by Bridget ♥
Member since:
September 18, 2006

I want your opinions concerning family photos, PLEASE!

February 12, 2009 10:52 AM EST
views: 282 | rating: 9.1/10 (31 votes) | comments: 40

Weather, hubby's work schedule and the holidays have put our family photo shoot on the back burner.  Now that things have slowed down a little bit, it's time for me to get busy!

It's been 3 years since our last family photo was professionally taken.  We all wore different colored sweaters and it was an indoor studio shoot.  This time I want to do something a little different.  I want us to all wear the same color shirts and have outdoor photos taken.

I have already decided that we will all be wearing blue jeans, that was an easy decision for me to make.  I also know I don't want to wear white or black shirts. The others haven't been so easy on me!  :)

I would love your opinions for the following questions...

  1. What color shirts? 
  2. Long sleeve or short sleeve?
  3. Do we all have to wear the same sleeve?  Or can we mix long and short?
  4. Should we all wear the same color shirt?  Or just the same tone such as(bright/light/dark)?

Thanks for your advice, hopefully this will help me make up my mind.  :)

link to this page
Bookmark this post:
Facebook
Twitter
Delicious
Buzz
More

Comments: 40

Marilyn M. Feb 12, 2009, 10:54am EST
If you're going for the outdoor look, you must want it to look natural. Does your family usually wear the same colored shirts? If not, I'd say wear different colors.
Marilyn M. Feb 12, 2009, 10:54am EST
How about what looks best on each one?
.* Sandi * Feb 12, 2009, 10:55am EST
i like the pictures where everyone is wearing black and you see the faces good.
thats cool
Michelle W. Feb 12, 2009, 10:56am EST
I think I would mix it up. Use both long and short sleeves, let everyone decide for themselves. I would also do the same thing with the color. Let everyone choose the color and then make sure they compliment each other and not clash.
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Feb 12, 2009, 10:59am EST
We did an indoor one with different shirts and it came out great. When we did one with the same shirts, it was nice too but we wore white shirts with the blue jeans. It was an outdoor pic and that looked very natural. Green or blue shirts might be nice.
Vivian P. Feb 12, 2009, 11:00am EST
I would want to have a family photo where everyone wears their favorite outfit. The years later it would add to the memory.
I have a studio photo of my middle son in a cowboy outfit that was his favorite ( he was 5) and he swore for a long time I picked it out . LOL It is a very cute picture cowboy outfit and all.
Christine K. Feb 12, 2009, 11:02am EST
I agree with Vivian. Everyone should wear what they are comforable in. Then you have a more natural picture!
j - Frugal Mom - r. Feb 12, 2009, 11:03am EST
Good luck with it Bridget. I have no tips to offer, as I'm always lost when it come to this part:)
j - Frugal Mom - r. Feb 12, 2009, 11:03am EST
I think we will actually have to do a family shot in the fall.
Mariana T. Feb 12, 2009, 11:04am EST
Personally, I like all one color, all one style - I would go red with long sleeves and that way the faces stand out. The first thing I notice about family pictures is how folks are coordinated! I like coordinated pictures - not one with plaids, the other with polka dots - to me it takes away from the whole unity of the picture...so go one color - preferably long sleeves but if not possible - stick with one solid color or in that color group. Salud
The Red Headed Witch of Gather G. Feb 12, 2009, 11:17am EST
What color shirts? I like red personally....
Long sleeve or short sleeve? if it's winter, long, summer, short
Do we all have to wear the same sleeve? Or can we mix long and short? mix it up!
Should we all wear the same color shirt? Or just the same tone such as(bright/light/dark)? I think just the same tone maybe
kelldogg ! Feb 12, 2009, 11:20am EST
i'm not really a fan of the all matchy-matchy portraits honestly but if that's what you have your heart set on then so be it. i would suggest similar styles but still maintaining each of your own personalities. for instance, say you all wore polo shirts and kacki pants. how about each picking your favorite color to wear? the best photos (in my opinion) are the ones that look the most comfortable. if you don't always walk out the door wearing the same clothes every day, then you wouldn't look like your natural selves.

