need pattern inspiration? Check out my pattern Pinterest board to help coordinate your family!

Still unsure what to wear for your family photos? Here are some helpful posts.

WHAT COLORS TO WEAR FOR FAMILY PHOTOS

WHAT TO WEAR AT YOUR NH FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT

TIPS FOR CHOOSING CLOTHING THAT WILL HELP CREATE MOVEMENT IN PHOTOS

TIPS TO TRANSFORM A NEW HAMPSHIRE CLOUDY DAY PHOTO SESSIONS INTO STUNNING PORTRAITS

Adding patterns to your family photo outfits can be a great way to showcase your family’s personality and style. Just remember to balance, coordinate, and have fun with it. Your family’s unique vibe will shine through, creating beautiful memories to cherish forever.

Now, go ahead and get your pattern on! Can’t wait to see those stunning family photos.

Ready to plan your session with a NH family photographer? Contact me today to schedule your session and start creating stunning portraits that you’ll treasure forever!

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