Robyn Scherer Photography All About Families

Choosing Time and Date

I am a natural light photographer and believe that natural light creates photographs that feel fresh, timeless and truest to you. I begin all my portrait sessions 1 hour before sunset during “the golden hour,” when the lighting is at it’s best. To get the most out of your session, please plan a buffer when getting ready so you can arrive a few minutes early to your session and be ready to start on time. I am only able to shoot when natural light is still in the sky, so we’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together before the sun goes down.

Ladies

What to Wear

• First, choose a palette of 3-4 colors for your family. If you're unsure of what looks best on all of you, I can help or just go cream, gray, tans, and/or neutrals.
• Secondly, don't stray too far from your personal style. You'll ideally want a glam version of you.
• Third, don't have the whole family too "matchy".
• Say Yes to the Dress. Dresses and skirts look most stunning because they really flatter every female body, especially on camera — which is probably why the red carpet is always full of so many dresses and not very many pantsuits! Remember though, these are just recommendations.
• Long, full-length, flowy dresses and skirts. These look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Especially when juxtaposed with nature, like a park or the beach. Consider softer fabrics which allow for beautiful movement in your images. Also, skirts and dresses tend to elongate legs.
• Add accessories. They add a lot of pop! If you have a favorite jacket or scarf, bring it!
• Solid colors tend to work best. They leave the focus on YOU. Stay away from neon colors as they cast shades of color on your face. If you have dark hair, stay away from dark tops as your hair tends to blend in.
• Dress for the location. Don't wear anything too tight or too short as you'll be moving around.
• Layer, layer, layer! Layering creates depth and can give you different looks.
• Sleeves. Three-quarter length sleeves create an awesome slimming effect on all arms, so be on the lookout for an option with a longer length sleeve. You could also bring a cute jacket, blazer or cardigan along, too. Skinny straps or strapless dresses have the opposite effect on arms on camera, so I recommend avoiding those whenever possible if your goal is a set of slimmer-looking arms.
• Give your outfit a test run. Make sure you can move around with ease. Make sure you feel great in the outfit because if you don't, you will see it in the photographs. Snap a couple of pics of yourself to make sure you like what you see.
• Avoid logos, tube tops, and low-cut shirts.

Makeup and Hair

• Think about having your hair and makeup done. You will love what being pampered brings to the portraits.
• If you don't like a lot of makeup, have them do a "natural" look. If you like glam, lashes always add a pop if you choose to wear them.
• Pick a lipstick or lipgloss color that will work with your outfit(s). Even if you don't wear lipstick/gloss in your day to day life, wear it for your session. You'll be surprised how much of a difference it makes. And, BRING YOUR LIP COLOR TO THE SESSION. You'll want to bring makeup to touch up with as well.
• Very Important: Don't try dramatic, new hairstyles or cuts before your session. Sleek hair and romantic waves photograph really well. *Be sure to bring your brush to the session.

Additional Tips

• If you get your hair/makeup done, you will want to wear a button down shirt so that it slips effortlessly over your head when you change.
• No spray tans. Your normal skin tone will look fantastic in the photographs.
• CLEAN nails. A pretty coat of paint or none at all.
• Shape your brows. Either have them done or clean them up. They really make your eyes pop when well groomed!

Gentlemen

What to Wear

• Long, fitted pants and closed-toed shoes are the most sophisticated and masculine looks for men. They draw attention away from his legs and feet and place it where you want it: on his handsome face.
• Fitted dress pants or fitted colored pants work best on camera. Solid shades of gray or navy are a strong compliment to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye.
• It's best to avoid clothing with logos. It takes away from you.
• Graphics are fine. As long as graphics are part of "you" and what you would normally wear.
• Layered Looks. Layers on men look great on camera, so even when it’s hot outside, trust me when I say that it’s worth an hour or two of discomfort for photos that will last you both a lifetime. Layers will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Blazers, vests and coats up the level of any look.
• It’s All in the Details. Brown leather dress shoes compliment almost every look, whether he’s wearing a full suit or a blazer and colored pants. Ties, bowties, pocket squares, colored socks, belts, tie clips, suspenders, vests and watches are sharp compliments to any outfit for men and boys alike.

Grooming

• Shaving: remember under your chin and get close to the ears.
• Check your ears and nose for any unwanted hairs.
• Haircut: do so at least a week before so it's the length you love.
• Don't forget your nails. Clean and trimmed!
• Bring chapstick if your lips are dry.

DRessing Your Crew

As you’re coordinating your outfit with your family, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palette and wardrobe pieces coordinate, but don’t actually “match.” In fact, I recommend that you avoid thinking about “matching,” and instead think about what “fits” together. This will create more visual interest, and allow each personality to shine through.

The goal for coordinating a family is to visually break up the colors and shades so that you’re not all wearing the same color on top and bottom. The more you can mix that up, the better. I encourage you to think about planning each outfit with “dominant colors” and “accent colors” in mind. A dominant color is the color that you see the most in an outfit, while an accent has a smaller piece of visual real estate. When you’re planning each family member’s outfit, if you can aim for each person to have a different dominant color, and then tie in and vary the accent colors, it’s going to look great all together.