Styling Tips From A Philadelphia Portrait Photographer

Today, I am hoping to provide you with some useful styling tips as a Philadelphia portrait photographer to make your outfit selections for any upcoming photo session simple & do-able! From whom to dress first, the colors that will photograph beautifully, and how to create some additional visual interest in your portraits for your next Philadelphia-area photography session.

A family of five standing close together in front of fall foliage by philadelphia portrait photographer, annemarie hamant

Styling Tip from a Philadelphia Portrait Photographer No. 1

The first person you should always find an outfit for is you, mom! Because you are most likely the one coordinating this photo shoot, it is best to begin with your outfit first. Finding a dress that makes you feel GREAT is so important. Us moms are the most critical of how we look in family pictures, and you want to make sure you feel your absolute best. Once your dress has been chosen, coordinating the rest of the family with you will be a breeze.

A mom and dad looking at their three sons on a grassy hill in the fall while smiling all together A family of five standing on a grassy hill in front of fall foliage while huddled close together A mother with her three sons by philadelphia portrait photographer, annemarie hamant A dad with his 3 boys looking at them while holding his youngest son

Styling Tip from a Philadelphia Portrait Photographer No. 2

Now that you have found the perfect dress, it is time to choose outfits for the rest of the family! So what colors should you stick to? Neutral and earth tones photograph so beautifully on camera. Stay away from bright and loud colors as they will be too much of a distraction in your portraits. Earth tones and neutrals keep the pictures calm and the focus on the love between the family. Some of my favorite neutrals are browns, beiges, whites and creams!

A family of five playing together on a grassy hill in front of fall foliage A family of five sitting on a stone wall looking off into the distance by philadelphia portrait photographer, annemarie hamant A mom and dad in neutral and cream colored clothing holding one another closely while looking at the camera by Philadelphia portrait photographer, annemarie hamant A mom and dad looking at their three sons on a grassy hill in the fall while smiling all together A mother snuggled with her youngest son on her hip smiling at him

Styling Tip from a Philadelphia Portrait Photographer No. 3

To take your outfit styling to the next level, add varied textures and layers for interest! This could include cozy knit sweaters, corduroy pants, linen button downs, chambray, or even lace dresses and over the shoulder cardigans to name a few. By having multiple textures in your portraits, it will help give the eye enough to look at without becoming overwhelmed.

Extra Styling Tip No. 4

One final tip to share with you is making sure that everyone is coordinating in colors but not matching! Having a consistent color palette with your outfits will make your portraits look well put together and classic. It will help your portraits stand the test of time and age beautifully with your growing family.

Interested in where you can find some Philly area boutiques for classic kids clothing? Check out these three boutiques!

I’m a Philadelphia Family Photographer. Learn more about my family photography sessions in Philadelphia here.

Want to chat more about a family photo session? Contact me at: www.annemariehamant.com/contact

Looking for more Philly area content? Check out these other blogs!

AnneMarie Hamant is a lifestyle newborn and family photographer based outside of Philadelphia, PA, and serves the surrounding areas including Kennett Square, West Chester, Glen Mills, Malvern, Media, King of Prussia, Conshohocken, Wayne, Haverford, Villanova, Devon, Berwyn, Ardmore as well as the Wilmington, DE suburbs. AnneMarie is an award-winning photographer with over 14 years experience. Her passion is creating playful and relaxed lifestyle family photography both in-home and on-location for her clients.