What To Wear For Family Photos
What to Wear for a Family Photoshoot – Outdoors
A question all my clients ask me before their family photoshoot is: ‘What do we wear?’.
Organising family members for a photoshoot is difficult, especially when your family is grown and scattered around the country.
And for many families, the opportunity for photos doesn’t happen often.
So when it does, it’s important to make the most of your photoshoot and plan your wardrobe so your family members look cohesive and stylish.
It also helps your photo remain timeless.
Remember the awful fashion from the 80s? Yep, I have loads of photos of me with my BIG permed hair and fluro clothes.
So these are my expert tips to help you plan the perfect wardrobe, and know what to wear for your family photoshoot.
1. Choose Your Colour Palette
There’s no need for everyone to match outfits. Imagine you’re dressing one person and choose a color palette with 2-4 colors that blend well together. And instead of wearing identical outfits, opt for a coordinated look with complementary colors and styles. Neutral tones, earth tones, or pastels tend to photograph beautifully outdoors. Avoid overly bright colors that may clash with natural backgrounds and avoid black as it tends to look harsh at outdoor locations.
2. Consider the Location & Season
Your outfits should look like they belong in the environment where your photoshoot takes place. If your shoot is in a park during autumn, rich colors like mustard, browns, beige, yellows, rust or forest green look amazing. For a beach setting, soft blues, whites, and beiges create a soft, breezy look. If your outfits match the setting and the season, your photos will look natural and timeless.
3. Dress Comfortably
Comfort is everything! Because if you feel uncomfortable, you’ll look uncomfortable in your photos. Especially when children are involved in the session. Avoid stiff, uncomfortable clothing and opt for breathable, flowy fabrics. There are so many gorgeous flowy dresses, it’s the perfect excuse for a shopping trip! If you’re wearing pants, make sure they fit well, but also give you room to move, run and sit comfortably.
4.Avoid Loud Patterns & Logos
This is a must! Busy patterns, neon colors (again remember the 80s), and large logos are distracting and take the attention away from the stars of the show. Which of course, is you and your family. Instead, choose subtle prints like florals, denim, or simple textures that add interest without overwhelming the photo.
5. Layer and Accessorise
Layering can add depth to your photos and also allows for quick outfit changes. Try adding light sweaters, throws, scarves, or jackets to create interest in your photos. Accessories like hats, chunky jewelry, belts, or scarves add a touch of your own personality to the photos without overpowering them.
6. Don’t Forget Footwear
Shoes matter more than you think! It’s important to make sure everyone’s footwear suits the location. For example, heels are not ideal for a grassy field or the beach, and thongs may look too casual or stand out in a formal setting. Clean, neutral-toned shoes, flats, and dressy sandals often work best.
7. Consider the Fabric
Argh wrinkles! While I love linen and it’s hugely popular in women’s clothing right now, it wrinkles. Like, the second you sit down.
Wrinkled clothing stands out in photos and as good as Photoshop is, it’s not magic.
It’s best to find an outfit that won’t wrinkle as soon as you get in the car for your photoshoot.
Also, if the weather is hot and humid, consider how hot your outfit will make you. There’s nothing worse than having sweat running down your face and back while trying to smile for photos.
8. Plan Ahead & Do a Trial Run
Try on outfits a few days before the shoot to ensure everything fits well and looks good together. This will help avoid any last-minute wardrobe mishaps and give you time to make adjustments if needed. Also, it’s a good idea to have a back-up outfit just in case.
9. Outfits for the Kids
When there are toddlers or boisterous kids involved, it’s always best to dress them in their regular clothes for the trip to the session. That way you can avoid food and drink spills and any other mess children have a knack for finding. And bring a back-up outfit for the kids too. I’ve seen kids so excited to be at the beach, they’ve run straight to the waters edge, in their nice outfits, and fallen in the water.
10. Tan or No Tan?
When it comes to tanning, I always say natural is better. Fake tans tend to look orange and the colour often sticks to elbows, hands and feet. And there’s not much you can do when you look orange and the rest of your family have natural skin tones. So embrace your natural colour. And remember, fake tans are a fad but your photos last forever.
11. Hair and Make-Up
I say yes to both. But it’s a personal preference whether you have your hair and make-up professionally done.
Although, there are some things to consider.
For example, if you colour your hair, make sure you have a fresh colour before the session to cover any unwanted greys or regrowth.
If your photoshoot is at a windy location like the beach, make sure your hairstyle will stay in place. Don’t be afraid to go crazy with the hairspray.
Also, it’s best to have a haircut at least a week before the session to avoid haircut regret.
And when it comes to makeup, just wear your usual amount. There’s no need to go over the top and wear more than you normally would.
For those who don’t wear any makeup, I still suggest wearing the basics like mascara, some colour on your cheeks, and a touch of lipstick.
Adding a little makeup will help your features pop and stand out in the photos.
Thanks for reading!
So, there you have it. The ultimate guide to what to wear for your family photoshoot.
I hope my style and wardrobe tips will help you make the most out of your photoshoot.
The key to getting gorgeous outdoor family photos is dressing in a way that shows both your family’s personality and the beautiful backdrop of nature.
And by coordinating outfits, considering the location, and focusing on comfort, you’ll have timeless and cherished photos that reflect your family’s unique style and personality.
And if you’re in need of a photographer to capture your family photos, click the button below.
Have fun!
