So this blog is to show some samples of different family sessions. All of the photos included in this blog were taken by different photographers, non of which were Kazoo Photography. (It was easier to google than search through all of our files ;)
The first group of photos I wanted to show, are extended family photos. It is always a challenge to get large groups posed nicely, as well as dressed to impress.. the photographer. The more people you have in a photo, the more opinions you've got. Here are some samples of different outfit choices, that will hopefully encourage less chaos at your next extended family session.
This is the traditional extended family photo. Everyone wants to wear that 'favorite dress that brings out my eyes' or the "button up I gave you for Christmas." Of course I don't know the story behind this photo, so it could have been taken at a wedding where no one would be color coordinated. However, this is how many families think during their family session. A little communication and planning, and yes a little spending, can take this image to a whole different level.
I absolutely LOVE how this family picked two colors that look great together, and played off of them. None of the greens are EXACT matches, but because there are so many of them, it all works. Brown always looks great with any other muted colors. A muted green like in this image, or a muted purple, orange, even blue. This look is very warm and inviting, but still modern and artistic. It's simpler than you'd think; just don't try so hard!
"Black shirts and Jeans" is the suggestion I get the most 'Oh really's' from. Yes, really. I know your first thought of your grandma is not to see her in a black shirt and jeans, but for the purpose of good looking art, it works! If your older family members are not 'jeans' type of folks, black slacks or a dress work for them also. The black and jeans look allows the people to be the focus, instead of the patterns/colors. One red dress in the middle of a random group of colors and patterns makes that red dress the focal point and the point in the image you can't seem to take your eyes off of. White shirts and jeans will give you a very similar look, and may be better if your location is more 'summery' or 'soft'. When all else fails, black shirts and jeans.
The next few images are regularly sized families. These are a few outfits I found that I felt really worked. They all have a mixture of colors and patterns. There are no matching outfits. You remember the days, when you had to wear the same ugly turtle neck as your brother, or the same sweater vest only in a different color? Lets not do that to our kids. :)
This is a great way to use a single color, but in all different tones. They took blue, and created individual outfits with that color in mind. Yes, the two older boys may be in the same shirt, but the little guy in front is not. That adds contrast and makes it easier for the photographer to pose them due to that contrast. The woman on the far right is wearing more of a green/blue, which might not have worked, but the man on the left's tie is the same color. This image was posed well, and I love the style.
Gray is a great alternative to the black/white shirt and jeans. With gray, you can add in a black or a white shirt, and it works. You are also more open to patterns with gray, because they aren't too aggressive or overpowering. I love the use of the different tones of gray, and the black sweater thrown in. The darkest two shirts are in the middle, with the lighter grays making a triangle around them. Throwing in the bright gray and white stripe of the little guy into the middle was perfect.
This is another example of one of my favorite style ideas. Taking two colors and making them work together. Each individual has their own thing going on, but they all tie together with one or more of the outftis. The little boy has a navy and teal shirt on, which ties together the Dad's navy shirt, with the girl's teal shirt and dress. Wonderful.
This style is very simple, and easy to pull off. They are all in very muted colors, that will no doubt work together. You can tell they didn't 'over-think' their outfits. This looks like something they'd wear out on a day date, and the photographer just happened to catch them playing and being themselves. Layers on children 1 and older always looks great, and adds to the style of the image. I love that instead of having him in a long sleeved cream waffle shirt, they threw on the vest to add color and texture.
This style is probably not for everyone, but I absolutely adore it. I assume this family knew they were going to be out in the green/yellow grasses of fall. The orange/red combo they chose plays off of that green/warm feel perfectly. They all have some sort of patterns, but they all match perfectly while being totally different. Like I mentioned before, the patterns bring all the colors together. Yes, this is a busier look, but used in this way, it really works.
I hope this blog helps when you're planning for your up-coming family sessions. I know how stressful it can be, but sometimes the less you worry, the better the outfits turn out! Don't try to match everything PERFECT, because the contrast is what makes the photo interesting. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section of the blog, or email jess@kazoophoto.com.
-Jess
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