Top 5 Stylish Outfit Ideas for Summer Family Photos in Calgary
Why Outfit Choices Matter for Summer Family Portraits
Summer is the perfect season for capturing precious family memories. Whether you're planning a casual outing to one of the city's beautiful parks or a more formal portrait session in studio, the right selection of outfits can elevate your photos from ordinary to extraordinary. If you're wondering how to style your family to shine in every image, you're in luck! In this article, I’ve curated ten stylish outfit ideas that cater to every taste and trend, ensuring you'll look fabulous while I capture your family memories through gorgeous images. From playful prints and vibrant colors to classic combinations, these looks will make your Calgary summer family photos unforgettable. Get ready to create lasting memories that reflect your family's unique style this season!
Reflecting Your Family’s Personality Through Style
Family photos are a timeless treasure, capturing moments that can be cherished forever. Summer, with its vibrant colors and beautiful weather, offers the perfect opportunity to have family portraits taken. The long days, warm sunshine, and lush greenery create an idyllic setting, making each family photo come alive with warmth and joy. Moreover, summer vacations often bring family members together providing ample opportunities for candid, heartwarming photos that tell a story of love and unity.
Summer family photos photographed in Calgary are incredibly special due to the city's stunning natural beauty. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the serene Bow River and the vibrant city parks, Calgary offers a plethora of picturesque backdrops during the summer season. The endless variety of locations within our city allows families to select settings that best reflect their personalities and preferences, making each photo session unique and memorable. The city's diverse landscapes ensure that every family photo has a distinct charm, capturing the essence of the summer season and the close bonds shared by the family members.
In addition to the aesthetic appeal, summer family photos serve as a wonderful way to document growth and change. I know first-hand having two grown boys myself that children grow up quickly and summer photos provide a snapshot of these fleeting moments, preserving memories that can be looked back on with fondness. These summer family photos become part of your family's history, a visual record of the love and connection that binds you together. By taking the time to plan and execute a summer family photo session, families create lasting mementos that can be cherished for generations to come.
Selecting the Right Color Palette for Summer Family Portraits
Selecting the right color palette for summer family photos is crucial in creating visually appealing and harmonious images. The vibrant and lively atmosphere of summer calls for colors that reflect its energy and warmth. Bright hues like coral, turquoise, yellow, and mint green are perfect for capturing the essence of the season. These colors not only look great against the natural backdrops but also add a cheerful and upbeat vibe to the photos.
When choosing colors, it's important to consider the setting of your photo session. For instance, if you're planning a shoot in a park that has lush greenery, select colors that complement the surroundings rather than blend in. Soft pastels and earth tones can be a good choice for such settings as they provide a subtle contrast without overpowering the natural beauty. On the other hand, if your photo session is set against the urban landscape of Calgary, bolder colors and patterns can add a dynamic and modern touch to your photos.
Another important aspect to consider is coordinating the color palette among family members. While matching outfits might seem like a good idea, it's often more visually appealing to select a color scheme that allows for individual expression while maintaining a cohesive look. For example, you can select a primary color and then incorporate various shades of that color in each family member's outfit. This approach creates a sense of unity and balance without making everyone look identical, resulting in more natural and engaging photos.
Top 5 Stylish Outfit Ideas for Family Photos this Summer
1. Coordinated Neutrals: Neutral tones like beige, grey, soft browns and white can create a sophisticated and elegant look. Coordinating outfits in these colors allows for a cohesive and polished appearance. Add a pop of color with accessories or a statement piece to keep the look interesting.
2. Floral Prints and Pastels: Embrace the essence of summer with floral prints and pastel colors. Dresses, shirts, and accessories featuring delicate floral patterns add a touch of whimsy and romance to your photos. Pairing these with pastel hues like blush pink, lavender, or baby blue creates a soft and dreamy look.
3. Nautical Theme: For a fun and preppy vibe, consider a nautical theme with navy, white, and red. striped shirts, boat shoes, and anchor motifs make for charming and coordinated outfits. This theme is particularly suitable for photos taken near water bodies or in coastal areas.
4. Bohemian Chic: For a relaxed and free-spirited look, opt for bohemian-inspired outfits. Flowing maxi dresses, embroidered tops, and earthy tones create a laid-back yet stylish ensemble. Accessories like wide-brimmed hats and layered necklaces enhance the boho vibe.
