What to wear for your family photoshoot
Perhaps you love timeless neutrals. Or maybe you’re more into bright and colourful. Whatever your style - the best advice I can give, is to make sure you are dressed as YOU in your photo shoot and that you are comfortable in what you’re wearing. And yes we can absolutely turn up in our best and put in maximum effort to feel our best. But let’s take the pressure off ourselves and the family to look perfect, and instead focus on relaxing and enjoying the experience. We don’t want to be wearing an outfit that will have us fiddling with straps or making us feel self conscious. Be comfortable, so that you can be yourself.
We want coordinated and complimentary outfits, without matching! Think neutral tones and solid colours, without large branding. Within this coordination, you can certainly add colour and pattern! Let your personalities shine. If bright and bold is you - go for it! But no clashing colours please.
And be mindful of hair styles - we don’t want a gallery of you fiddling with your hair and sweeping it out of your face. If you choose to wear it out, embrace the windswept look and go with it - it really does make for beautiful image. Just in case - pack a hair tie.
The image below shows the perfect example of blending neutrals with solid tones and pattern. They all tie in together beautifully.
In summer we can’t go wrong with maxi dresses, linen sets, classic button up shirts and simple shorts and tees. Don’t forget to think about footwear. On the beach we’ll be barefoot, but if we’re meeting in the fields, think lovely sandals or classic kicks so that feet are protected .
In winter, the wardrobe factor can be so gorgeous! Think chunky knits, warm textured fabrics, jeans, stylish coats, knitted beanies, and chunky boots. Essential to a great shoot in winter, is keeping those babies warm! So layer them up and if you think you’ve got enough, throw another layer in for good measure. It’s also important to bring something warm in the shoulder seasons, as it can cool down quickly in the later afternoons.
A great idea can be to pick complimentary colours and go for various shades of those colours, mixed with neutral palettes. I have placed some colour palette examples here for some guidance on colours that work beautifully together.
It’s also great to create contrasting outfits in the family. So if dad is wearing a dark shirt and light shorts, you might like to pop your son in the opposite combination.
If you’re determined to go all neutral, make sure you have various textures and fabrics in the outfits to make for interesting photos.
Ladies do make sure you consider underwear carefully and opt for nude coloured garments please.
ANY COLOURS NOT TO WEAR?
There are some colours which are difficult to photograph, and can also look unnatural in outdoor images - including neons, bright red and bright blue. Darker shades of red and blue are fine, but the brighter shades can be difficult. Opt for more muted tones to ensure you have warm, timeless images.