Tip 1: Choose a Color Palette. What does this mean? Pick 3 or 4 colors that look good together & start from there. The shots below show a few color palette choices. Remember the colors you choose should also take into consideration your own personal style as well as the location of your portrait session.

Tip 2: DO NOT MATCH~ Ok, by this I mean gone are the days of “everyone where white shirts & khakis” or “everyone where black shirts & jeans”. I know when organizing a group (especially if it is a large multi-family portrait session) this seems like the easy way, but it does not add any interest to your portraits. Differing outfit choices, styles, etc.. all with the same color palette (see above) is a MUCH better way to keep everyone happy & expressing themselves, while keeping the photos consistent & interesting.

Tip 3: Prints can be overwhelming.  One person in a print dress or shirt that coordinates with everyone else is fine, but when you 2, 3 or 4 people in different prints, whether you stick to the color palette or not your photos will still look like they were taken unplanned at a Family reunion where everyone just says “smile” before hitting the pool again. There is definitely such a thing as TOO MUCH when it comes to prints. Like with writing, when looking at your wardrobe use the KISS principal. Keep it Simple Silly. Vests, jackets, necklaces, etc.. can all add interest to a plain colored shirt without throwing everyone out of whack.

Tip 4: Accessorize!! Necklaces, hats, bracelets, belts, etc… all can add a pop of color & interest without taking away from the people in the photos as well as the overall feeling of the images. They help you express yourself.

Tip 5: Don’t be afraid of color! Some people shy away from teal or coral or yellows….DON’T they bring excitement & fun to your photos!!  Be bold! There are colored jeans, jackets, necklaces, everything to help you bring some color to your portraits & keep them fun!