The Closet Question

We personally lean towards a neutral palette at Henpeck Lane. Neutrals are flattering to every skin tone, coordinate well, are easy to accessorize, and images can be used in multiples places in your home. However, that might not be fitting for your family. Please use the guidelines below to aid in your decision making. 

Tip #1: Choose a Color Palette. What does this mean? Pick 3 or 4 colors that coordinate together as a starting point. Remember the colors you choose should also take into consideration your own personal style as well as the location of your portrait session.  Choosing items with texture will also make your portraits more appealing

Tip 2: DO NOT MATCH When organizing a group (especially if it is a large multi-family portrait session) this seems like the simplest way, but it does not add any interest to your portraits. Differing outfit choices, styles, etc.. all with the same color palette is a better way for all to feel confident in their clothing, sharing their personality, all while keeping the photos consistent and interesting.texture, add layers, and add subtle patterns in here and there

Tip 3: Prints can be overwhelming.  One person in a print dress or shirt that coordinates with everyone else is fine, but when you 2, 3 or 4 people in different prints, whether you stick to the color palette or not your photos will still look like they were taken unplanned at a Family reunion where everyone just says “smile” before hitting the pool again. There is definitely such a thing as TOO MUCH when it comes to prints. Like with writing, when looking at your wardrobe use the KISS principal. Keep it Simple Silly. Vests, jackets, necklaces, etc.. can all add interest to a plain colored shirt without throwing everyone out of whack,  However, subtle patterns within the same color pallet are however a wonderful idea.

 Tip 4:Where have you chosen to have your family photos taken? Consider your surroundings. If the backdrop of your photos is a field or wooded area you wouldn’t necessarily want to be in high heels, your husband in a tie, and your children in their Sunday best. But if your setting is something more formal, then more formal outfits might be more appropriate.

Tip 5: Accessorize. Necklaces, hats, bracelets, belts, etc. Accessories can add a pop of color and interest without taking away from the people in the photos as well as the overall feeling of the images. They help you express yourself. 

Tip 6: Right before your Family portraits is NOT the time to try a new style.  Please, don’t make any drastic changes to your appearance right before your portrait session. 

Tip 7: Don’t be afraid of color! Frequently people shy away from teal or coral or yellows, this is unnecessary. These colors bring excitement your photos.  There are colored jeans, jackets, necklaces, everything to help you bring some color to your portraits to allow personalities to shine through.

Tip 8: Consider where these photos will hang in your home. My home is very neutral and I know that I want to display large canvases of these images. So, I coordinated us in outfits that would flow with my home decor. If your home is colorful choosing outfits with a pop of color would be ideal.

Tip 9: Last tip. Have fun! No need to worry about whether or not your children are smiling…that’s the photographers job! The more relaxed you are the more relaxed your children are & it will show in your photos! The fun, happy family you have. Captured forever for you to cherish. 

Please Remember

–  Character tops, graphic tees, and tops with logos are distracting and will draw focus away from the wearer.

– Women, please remove the hair tie around your wrist.

– Make sure your nail polish is free of chipping.

– Avoid billed hats (such as a baseball cap). It often creates shadows on the face which is something photographers strive to avoid.

– Remove the sunglasses.

– Men, please do not wear white athletic socks. If you’re sitting at some point in your session, those white socks will show.

Favorite Shops

-J. Crew

-Ann Taylor

-Anthropology

-Banana Republic

-Janie and Jack

-The Little Cottage

-Gap Kids

-Crew Cuts

-Joyfolie