5 Picture Perfect Pointers Our Fashion Photographer Swears By

Photo credit: Temri Photography

If your family is always running in a hundred different directions, the thought of gathering everyone for a photo shoot probably feels overwhelming. Not only are you wondering when everyone’s calendar will align, your mind may also be going a mile a minute thinking about the details of the actual day. 

While we can’t slow down your schedules, Savannah Sevens can take the stress out of your family photo shoot when you finally lock in on a date. We’re bringing in our personal fashion photographer, Temri Vogt, and compiling her top tips to help your memory-making moment come together. Here are the five do’s and don’ts she swears by.

Colors To Think Twice About

Photo credit: Temri Photography

As you begin to plan your family’s photo shoot look, keep in mind not every color is appealing to capture. Temri says to avoid wearing red and purple if at all possible. Why? When these shades reflect back onto your neck and face, they are unflattering to the skin. It makes the editing process extremely difficult as the photographer is trying to color correct the harshness these tones have added to your appearance. If you’re set on including purple or red in your pictures, you can tone down the reflection by incorporating soft neutrals like cream and tan.

Twinning is Not Trending

Shop Bronson's neck scarf here. Photo credit: Temri Photography

Were you ever dressed in the exact same outfit as your sibling when you were children? While the gesture is certainly endearing, that photo style is not enduring. Meaning, the matching trend is out, and coordinating is in.

Temri suggests picking colors, patterns and textures that compliment each other without being a carbon copy. Start with one main outfit {typically the woman’s look} and build the rest of the ensemble around it. Allow the occasion, like green or bronze for Christmas card photos, or the location, such as blues for a family beach trip, inspire you. 

If you’re not sure how to pull so many looks together, remember this: only select one main pattern; you can double up on different colored solids and feature multiple varying textures. 

Location, Location, Location

Just like in real estate, location matters. Because in photography, it’s all about lighting and what is going to reflect that lighting.

One place to cross off your list? Parks. Temri says they have so much greenery between the acres of grass and all the trees, and that green is usually pretty vibrant, casting unflattering tones onto your appearance. One place to consider? An untouched field. Because the growth is wild, it’s a mixture of dry grasses and soft flowers, which generally reflect complementary golden tones onto the skin.

Ryley's dress and Blayke's quilted jacket are dropping soon! Sign up for a text alert here. Photo credit: Temri Photography

Additionally, buildings in a city’s downtown or the treeline in a field are positive additions to a photo’s background because they help to filter the sun’s light. 

Balance Your Blues

Denim is a favorite choice for so many when it comes to styling a family photo shoot: everybody’s got a pair and they match with just about anything. People should wear jeans that fit well and feel comfortable so that they look natural and confident in photos. But also keep this in mind… Temri advises wearing different washes of denim to create balance. The rule about looking too matchy-matchy also pertains to blue jeans. Varying washes bring interest to the eye and give each outfit its own personality.

Dress For The Same Season

Shop Ryley's Choteau Vest & Crestone Top here and Michael's Richford Jacket here. Photo credit: Temri Photography

The photos you take with your family tell a story and you want to make sure each person is on the same page. It could be 95 degrees outside when you’re able to round everyone up for fall photos but those who view the images will be none the wiser if you narrate your story with the right fashion.

Temri recommends steering clear of sending mixed styling messages in your photos with some family members in boots and others in sandals, or one person in a tank top and the rest in long sleeves. Dress for the atmosphere you’re trying to create or the season you’re celebrating, no matter the real weather.

**Recently, Temri photographed Savannah 7s owner, Ryley Wimer, and her family for both fall and Christmas images. Each of these guidelines were taken into account when planning the location, props, atmosphere and outfits. We've created a collection specifically for styling your family photoshoots – explore it HERE. For photography inquiries, connect with Temri Vogt at temriphotography.com, on Instagram @temriphotography or Facebook.