Family shoot outfit guide
Below I have included everything you need to know to help you pick the perfect outfit for your family session.
I know it can feel a bit daunting trying to pick what to wear for family photos.
Don't you worry, I'm here to help!
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Remember, these are GUIDELINES, not rules!
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Most of the time you won't need to go shopping for new outfits. Bring clothes you normally wear, stuff that’s already in your closet that you love and feel yourselves in.
Feel free to bring a few different options that we can go through and choose from, or you are welcome to message me a few options and I can help.
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Also, just know that depending on where we are shooting, you’ll most likely be changing in the back of the car on the side of the road. If you aren’t down with that, that’s totally fine and you can just bring one outfit!
A good way to change your outfit up is to bring a jacket, hat etc that's easily removable and will give you more options.
Colours
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I recommend you lean towards neutrals, earthy tones, and metallics.
This doesn't mean that you're just limited to creams, browns, and grays. There are neutrals to every single color! Instead of green, go for a soft forest green. Instead of red, go with a deep maroon. Instead of yellow, choose a mustard yellow.
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Complimentary = GOOD, matching = BAD. Gone are the days of blue jeans and matching white polos. You only want to wear complimentary colors with each other, don't match one another's outfits perfectly. Complimentary means the variety of colors, textures, accessories, patterns, and tones all coordinate together while there is still separation from each.
pattern + textures.
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Avoid big, loud, crazy patterns. The smaller and more subtle, the better!
If the pattern is too loud, it will distract from your faces. Flannels and floral patterns are okay, but use them sparingly. And in very neutral tones. I usually try to avoid pairing too many patterns together because, as I'm sure you can guess, it makes the photos feel hectic and distracting. Also avoid anything with Large logos or words on them.
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If it FEELS cool and interesting to the touch, it will LOOK cool and interesting in your photo. Knit sweaters, textured tights, worn corduroy pants, velvet blazers, and leather jackets all are examples of interesting clothing textures. And I'm a fan.
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Pro Tip: Anything that can show movement or catch the wind is a big YES. The movement of dresses, skirts, or scarves add so much energy and beauty to your images.
Location
Think about the locations and conditions we are going to be shooting in and plan around it. Make sure what you are wearing makes sense for where we are. If we are going to be hiking around the hills, bring shoes that you can walk around in. If we are shooting on a sandy beach, you'll most likely want to be barefoot. Heels are almost always a bad idea in most scenarios, unless you’re freakishly good at walking in them OR you plan to change into them before shooting.
If it’s freezing cold outside, bring lots of layers. If it’s going to be hot, bring clothes that can breathe in.
Be as comfortable as you can be!
Accessories.
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Accessories are always encouraged and can be a fun element to add.
Rad hats, fun scarves, and jewelry can add more interest to your outfits. Plus, as in the case with items such as hats they also give you something extra to do with your hands which is always a good thing in photos.
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Gone are the days of chalkboards and other similar "props". Instead, opt for a cosy blanket, a campfire, bouquet, skateboards, pets etc.
If you have a motorcycle or rad vintage car or truck, you better bring that too!
Props don't have to be cheesy and they can really add some rad elements to your session.
PRO TIP: As much as we all love our Apple watch (or any watch for that matter) take them off for your photographs.
Make-up & Hair.
With hair and make-up, do whatever will make you feel best. It is totally up to you if you get it done professional, do it at home or none of those options.
If you get a tan make sure its natural airbrushed spray tan!
It's a good idea to bring extra for touch ups (hair brush, lipstick etc)
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DO:
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Layer up! You can always remove them if you get too warm.
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Wear sensible shoes for walking through wet grass and muddy woodland
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Bring a spare set of clothes for each of your children in case of wet or muddy accidents.
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choose one of two basic colours that you can all stick too in various tones
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use neutral colours such as white, cream and beige alongside your brighter colour choices.
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DON’T
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No children’s character clothing such as peppa pig jumpers or spider-man coats.
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Anything stuffed into pockets, such as keys, wallets or phones etc will be visible in your shots!
