The Art of Herding Cats: A Guide to Styling Your Family Portrait with Gittings
Trust us, we get it. The quest for the ideal family portrait can be daunting. Conflicting schedules, uncooperative little ones, and unruly weather can create many obstacles to achieving a beautiful, cohesive portrait. The tips below can ease some of the stress involved in the process and set you up for portrait success!
The Color Conundrum: Family Portrait Color Schemes That Age Well
Gone are the days of the entire family wearing the same 4th of July Old Navy t-shirts. Yes, they were only $7.99 and they served their purpose valiantly in the 90s, but nonetheless, we must move on. When it comes to choosing outfits, it’s essential to navigate the treacherous waters of color schemes with thought to the future. As tempting as it might be to dress in neon green if you’ve been particularly entranced with it this month, or to allow everyone to show up wearing whatever they like best, that approach can often result in a portrait that quickly becomes dated.
Instead, Opt for smart casual or better in complementary tones and shades, being mindful of your home décor and the changes it might undergo over the years. Sticking to harmonious neutrals (with solids or very muted patterns) can keep your portrait looking regal for decades.
Thoughtful clothing choices are one of the most overlooked family portrait ideas, but they make an enormous difference in longevity.
Less is More
Less is also….Less. Viva Glam!
How often do you get to wear a ball gown or a tux? A Gittings Portrait is a special occasion, and nothing speaks to the moment better than dressing your best. Pull out the sparkle, satin, and sequins for a portrait that captures you at your fanciest. Some of our most memorable and striking portraits — and favorite family portrait examples — are of couples and families dressed to the nines.
The Great Indoors
We’re in Texas, y’all. It’s HOT. At the time this article was written, it was 109 degrees in Dallas. While location sessions can provide incredible natural backdrops for stunning portraits, the weather doesn’t always play fair. Be it heat, ice, rain or allergies, outdoor sessions are unfortunately not always ideal during the time you’ve gathered everyone for a portrait.
Many people are under the assumption family portraits must be taken outside – especially for large families – but that isn’t the case! Our studio not only has air conditioning to keep you from sweating off your makeup, but we can accommodate large groups and provide a safe, distraction free environment to get the best smiles from your little ones.
The Best Family Portrait Tip of All - Be Yourselves
Ok, ok. We just told you to tone it down (or dial it way up), but at the end of the day, this is your portrait. Think of ways to incorporate your family personality into the session and utilize the knowledge and experience of your Gittings Photographer for design and planning. Embrace the colors, accessories, and unique styles that define your loved ones. Cherish the laughter, cherish the chaos, and above all, cherish the beautiful tapestry that is your family.
Remember, it’s not about being flawless (our retouching artists can take care of that!), it’s about capturing the beautiful moments in time that remind us why we love our families so dearly. We are invested in creating a gorgeous, timeless Gittings Portrait that you and your family can enjoy for generations.
