Formal family portraits create something increasingly rare: a lasting record of the people who matter most.
While everyday photographs document countless moments, a professionally planned family portrait is created with intention. Clothing, lighting, posing, expression and finished artwork all work together to create a portrait that can become part of your family’s history.ment sessions and weddings, to their first borns to their children’s senior portraits, and to their 25th wedding anniversaries. Imagine being able to share those precious milestones with your children and grandchildren for years to come through family portraiture.
Over the years, Michael and Lisa Carr have photographed families through many stages of life, from young couples and growing families to high school seniors, anniversaries and multiple generations gathered together.
Those portraits become more meaningful with time. They allow children and grandchildren to see not only what their family looked like, but also the relationships and connections that shaped their story.
At Michael Carr Photography, every family portrait experience begins with thoughtful planning. We help you consider wardrobe, portrait style, grouping, background and how you would ultimately like to display your finished artwork.
That’s why Lisa and I connect with our clients to understand the essence of their family. We guide families through the family portraiture process every step of the way, beginning with what to wear.
What to Wear for Formal Family Portraits
Wardrobe plays an important role in creating a timeless formal family portrait.
For a classic studio portrait, we generally recommend clothing that is elegant, coordinated and visually understated. The goal is for attention to remain on your family’s faces and relationships rather than individual outfits.
Dark and jewel toned colors photograph beautifully with our classic studio lighting and backgrounds. Solid fabrics generally work better than bold patterns, large prints or prominent logos.
For formal studio family portraits, consider these general wardrobe guidelines:
Men
Dark suits, tuxedos or jackets paired with a white or coordinating dress shirt work especially well. Ties may be included depending on the level of formality you prefer.
Women
Black, navy, burgundy, deep green and other rich colors create an elegant appearance. Dresses, gowns and sophisticated separates can all work beautifully. Classic jewelry such as pearls or understated pieces can complement the finished portrait.
Young Girls
Solid dresses in jewel tones, ivory, cream or other coordinated colors photograph well. The goal is to complement the rest of the family without creating unnecessary visual distractions.
Young Boys
A dark jacket, suit, sweater or other classic coordinated clothing works well. For younger boys, a white shirt with a bow tie can also create a timeless look.
These are guidelines rather than rigid rules. Before your session, we will help you plan clothing that works for your family, your portrait style and the artwork you hope to create.
Why Choose a Studio for Formal Family Portraits?
The controlled environment of a professional portrait studio offers several advantages for formal family portraits.
Studio lighting allows us to shape and control light carefully for every person in the portrait. Backgrounds, posing and composition can also be planned intentionally so the finished image has a polished and cohesive appearance.
A studio session also removes the uncertainty of Houston weather. Heat, humidity, rain and wind are no longer factors, making the experience more comfortable and predictable for families of all ages.
Our Houston portrait studio includes private areas for wardrobe adjustments and the amenities needed to make the portrait experience comfortable from beginning to end.
Creating a Timeless Family Portrait
A formal family portrait is about more than creating a beautiful photograph for today.
It becomes a visual record of your family at a particular moment in time. As children grow, families change and generations pass, that portrait often becomes increasingly meaningful.
That is why we approach formal family portraiture with longevity in mind. We consider not only how the portrait will look on the day it is created, but how it will feel when your family looks at it years from now.
From Portrait Session to Finished Artwork
Michael Carr Photography is a full service Houston portrait studio.
We guide clients through the complete portrait experience, beginning with planning and wardrobe guidance and continuing through the portrait session, image selection, professional retouching and artwork design.
During your image selection appointment, we can also help you determine appropriate portrait sizes and display options for your home.
The goal is not simply to create digital photographs. It is to help you create finished portrait artwork that can be displayed, enjoyed and eventually passed on to future generations.
Planning Your Formal Family Portraits
Whether you are celebrating a milestone, bringing several generations together or simply recognizing that it has been too long since your last family portrait, there is value in documenting your family as it is today.
Learn more about our Houston family portrait experience and how Michael Carr Photography can help you plan a portrait designed around your family, your home and the artwork you would like to create.
About Michael Carr Photography
Michael Carr Photography is a Houston portrait studio serving families and professionals for more than 30 years. We are members of PPA.
Michael and Lisa Carr provide a guided portrait experience that includes planning, wardrobe recommendations, professional posing and lighting, image selection, retouching and custom portrait artwork.
The studio is located at 5701 Woodway Drive, Suite 108, Houston, Texas 77057.
To begin planning your family portrait, contact Michael Carr Photography at 713 461 2862 or schedule a portrait consultation.
