A Style Guide for Holiday Family Photos

The holiday season is the perfect time to capture the magic of your family’s moments, and what better way to do that than with a festive family photo session? Whether you’re planning a Christmas card or simply want to preserve precious holiday memories, our style guide will help you coordinate your family’s outfits, choose the right color palette, and offer outfit ideas for a memorable holiday photo shoot.

Coordinating Outfits and Colors

Color Suggestions:

• Traditional Christmas: Red, green, and white.
• Winter Wonderland: Blue, silver, and white.
• Cozy Neutrals: Cream, brown, and gray.
• Glamorous Gold: Gold and black.

Outfit Ideas:

• Traditional Christmas: Red dresses or sweaters for the ladies, green or plaid shirts for the gentlemen, and white accents for everyone.
• Winter Wonderland: Blue dresses for the ladies, navy blazers for the gentlemen, and silver accessories for everyone.
• Cozy Neutrals: Neutral-toned sweaters and scarves for the entire family, with brown or gray pants and skirts.
• Glamorous Gold: Black dresses and suits with gold accessories, such as belts, ties, or jewelry.

Layering and Textures

To add depth and texture to your family’s outfits, consider layering. Sweaters, scarves, cardigans, and vests are excellent choices for a winter photo session. Adding textures like cable-knit, velvet, or faux fur can create a cozy and festive feel.

Patterns and Prints

Incorporate subtle holiday-themed patterns and prints to embrace the season. Think plaids, houndstooth, or small snowflake motifs. Just be careful not to overdo it; the goal is to create a harmonious look.

Dress for Warmth

Winter photoshoots can be chilly, so make sure everyone is dressed for warmth. Opt for winter-appropriate clothing, including thermal underlayers, tights, and warm socks to ensure everyone stays comfortable during the shoot.

Accessorizing

Accessories can add a touch of holiday charm to your outfits. Don’t forget to include winter accessories like mittens, scarves, and hats that match your chosen color scheme. A cute Santa hat or reindeer antlers can also bring a festive touch to your photos.

Timeless vs. Trendy

While it’s fun to incorporate some trendy elements into your holiday outfits, prioritize timeless pieces to ensure your photos remain classic and elegant for years to come.

Coordinating with The Location

Make sure your outfits complement the decorations and setting. Consider matching your session’s scenery, whether it’s traditional, rustic, or modern, to create a cohesive and harmonious look.

Makeup and Hair

Keep makeup and hair natural and cozy. Subtle wintery makeup and soft, loose curls can enhance the overall holiday look. Lipstick in a festive color can be a delightful touch.

Trial Run

A few days before your photo session, have a dress rehearsal to ensure everyone’s outfits are comfortable, clean, and ready to go. This is especially crucial for young children.

Embrace the Holiday Spirit

Remember that the essence of holiday family photography is to capture the warmth and love of your family during this special time. Let each family member’s personality and holiday spirit shine through their outfit choices and smiles.

With some thoughtful planning, a touch of creativity, and attention to detail, you can create beautiful and memorable holiday family photos. Coordinating outfits in a harmonious color palette, choosing the right textures and layers, and embracing the holiday spirit will result in stunning pictures that encapsulate the magic of the season. So, start planning your holiday family photo session today and create memories to cherish for years to come.