DSC_0850 Try and follow the “Three Colors + POP” rule:
 

1.  Pick three colors (one being a neutral)  and put together outfits with those colors only.  More than three colors can seem a bit busy.  Examples would be navy blue (dark wash blue jeans), gray, and mustard yellow. Neutrals include black, white, gray, khaki, etc.
 

2.  Add in an unexpected POP of color.  Add a pop of color by adding a colorful scarf or shoes.  Be aware that this POP will become a focal point in the picture, so I wouldn’t advise adding this color in an area that you don’t want others to look at too closely. 
 

{I must make a disclaimer: RULES CAN BE BROKEN.  These guidelines generally work well to produce a cohesive, vibrant family portrait; a modern take on the whole “white shirts and blue jeans”, if you will.}
 

Other tips:

1.  Think coordinating, not matching.  Again, unless you have a specific purpose for the entire family to match (white shirts and jeans/Khaki) , try to not match outfits exactly (although matching twins or little ones is generally good because it’s so darn cute). You can accomplish the same look as the white shirts and jeans by using a Blue & White palette.  Keep it simple with different shades of blue and white.  Incorporate different patterns and texture for added interest.
 

2.  Try and pick colors that complement the surrounding environment.  Pick colors that will compliment your style and your home. Navy & Yellow palette-  Use navy and different shades of blues as your base, then just add pops of white and yellow for added interest.
 

3.  Use your brightest colors as accessories.  You don’t want the brightest colors detracting from the most important part of the picture:  the PEOPLE!
 

4.  It is ok to mix solids and simple patterns.  SIMPLE patterns add interest and texture to a picture.  If the guys have patterned, buttoned-down shirts it works just fine with the solid colors.  If you stick to a color scheme, everything just naturally blends together. Large family or multi-family group photos should devise a plan prior to your session. Each family should try to coordinate with everyone and mixing in the neutrals for a cohesive group photo. To simplify this, choose bright or light colors in basic colors: Light colors in Aqua & Coral-  I think this is the perfect color combination for beach pictures.  Add in some grays, browns, or whites for your neutrals. ; Bright colors in Navy & Green-  Pair a deep navy with a bright kelly green for a fun, springtime look.  Pops of yellow or pink would be fun to add too.
 

So, that’s it!  Hopefully, the above tips will help you do a little advance planning for what to wear for family photo shoots to create a beautiful family portrait you can be proud of.
 

DSC_0804
 

Thanks to http://www.thedatingdivas.com for the below "What to wear" photos:
 

1.  Turquoise & Yellow-These fun, bright colors just scream “Spring!”  Add in some grays and whites as neutrals and you’re set.
 

2.  Aqua & Coral-  I think this is the perfect color combination for beach pictures.  Add in some grays, browns, or whites for your neutrals.
 

3.  Blue & White-  Keep it simple with different shades of blue and white.  Incorporate different patterns and texture for added interest. 
 

4.  Navy & Coral-  Navy, coral, and white are a great combination alone- or you could add some pops of aqua or gray too.
 

5.  Navy & Green-  Pair a deep navy with a bright kelly green for a fun, springtime look.  Pops of yellow or pink would be fun to add too.
 

6.  Navy & Yellow-  Use navy and different shades of blues as your base, then just add pops of white and yellow for added interest.