What to Wear For Family Photos: A Simple Style Guide
If you are investing your time and money in a photo shoot, it makes sense to spend some time and thought planning what to wear. This will results in a more polished, coherent and styled finish.
Your photographs are creating a legacy for your children and grandchildren. You want to look your best.
So what should you wear?
Here are a my suggestions for results you will love:
For the ladies: choose your outfit first. If you feel good, you will photograph so much better as your confidence will shine through.
Coordinate men/partners and boys around your outfit with basic neutrals eg chinos, jeans, shirts etc. Choose colour palettes and similar tones that blend.
Consider what time of year it is and the location:
*Beach shoot/ Summer: pastel colours work well eg soft blues, pinks, corals aquas, creams and neutrals,
*Garden shoot/Autumn & Winter: bolder, jewel/forrest tones work well eg, sapphire blues, reds, greens, oranges and purples (not all in one!).
Avoid obvious logos – these are distracting and date a photo quickly
Consider footwear esp for kids: make sure it doesn’t let the rest of the outfit down. Runners never look great. Think classic and timeless: boots, laceups, or Converse. Gum boots with a tulle skirt can work!
Wear clothes you are happy to sit and move around in.
Have your family wear a variety of textures and natural fibre fabrics, eg wool, lace. If it’s winter, layer up with textures, eg wooly cardigans or shawls. Sheer fabrics like tulle photograph beautifully.
Patterns can work if family members co-ordinate - or if only one of you wear a pattern. Avoid conflicting prints or patterns.
Remember your hands! I suggest having a mani, so nails don’t look scruffy.
Consider using a professional hair and makeup artist who understands how to obtain a natural look, which photographs well. I work with a professional hair and makeup artist and offer this as an optional extra. I firmly believe that if you feel good about yourself, you will photograph better.
Once you have chosen the family’s outfits, lay all outfits out on a bed and take it in. If you would wear all those colours in one outfit, they will photograph well.
Pay attention to the details eg accessories like necklaces, headbands, braces (for boys not the teeth), hats
If you are unsure, talk to your photographer. They should be able to advise and guide you if you need help and even suggest places to go shopping. I am always happy to chat with my clients and give advice for styling. I will spend time in my pre-session consult to discuss this as well.
Ultimately: Rules are made to be broken, and photos should express who you are. If you want to dress differently then go for it! Let your individuality shine!
Suggested shops for Kids outfits: (none of these are sponsored suggestions although I wish they were :)) I have aimed for a variety of styles and budgets.
Below are examples of tones, fabrics and textures that have been considered and coordinated.
Further reading: deciding the location for your photo shoot, read more here and read how to get the best out of your toddler in a photo shoot, here.
I offer newborn, baby, maternity, family and branding photoshoots in Melbourne. And I work closely with all my clients on styling to achieve the imagery they want.
