What to wear


Choosing the Perfect Outfit for

Your Portrait Session




Family portraits are a timeless treasure, capturing the essence of your family at a specific moment in time. They're keepsakes that will be cherished for generations, so it's natural to want everyone to look their best. But with so many personalities and preferences, deciding what to wear can be a challenge. Here's a guide to help you coordinate your family's outfits for a picture-perfect result.


Confidence is Key

First and foremost, encourage each family member to wear something that makes them feel confident and comfortable. A portrait session can be a lengthy process, and if someone is feeling awkward in their outfit, it will show in the photos. Confidence translates into a relaxed posture and a genuine smile, which are the makings of a great portrait.


Color Coordination

Choosing a color scheme can unify the look without being overly uniform. Select a palette that complements everyone's skin tones and fits the portrait's backdrop. Earth tones work well for outdoor settings, while pastels can be lovely for indoor or springtime photos. Avoid neon colors or overly bright shades that can create a distraction.


The Pattern Play

Patterns can add interest and depth to your photos, but too many can be chaotic. Limit patterned clothing to just one family member and keep the rest in solid colors that complement the pattern's hues. This will help the person with the pattern stand out without overwhelming the photo.


Seasonal Sync

Consider the season when planning your outfits. Not only does this ensure comfort (no shivering in summer clothes during a winter shoot!), but it also adds a natural harmony to the photos. Cozy sweaters and rich colors look fantastic in autumn, while light fabrics and brighter colors shine in the summer.


Accessorize Wisely

Accessories can be a great way to express individuality. A statement necklace, a classic watch, or playful socks can add a personal touch. However, keep it balanced – too many accessories can be distracting. Choose one or two key pieces for each person, and make sure they don't clash with the overall color scheme.


Final Touches

Before the big day, lay out all the outfits together to see how they look as a group. This is the time to make any last-minute adjustments. And remember, the most important thing is that your family feels good in what they're wearing. When everyone's comfortable and happy, it shines through in the photos, creating a family portrait that you'll all love. Remember, if your clothes wrinkle easily it will show in the photos.


Moiré Effect

The moiré effect is born out of a battle between two sets of patterns: the fine details in the clothing and the camera sensor's pixel arrangement. When these patterns don't align, they interfere with each other, creating those strange, larger shapes that can mar your photographs.


When it comes to photography, the moiré effect can be a real spoiler. It's that strange, often rainbow-like pattern that appears in photos and can turn an otherwise great shot into a distracting mess. So, if you're gearing up for a photo session, here's a quick guide on what not to wear to avoid the moiré effect.


Firstly, steer clear of clothing with tight patterns. Those tiny stripes, checks, or houndstooth designs might look great in person, but on camera, they're a recipe for moiré. The camera's sensor can clash with these patterns, creating those unwanted wavy lines in your photos.


Fabrics with lots of small details, like lace or finely woven textiles, can also be problematic. They tend to create unusual distortions when photographed, so it's best to opt for solid colors or larger, less intricate patterns.


And it's not just about clothes; even screens like laptops, TVs, and phones can cause moiré patterns. So, if you're planning to include any tech in your shoot, be mindful of how they might affect the final images.


Remember, the goal is to capture you looking your best, without any distracting patterns stealing the show. Keep it simple, and you'll be sure to shine in your photos, moiré-free!


With these tips in mind, you're ready to create a harmonious and stylish look for your family portrait session. Smile, relax, and let your family's love take center stage. Happy posing!


Refunds-Once your images are downloaded, you will not be eligible for any refund.

Re-edit-Clients are eligible for one re-edit within Amy's editing style and comfort level. does not do composites of any kind.

Re-shoot-One reshoot per client which will be a 20-minute session in the same location as original session