Are you planning a summer photo session for your family? I'm sharing simple tips on what to wear to for family photos. This summer edition will have you ready in no time. All photos by Webb City and greater Joplin family and senior photographer April Hurst Photography.
Summer lover over here. It's true, summer is my season! Sunshine, long carefree days, kids running around barefoot are a few of the things I can't get enough of this time of year. I also love a summer photo session. So let me help you and your family decide What to Wear for Family Photos in Joplin, MO and beyond.
I'm sharing tips for your best summer outfits as well as some favorite color combinations from past families who were picture perfect for summer. I had so much fun at these family photo sessions, and I can't wait for yours this season.
Let's Find Out What to Wear for Summer Photos
Incorporate White! You can't go wrong with adding white into your summer wardrobe and especially into your outfits for your photo session. White photographs so beautifully; it's clean and classic. While neon or bright colors can cause a reflection of those colors on the skin, white reflects light and makes your photos look bright and gives skin a creamy and radiant look. Notice how these families used white in their photo session.
Wear Light Clothing. Sometimes a summer session can be quite warm, even if planned in the later part of the evening. Plan to go light, think airy dresses with breathable fabric and shorts for the khaki shorts for the guys. It's the perfect summer look and a great way to beat the heat.
Sandals or Barefoot. Let the kids be barefoot or break out the sandals. Ditch the sneakers or the loafers and go for sandals or even let the kids show off those little baby toes.
Complementary Colors. You'll hear me suggest this often. It's the easiest way to determine your color palette. Use complementary colors, those colors that are opposites on the color wheel. Our eye naturally loves these colors together. They pair beautifully creating both balance and contrast.
Accessorize Lightly. I love a beautiful hat as seen below or a pair of statement earrings, but think light accessories for summer. Simplicity always looks great for summer photos.
Consider the Location. Always consider the location of your session. You want your photo session wardrobe to suit the location while standing out from the background. Is there a lot of green foliage in your session? If so, you might steer clear of green or use it only minimally.
Think About Your Home Decor. If you're planning to hang or display photos in your home (and I hope you are), think about the colors used in your house. You want your photos, especially large gallery walls, to complement the colors you use in your home furnishings.
Favorite Summer Color Combinations
Cinnamon, White, Tan & Mauve
These outfits are just perfect together. The colors chosen are all varying shades of the same color. Then white was added as the perfect neutral. Notice only two family members have a pattern in their outfits while textured fabrics were use to add dimension.
Blue, White, Light Green & Gray
This color palette is serene and peaceful, the light blues and mom's light green dress bring that feeling.
Again, this family used a variety of blues showing that you really can stick with just a few colors for the entire family. They added grey and white as neutrals to bring it all together.
Blue, Cream, Navy & Coral
Can you say "complementary colors"? That's right, this is a perfect example of how orange (coral here) and blue work so well together. Complementary colors are pleasing to the eye and I'm always a fan of blue and orange. There's a reason green and red are paired for Christmas. You guessed it, they're complementary colors.
Brown, Khaki, White & Blue
This was actually a downtown Webb City photo session in early spring, but I just had to share it for inspiration. This is a beautiful example of how to coordinate an extended family session. This family opted to stay neutral. When coordinating a large group, a neutral color theme can provide the cohesive look you need. They brought in very few patterns, but added some layers for interest. This wardrobe looked beautiful for this large group.
I hope you found some beautiful and easy ways to pull together your summer look. I'm always here to help every step of the way. I can't wait to see you this summer.
Always grateful,
April
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