5. Bright and Bold: Make a statement with bright and bold colors such as fuchsia, turquoise, and sunshine yellow. These vibrant hues add energy and excitement to your photos, making them stand out. Pair these colors with neutral accessories to balance the look.
Creating a Cohesive Look
Creating a cohesive look for your family photos involves more than just choosing individual outfits; it requires thoughtful coordination. When planning your family's attire, consider the overall theme and color palette to ensure that each family member's outfit complements the others. This coordination creates a harmonious and visually appealing photo that highlights the unity of your family.
Start by selecting a central color scheme that reflects your family's personality and the setting of your photo session. Once you've chosen the primary colors, incorporate various shades and patterns that align with this color palette. This approach allows for individual expression while maintaining a cohesive look. For example, if the primary color you have selected is navy, you can mix different shades of navy along with complementary colors like white, beige, gold or orange.
It's also important to consider the balance of patterns and solids. Too many patterns can be overwhelming in a family portrait, while too many solids can be monotonous. Aim for a mix of both to create visual interest. For instance, if one family member is wearing a patterned dress, others can wear solid-colored outfits that pick up on the colors in the pattern of the dress. Accessories such as scarves, belts, and jewelry can also be used to tie the look together, adding subtle touches that enhance the overall aesthetic.
Tips for Dressing Your Kids in Summer Photos
Dressing kids for summer photos can be a delightful yet challenging task, as comfort and style must go hand in hand. The key is to select outfits that allow your children to move freely and stay cool while looking adorable and coordinated with the family. Here are some tips to ensure your kids shine in your family photos without compromising on comfort.
Select lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to keep kids cool and comfortable in the summer heat. These materials are soft on the skin and allow for better air circulation, preventing overheating. Avoid synthetic fabrics that can trap heat and cause discomfort. Additionally, select summer outfits that are easy to put on and take off, making it simpler to manage wardrobe changes if needed.
When it comes to style, embrace playful patterns and bright colors that reflect the cheerful spirit of summer. Dresses, shorts, and rompers in fun prints like florals, stripes, or polka dots look adorable and add a lively touch to your family photos. Coordinate the kids' outfits with the overall family color scheme, ensuring a cohesive look without being too matchy-matchy. Accessories like wide brim hats and cute shoes can also enhance their outfits and add personality to their look. Remember to select shoes that are both stylish and functional, such as sandals or slip-ons to keep their feet happy and safe.
Consulting with Your Family Photographer for Styling Advice
The success of your family photo session largely depends on careful planning, including the timing and location of your family photo shoot. All families that book a portrait photography session with me will have a pre-session styling consultation so that we can cover all the important details to make your family session not only stress-free but also to ensure your final portraits are exactly what you are hoping for.
Timing is crucial when it comes to selecting an outdoor family photography session. From years of experience photographing outdoor family sessions, I have found golden hour, which occurs two hours prior to sunset, provides the most flattering and softest light for outdoor family photography. During these times, the sunlight is gentle and warm, creating a natural glow that enhances the overall look of the photos.
When selecting a location for your Calgary family photos, consider places that have special meaning to your family or offer unique and beautiful backdrops. Calgary has a wealth of scenic spots to choose from, whether you prefer natural landscapes, urban settings, or historical sites. Think about the mood and style you want to convey in your family photos and choose a location that aligns with that vision. During your pre-session consultation, we will discuss your ideas, and I can provide you with suggestions based on the style of family photos you are looking to have documented.
Documenting Family Memories in Style
Summer family photos taken in Calgary are a wonderful way to create lasting memories. With the right outfits, thoughtful coordination, and beautiful backdrops, these family photos can become cherished keepsakes that reflect your family's unique style and bond. Whether you choose playful prints, classic combinations, or vibrant colors, the key is to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and confident, allowing your family's personality to shine through in every shot.
Ultimately, the most important aspect of creating family images for your family is the opportunity for me to document the love and connection you all share. These photos serve as a visual record of the moments and milestones that define your family's journey. By investing time and effort into planning and styling your family photo shoot together, I can create for you beautiful family images to cherish for a lifetime.
Looking to book a family photography session this summer?
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