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Coordinate subjects’ clothing

If it is within your control, it can be effective when shooting groups of people to ask each of them to wear outfits that complement and support each other aesthetically. If not, you run the risk of one member of the group’s clothing clashing with the others, possibly making someone stand out or visually isolating them from the composition. Choosing complementary outfits creates harmony, adds to the balance and can help create a feel-good mood for the shot. Of course, it is not necessary to choose exactly matching outfits, but rather select colours, tones and styles that work well together.

FAMILY WALK

The matching styles and colours of the clothing create a unity between these subjects. We can see the connection between the three people, not only because of their clothing, but because of their relaxed and happy expressions. The implied line that runs from the mother through to the son suggests a strong family bond. The lighting further adds to the relaxed and harmonious mood of the image: diffused through soft cloud and reflected by the light beach pebbles, it gives the scene a beautifully soft feel.

Canon EOS 10D, 70–200mm lens at 70mm, 1/750 sec at f/3.5, ISO 200.