however, i would NEVER suggest getting a portrait while wearing any sort of pattern. patterns never show up well on film. solids are always best.
kelldogg ! Feb 12, 2009, 11:28am EST
if you do decide to match, i would suggest having a trial run beforehand. nothing professional, just a snapshot of each of you to make sure lighting is working for you and not working against you. most colors will look great in real life, but then awful on film. for instance, i know of a woman that had a family portrait much like the one you are planning. they opted to all wear different variations of white shirts. well, i suppose she didn't realize that once the photo was snapped, you could see her brazier outlined in her shirt! it wasn't a major snafu, but had she been aware of shadowing beforehand, we wouldn't know what style she preferred! haha!
Tonya Downen Feb 12, 2009, 11:31am EST
Let the guys wear one color and the girls wear another color...But, they need to be the same style...Button up or pull over don't mix match that....I think red would be a good color...On long sleeve or short sleeve it would depend on the day that you take your outdoor pictures...
Nancy L. Feb 12, 2009, 11:39am EST
As far as color, it depends on the color of the background. Also, what colors look good on your family? I'd suggest everyone pick their favorite color to wear- that becomes a part of the memory.
Monica H. Feb 12, 2009, 11:40am EST
What about all different mixes of beige. You could use light or dark depending on which clothes you already have at home. I would have everyone wear the same length of sleeves if that was possible. But that's just me.

Hope your photos turn out great.
Monica H. Feb 12, 2009, 11:40am EST
Also, I agree that solids are the best bet.
Elle L. Feb 12, 2009, 11:52am EST
different colors but definitely color coordinate. As for the length of sleeves do what is appropriate for the season, if it is sunny and warm do shorter sleeves, if it is cold looking (ie snowy or just seems wintery outside) then long sleeves, like sweaters or just long sleeve crew neck shirts.

Our most recent family photo was indoors and all in black long sleeve shirts, it emphasizes all of our faces, it looks pretty nice.
Shawnee G. Feb 12, 2009, 12:03pm EST
I personally think different color shirts are ok, but I would go the same length of sleeve. If it is cold, go long sleeve or sweaters, or if you wait until warmer weather, go short sleeves.
I would maybe skip shirts with designs or logos on them, as too many in one pic can be distracting.
I love plaids if you do a winter or fall setting, like nice flannel shirts or something like that. I think if it is a warm weather time, I would go with tropical colors... jsut me.
Lin B. Feb 12, 2009, 12:11pm EST
I think I would mix it up
Janet "Jax" B. Feb 12, 2009, 12:17pm EST
No idea, as we've NEVER done a family shot....except when Angela was about 4 and we were at one of those old fashion places.
K D. Feb 12, 2009, 12:21pm EST
I don't know.....I don't see the need to have the same colors on as much as having outdoor type clothing on. I'd say if it were my crew, I'd have them in outdoors clothing but in colors that were complimentary to each person.

Let us know what you decide and show us the picture when it's done!
Amanda C. Feb 12, 2009, 1:21pm EST
I think black can look very classy, but white also looks very classic....and classy. Haha, I'm not much help. I do think white would look better outdoors, because it would showcase the natural colors of your faces and the nature around you.
Elizabeth B. Feb 12, 2009, 1:59pm EST
I would say different tones of the same color but only if it looks good on everybody... the jeans are great :>} try to keep them same seleve and without logos and such...let your family shine :>}}
Bridget ♥ Feb 12, 2009, 3:33pm EST
Wow, thanks for all the advice! You guys are awesome!
Jill~Sexy Back~ V. Feb 12, 2009, 6:25pm EST
I think you guys should be in the same color scheme, but not necessarily the same color. And try to do solid colors, not stripes since it's hard to find the same width stripes for 4 different people, and it won't look right if they don't match. So, stick to a solid colored shirt or sweater (maybe even do wardrobe changes for different poses) and in the same color family.
Donald M. Feb 12, 2009, 7:02pm EST
I think it depends on the weather. If there is snow still on the ground, no short sleeves.
Jeans for outdoors is great. Most families do wear jeans a lot. I agree with individual choices on their favorite colors of shirt.
Sandy (back in Ohio...blah!) Feb 12, 2009, 7:21pm EST
I have no idea. I have never had a family picture taken as my husband refuses to get one done. Yes, he is an ass that way. My only suggest is choose a theme or colors that coordinate together.
Janet H. Feb 12, 2009, 8:27pm EST
I think a light blue would look nice on the shirts, all a similar style and same sleeve length. If you use an outdoorsy background, then short sleeves would be good.
For outdoors, maybe go with similar neutral shades? Browns, tans, greens, etc? I think matched photos don't look bad, but I have never been a big fan of wearing the same things, either. I always try to match the outfits in style and similar colors, or matching colors.

