To create a memorable photograph of a family group or couple, proper co-ordination is essential.

The goal of a portrait is to direct the viewer’s attention to the face or faces in the portrait, so you should choose colors and clothing carefully. These guidelines will help you to prepare for your portrait session.

• Everyone in the portrait should dress in shades of the same color so that no one stands out because he or she is dressed in a lighter, darker or brighter outfit than the others in the portrait.
• Simple, long-sleeved garments in medium to dark tones of brown, burgundy, green or blue are good choices.
• Clothing can be formal or informal. A formal dark velvet dress or a casual denim outfit will direct the viewers eye to the faces, especially when photographed against a dark background.
  The same is true for simple white or pale pastel clothing photographed against a light background.
• If brothers and sisters are to be photographed together, they should wear similar colors and styles.

Avoid the following:

• Bold stripes, plaids, checks, and prints – these patterns can be confusing.
• Bright colors, which draw the attention away from the faces and could ruin a portrait.
• Light and dark tones together, which create visual confusion.