Imagine this – your family portraits in Mallory Park, St. Simons Island – you are surrounded by stunning live oak trees and beautiful spanish moss swinging in the breeze. What an incredible backdrop for your family portraits, am I right? While we have so many beautiful areas for photo sessions here in the Golden Isles, the live oaks and spanish moss locations around the islands will always be my favorite. There’s nothing like the sunlight streaming through the tops of the trees and providing such beautiful backlighting behind families.
When we did this family’s wardrobe consultation, I just *might* have squealed a little bit when she sent over the wardrobe options. Give me neutrals and classic southern style all day long when it comes to wardrobe for family portraits. While the clothing itself is beautiful and refined, it does not take anything away from the sweet family wearing them. And that is the goal with family portraits, isn’t it? It’s not about the clothing, it’s all about the people in the portraits.
What to wear for your family session under the live oaks
As a family photographer in St. Simons Island I am always getting asked by clients “but what should we wear for our family session”? Let’s talk about some options, shall we?
- Colors – neutrals and pastels will forever be my favorite type of clothing to wear for family portrait sessions. If you are going to be displaying these portraits framed on your wall or in an album, neutral colors and pastels will look great displayed in any home.
- Textures – mixing in some textures is always a great idea. Think lace, smocking, ruffles, layers, etc.
- Patterns – mixing in patterns in clothing can add some wonderful visual interest to your portraits. The key is choosing small patterns or tone on tone patterns. If the pattern you choose is to big, bold or bright, it can take attention away from the person who’s wearing it.
- Avoid – clothing with logos or words/artwork on it. It can date your portraits and we are going for “timeless” here.
The most important thing I feel to remember is this: clothing is meant to be a background to the people that are in the photos. You don’t want your outfits to be the first thing that someone notices when they see your family portraits. You want them to see the love that your family has for each other. It’s not about the clothing brands, truly, it’s not.
Now for the best part of working with me! Local clients who book our Signature Session experience have access to my full wardrobe studio. See more of that HERE. We’ll schedule a wardrobe appointment to have you come into the studio to look through our wardrobe. Together, we’ll style your whole family. No need to spend time or money on clothing you may only wear one time. For vacation clients who book our Signature Session experience, we’ll work one-on-one to coordinate your entire family. Whether you want me to shop for you, or just style your entire family and send you link, I’ve got you, also. This will be the easiest portrait session you’ll ever experience!
What to expect from your family portrait session in Mallory Park (and other locations!)
Most of the clients that reach out to me are looking for a good mix of both formal/posed as well as more candid portraits. I’m the girl that’s perfect for that! With gentle guidance from me, we’ll get both those looking at the camera/smiling photos as well as playing, hugging, tickling photos. Need more guidance with posing – no worries, I can help you with that also. From your head to your fingertips to your toes, I’m happy to guide you!
Did you find this blog post about having your family portraits in Mallory Park, St. Simons Island helpful? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Does this sound like an experience you’d like to find out more about? Contact me HERE and let’s get a quick exploratory call set up!
xo,
Candace