As for the shirts- What about wearing a long sleeved over a short sleeved, so you can do a wardrobe change?
Austin Cushing Feb 13, 2009, 12:20am EST
This comment is to let you know that this content has reached at least ten comments, and as such has been removed from Comment Speedway! Congratulations!
Austin Cushing Feb 13, 2009, 12:21am EST
This comment is to let you know that this content has reached at least ten comments, and as such has been removed from Comment Speedway! Congratulations!
~*Jackie Ferrari*~ Feb 13, 2009, 12:26am EST
I like denim jeans with white shirts.

I've seen it before and always looks nice.
I think each gets to wear whatever white shirt
they'd like.


:)
Donna T. Feb 13, 2009, 1:18am EST
I agree with the person above me -- I've seen the jeans with white shirts outside and it looks great -- but you don't want white (not everyone looks good in white either... I know I don't) -- so go with everyone the same color. Long or short sleeves don't matter, whichever the person prefers. If you are sitting in the grass, don't wear green. I would say bright colors....red or blue.
Lacey K. Feb 13, 2009, 10:34am EST
Stick to no more than two coordinating colors if you're going to mix it up. WOven fabrics photograph better than knit ones. Try to avoid t-shirts for that reason. You don't have to all dress identically to look like you belong together but you definately want coordinate. Since you're going with blue jeans I assume you want a more casual look? Button-up shirts with the tails out are cute for casual photos. Just try to keep the shirts matching in fabrics and make. Example, don't put the kids in chunky sweaters and you in a light cotton. I personally love sweaters for outdoor photos.

My best advice is to keep the whole look clean and simple when doing a family shoot.

Another idea is to look at some photographer's galleries and specifically family shoots. That can be a great jumping off point for ideas! Here's links to a few:

http://www.photographybyjennifer.net/index2.php

http://www.julieabstonphotography.com/-/julieabstonphotography/gallery.asp?cat=30025&pID=1&row=7
Brittney R. Feb 13, 2009, 4:55pm EST
In one of our family photos we all wore jeans and white shirts. In another, I wore a cream turtleneck, my husband wore a brown sweater, and Elliott's sweater was stripes that had both of those shades in it. I wouldn't normally do stripes (or any print) but we had our background in mind ahead of time, and it worked out well.

I always like coordinating colors, and like Lacey said, I was going to suggest looking at some photography studios family sessions.
If you wait till Spring...my friend just had family photos done, outside, and they all wore jeans and white button up shirts with different sleeve lengths, and they were all barefoot-------they turned out awesome!
Bridget ♥ Feb 17, 2009, 10:42am EST
Krissy,

We are going to wait until Spring. Little warmer weather. That idea sounds cute!


I've gotten SO many great ideas and tips here - THANKS EVERYONE!
☆ ƒåitĥ ☆ Feb 17, 2009, 3:03pm EST
Hi Bridget --

This is just MY opinion but I would go with different shades of the same color or RJ & Chandler in 1 similar color and you and Stephy in another coordinating similar color. Just make sure Stephy isn't on your lap and Chandler isn't too close to RJ because then it might look funky. Your photographer though will give you so many ideas and will place you the way that looks best.

I agree with Lacey about making sure the fabric of your clothing is the same and make sure everything is simple. This way the attention is drawn to your faces instead of the viewer being distracted by clothing.

I LOVE the barefoot idea outdoors... so adorable.

I can't wait to see your photos.
Did you ever decide?

Join the Conversation
Chime in! Become a Gather member to comment.
Already a member? Sign in
top
 
Gather | Friends | Groups | Share
About Gather | Engagement Marketing | Make New Friends | Gather Points | Advertise on Gather | Gather Press | Privacy | Terms of Service | Community Guidelines
Books | Celebs | Entertainment | Family | Food | Health | Moms | Money | News | Politics | Spirituality | Sports | Travel | Writing
Version 16865, "Oz"; Copyright © 2009 Gather Inc. All rights reserved.