Family photos

Aquamarine

Our annual beach vacation is coming up next week, and I’ve booked a photographer for family photos (it’s been over 15 years since we had one officially done). Somewhat bittersweet, because I suspect this may be the last time it’s just our unit…change is afoot.

So, what to wear? The session is on the beach (NE coast, not Caribbean :-)) right around/before sunset. Photographer suggests tan shorts, khakis, white bottoms, with pastel tops. Or blues and whites.

Thoughts? I’m concerned that where I am planning on hanging the photo/photos, the color schemes won’t really “go.” My home colors tend to earth tones/fall colors. Does it matter? Maybe the frame(s) will tie it all together?

3 years ago

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8 replies

Latest reply was from Bijou

Sal

Veteran

I would wear what feels like you - but keeping in mind things that don't photograph well. I think mostly plains are better than patterns.

If you wear khakis and pastels then that sounds great - but if that's not your thing I would choose something that is you.

3 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

The frames are the key decor wise. I’d go with the pastels for photos that make you look good.

3 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

We had family photos taken with my parents, siblings and their families and my family, back before my father died. We wore the colors just as you’ve described - blue, tan and white. I thought it looked pretty good, actually. We didn’t wear shorts, but then we weren’t at the beach. We were in a park, among trees with fall color. My husband, son and I wore denim shirts and tan bottoms. A brother and his family wore white tops and denim bottoms. Each family decided what they wanted to wear within the rough guidelines. One thing, though - everything was solid - no patterns.

3 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I can’t recall your colors well enough to comment specifically on what to wear in the pic. I wouldn’t worry too much about the photo fitting the decor. It’s a picture. Presumably if you’re outside, there will be nature colors in it that you can tie to earth tones.

I will say that I prefer gentle suggestions over specific uniforms. Our family had one taken when my son was a baby in which we all wore cranberry and/or cream, or colors that coordinate with those. I like that one a lot. The ones where everyone has on dark jeans and a white Oxford shirt, as some relatives did, look contrived to me, or like everyone is on staff somewhere.

I hope you all have fun with the pix, so the photo shows your “real” selves and holds happy memories for you all.

3 years ago

RobinF

Veteran

I don't think you need to worry about matching your decor - wear what feels like you and goes with the backdrop. Have fun!

3 years ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

Thanks all. I think we’re going with some pastels along with a pop or two of navy. Taking our palette from my youngest son’s favorite striped linen shirt (he’s the extrovert and insists on wearing it!).

Hoping the sand/sea/sunset will add enough earthy tones to make it work and that the frame/matting will tie it all together as Rachy says.

3 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

What Sal said — I personally don’t care for overly matchy family photos, where everyone has white shirts and khaki pants or whatever, but I do like a quiet color palette of solid or near-solid colors for a harmonious look. But a caveat: I’m also the person who had non-matching bridesmaid dresses (solid color dresses of knee-to-midi length in shades of turquoise through periwinkle, with the style left up to the wearer).

3 years ago

Bijou

Veteran

I don’t like overly matching family photos either. Your plan of a general colour scheme based on DS’s shirt sounds like a great plan.

3 years ago

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