This question is one I get all the time. It’s the 2nd most important thing to consider for your Family Portrait session (the 1st is who’s gonna be in the picture).
When I chat with mom’s considering hiring me, this question gets answered after I ask a few questions. When she decides on where her portrait will be displayed, that gets the conversation going in the right direction. A formal dining room portrait looks and feels different from the one in the family room or in your child’s bedroom.
Are you going with a timeless look? Khakis and white shirts, jeans and black tops. Both look great, but do they speak to you about your family?
What about your favorite colors? Do you want this portrait to tell the story of your family? That’s when things get interesting!
I try to keep the colors on the same palate, which is to say coordinated. If everyone’s wearing similar colors and Grandma shows up for the session in a bright red outfit, it doesn’t really mesh and throws the feeling of the portrait off. There are better ways to showcase Grandma.
I like having a variety of images to show mom when she sees her portraits. I’ll always ask that everyone brings an extra sweater, scarf or jacket to quickly throw on for a slightly different look. These little differences make nice changes and offer variety.
