What not to do
When styling a family beach session it can be perplexing on what your family should wear or what photographs well, and I'm here to help guide you. When your thinking about your session many think, oh maybe I should have everyone matching in the same color but matching colors tend to blend into each other, instead try mixing colors and coordinating, texture and simple designs rather then matching colors. A few colors to avoid against the white sand are black and navy blue, these colors can appear harsh against the white sand. When picking your outfits you will want to steer clear of bold prints and neon colors these are very distracting.
How to get started
When picking your families outfits the easiest way to get started is by picking Moms dress first. When you're picking Moms outfit you want think, what will photograph well? Typically photographers and stylist will suggest Earth tones and or jewel tones you can never go wrong with these colors. Earth tones will be creams, sage greens, burnt oranges and browns. Jewel tones will be vibrant sapphire, blues, emerald, & pinks. You can also never go wrong with a simple print that ties these colors in.
What style dress
When choosing the style of your dress what will photograph nicely is movement. We find that maxi dresses with flowy movement captures really well. Typically stylist do not suggest form fitting dresses. If you have the option of full length or a short dress a longer flow dress with movement typically photographs nicely. Something you can never go wrong with is a a long dress with a leg slit, leg slits photograph so well. Your dress does not have to be a solid color, a cute pattern or floral looks really good and can tie in the solid colors.
What should the family wear
After mom's dress is decided you will then want to pick the girls dresses or dress. You want to find something that has movement like yours, it's okay to choose a simple floral pattern, mixing patterns and solids looks really good because it can help break up the solid colors. Next you will choose the guys outfits, tans, creams, sage greens, burnt oranges look really good. If you're going with jewel tones, greens, vibrant blues and pinks/peaches go well together. A button up or a nice cotton shirt is usually suggested and those can be paired with khaki pants, green or khaki shorts and blue jeans actually look great.
