Booking a family photoshoot is an important milestone for your growing family and I understand why you want to plan your outfits so everything is perfect, it’s not often you get professional photos taken! I’ve put together some easy tips and ideas to help plan what your family is going to wear.
START WITH YOUR LOCATION and ask yourself these questions:
Will your photo session be indoors or outdoors?
What time of year are you having photos taken, do you need to dress warm and comfortably? I photograph all year round, which means some families will dress appropriately for the season.
Do you want your outfits to look natural and cohesive with the environment? For example, if you’re on a beach does it make sense to wear shorts, bare feet or a dress, rather than dressing overly formally?
MUM PICK YOUR OUTFIT FIRST
Mums you might find it easier to start with your outfit first! I know how hard it can be to find clothes or an outfit that you love. Is this a reason to buy the dress you’ve been eyeing up? You want to feel confident and beautiful for this shoot. You can then style your children’s and partner’s outfits around what you’re going to wear. You deserve this moment to shine!
WHAT COLOURS WILL BE IN THE BACKGROUND
Think about what will the colours be in the background, from here you can start to think about clothing and how these will blend or contrast. If your photos are in a garden setting with lots of green, you might want to avoid wearing all green but you could add in one element of the same colour. Try to pick colours from the same pallet or similar in tones (bright and bold vs. earthy and neutral).
If your photos will be at home grab inspiration from your decor and the colour of paint on the walls. You might like to grab some options from your wardrobes and lay them out on the furniture to see how they look in the environment.
ADD IN TEXTURES AND A POP OF COLOUR (AVOID TOO MUCH BLACK AND TEXT/LOGOS)
If you can try to pick outfits that aren’t all black. While black can make us feel confident, it doesn’t always photograph the best if there’s too much of it. If you only wear black pants, pair them with a coloured or textured shirt to break it up. This is important for maternity sessions, black (or even dark navy) coloured dresses can make it hard to see baby bumps.
Add in some textures if you are going for a matched look, sometimes too much of one colour starts to blend together too much. You can break this up with either a different type of fabric or a small pattern. Avoid big and bold patterns (like logos or large text). Small and delicate patterns like in the images above are ok, the reason being you don’t want your clothing to distract your attention away from your expressions. Don’t be afraid to add a pop of colour somewhere! No matter what style you pick, go for a look that suits your family. If your vibe is more relaxed and comfortable then keep it authentic.
IF IN DOUBT, WEAR WHITE
White, beige, creams, and any light-coloured dresses or shirts always photograph incredibly well during sunset. White can sometimes be misunderstood to look too bridal or too bold. Lighter colours are perfect for engagement sessions, maternity photos and family sessions (maybe not as suitable for younger children who might want to run around and play).
DRESS LIKE YOURSELF
Dress like yourself most importantly! If your spouse isn't one to wear a suit and tie, don't force this on them. If you don't like wearing dresses, then definitely don't wear something that doesn't feel like you. Pull out your best pair of trousers and a hoodie.
There are no rules for what is and isn't acceptable. It may be a professional photo session but don't let that intimate you or make you feel like you have to dress a certain way. You want to recognise yourself in the future.
If you're having a tricky task convincing your little ones to wear a particular item, give them a few options that suit and then let them decide, it will get them more involved with the process.
RECAP
For a more natural look, think of your location and what clothing would make sense to wear there
Try to pick colours from the same pallet or similar in tones (bright and bold vs. earthy and neutral)
Mums pick your outfit first!
If you can try to pick outfits that aren’t all black (especially avoiding black or dark-coloured dresses for maternity bump photos)
Avoid big and bold patterns (like logos or large text)
Add in some textures if you are going for a matching coloured clothing
Dress like yourself
If in doubt, white will always be a colour that suits everyone and will be forever timeless
STILL NOT SURE? BRING OPTIONS!
Still not sure, bring plenty of options or send me some pics beforehand for some ideas! Sometimes picking an outfit can be a last-minute decision. It really can come down to the weather on the day. Don't overthink or overcomplicate it. Wear what feels good and is practical enough to help you feel comfortable during your photos.
Bring options for children, especially if you need to have snacks on hand in the car ride on your way, you may want to change into outfits when you arrive. But also, a little mess on clothing isn't ever really a big deal and usually won't show up in photos anyway.
Bring coats and jackets, plus a hair tie incase the weather turns it on for us. Wellington can be highly unpredictable which always keeps me on my toes!