Akron Wedding Photographer, Black Dog Photo Co Akron Wedding Photographer | Black Dog Blog
 
  • The Holiday season is also often family portrait season.  One of the most common questions I am asked at this time of year is "what should we wear for our family portrait session?".  I put together seven simple tips for choosing outfits for the fam.  I also added a photo of a well coordinated portrait (khakis and black shirts).  
  • 1  Coordinate outfits. Everybody in the portrait should wear items that complement each other in style and color. It is not necessary for all clothes to match, but they must make sense together. If grandpa wears a suit and tie and grandma wears shorts and a t-shirt, the portrait may look unbalanced and poorly planned.

  • 2  Pick clothes appropriate to the portrait's setting. An outdoor portrait with a backdrop of fall leaves lends itself to casual clothing like khakis and crisp white shirts, or jeans and sweaters. A studio portrait with a plain colored background lends itself more to formal or semi-formal attire.

  • 3  Stick to solids and subtle patterns. Bold stripes, large designs and polka dots stand out and tend to draw attention from the portrait's subject. An eclectic mix of patterns can clash and reduce the quality of a portrait.

  • 4  Dress in timeless clothing for your family portrait. Let your age, rather than the clothes you wear, date the portrait.

  • 5  Have appropriate shoes and socks. Many family portraits are full-body shots, so if you wear sneakers with your dress, you'll probably feel silly. If you plan to change clothes, bring shoes and socks to go with each outfit.

  • 6  Wear colors that translate well through photography. Dark colors like navy blue, black and earth tones look especially nice outdoors. White clothing can get lost against a white background, and dark clothing against a pastel provides nice contrast. Bright shades of yellow, orange and pink can alter skin tones and are not ideal for photographs.

  • 7  Clean and iron all clothing before the portrait. If your clothes wrinkle easily, change just before the sitting. Bring wrinkle release spray and a detergent pen to the portrait site for last-minute emergencies.
  • Remember, there are no hard and fast rules for what to wear.  I truly believe the most important thing is to wear clothing that is flattering, and inspires confidence.  After all, the portrait is of the family, not the clothes.  Right?
  • Ryan



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    We spent our Thanksgiving like many people, visiting family.  Ashley had the idea to take advantage of everyone being together to photograph a portrait of all the cousins.  From left to right:  Catherine 6 mo., Alex 8, Ben 6, and Tommy 2.  We set the background up in Nunni and Pappy's living room, and unknowingly popped the cap on a can of crazy!  Check out the video below for a behind the scenes look at the session.  In the end, it was all worth it for this priceless photo!

    Ryan

     
     
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    The Conger family and Black Dog Photo Co. hit the weather lottery on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  The family was great, with everyone contributing ideas.  The Cuyahoga Valley was beautiful for late November, and we walked away with some awesome photos.  Thanks to Molly and Clint for putting this one together.  I have a feeling you're going to have a hard time choosing!

    Ryan

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    We visited the Rogers family on the Saturday after Thanksgiving for a portrait session in their home.  The whole family loves Christmas and had the house beautifully decorated, making it hard to choose a spot for portraits! The tree and the mantle won out, and we had a great time with Cohen and baby Dawsen.  Thanks to the Rogers for a great session.

    Ryan

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    Well, the rain foiled our plans for portraits on the Cuyahoga Falls riverfront, but that couldn't stop the Edwards family.  We moved the session  indoors and created some awesome portraits.  Three generations of family, and two very cooperative dogs made for a fun morning.  Thanks Danielle!

    Ryan

     
     
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    It was our pleasure to photograph the Arts Alive! awards dinner at E.J. Thomas Hall.  The Akron Arts Alliance was recognizing area artists for excellence, and also hosted a silent auction of work by local artists. We photographed the events, as well as the attendees on the "red carpet" and had a great time!  Check out some of the images from the night below.

    -Ryan

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    Black Dog Photo Co. is offering a great holiday special:  Book a session in December and receive 25 free slimline holiday cards!  All of our cards are custom designed, and a great way to show off your portraits to family and friends!    Cards are available starting for only $1 each.  Call or email Black Dog soon, Christmas will be here before we know it!
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    I love these press printed, boutique style cards. They are a really unique option for holiday cards this year, and are die cut to become an ornament.  The best part? They are still only three bucks each.  Awesome.

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    Custom designed and created cards are the ultimate!  These cards are press printed and the quality is amazing.  Black Dog offers this option for a customized quote.

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     Slimline photo cards are an excellent way to showcase your portraits.  Black Dog custom designs all our cards.  At only $1 each, there is no reason not to send out cards this season!

     

    Akron Wedding Photographer, Black Dog Photo Co