Family Photo Sessions-What to Wear
Outfit and Inspiration Style Guide
What Should We Wear For Family Photos?!
1) Location, location, location!
Choose your location with your photographer. The location can determine the style of clothing and footwear for the session. Once your location has been decided on you’ll wonder what will you and your family wear. Where to begin? Here are some ideas to get the ball rolling.
2) Start with Mom’s outfit.
Start by selecting your favorite color for mom (or daughter) outfit. I recommend wearing a dress or a skirt/top combo that is slightly dressier than your everyday style. A pair of skinny jeans and a blouse is another great option. Try to opt for high quality fabrics because they hang better.
3) Choose your color palette.
Once mom (or daughter) outfits are picked out its time to think about coordinating colors. I recommend 2-3 colors including some neutral and one of which pops to bring life to the outfits. If you are wanting warmer colors and a soft glow in the pictures peach, cream, and brown are your best bet. If you’d prefer brighter and sharper appearance I’d recommend wearing bold and vivid colors.
Tip: Think muted colors in your selection. Avoid saturated and bold colors which cause distraction in the photo. I recommend looking for muted versions of the same color.
4) Add variety with subtle patterns.
Adding subtle patterns to your outfit selection by having primarily solids with a few coordinating subtle patterns and texture. This will add depth and interest to you photographs. Smaller doses of patterns add a lot to your photos.
Tip: Avoid bold, large prints that can distract from the photo. Layers are a great way to add variety with scarves, cardigans, shawls, etc.
5) Fitted clothing is your friend.
Find clothes that are neither overly baggy nor too tight. Finding the perfect balance between the two ideal. Flowing shirts and dresses can hide your shape and be less flattering in photos.
Tip: If wearing a flowing skirt, choose a fitted top. With a loose top, choose skinny jeans.
6) Dress for the weather.
Consider the weather when you are deciding on your outfit selections. You may have found the perfect, but if you’re freezing or sweating your family session may unravel quickly.
Tip: Layering a great solution for those chilly or sweltering weekend days. Pack a cardigan or sweater for the kids to be prepared for temperature changes.
7) Your style.
Just be you! Don’t over think your outfit selections. You want your photography session to represent the real you and your family. Looking online for outfit ideas can be overwhelming. Look for ideas that represent you and your style.
8) Only one outfit (For family session).
Keep it simple and you’ll feel less stressed only wearing one outfit! Bringing multiple outfit can be stressful and take time away from your session.
Tip: If you are worried about your babies drooling on his or her clothing put a bib on them until you arrive. Alternatively, change them into their outfit right when you arrive to ensure clean clothing.
9) Don’t forget about the shoes.
Consider your session location when making shoe selections for the session.
Tips: What to avoid? Bright white shoes and kids shoes with cartoon characters/sparkles on them. Can’t find the shoes you love. Consider having the family go barefoot for the session.
10) Try on your clothes before the day of your session
Have your family try on the outfits well in advance prior to your session. This is important in case something isn’t working. Move around and look at different angles in your clothing to make sure it works for lifestyle photos.
Overall Tips
Comfort
Most importantly, you want to feel comfortable in what you wear. You don’t want an outfit that keeps shifting out of place or falling down. Choose clothing that allows you to play with your kids, move freely and feels good on you. For guys this means that shirts that look good untucked are usually better since you will be playing and moving around with your kids and you don’t want to have to keep tucking in your shirt.
Accessorize
Don’t forget earrings, bracelets, hats, or other accessories that help complete your outfit! Ladies, please avoid necklaces as they have a hard time staying in place and can get tangled up in those cuddle and tickle moments with your kids.
Texture
Texture is a striking feature and adds great dimension to your photos and helps them stand out. Examples of texture include chambray, faux fur, chunky knits, lace, tweed, wool, etc.
Makeup
Apply your makeup in natural light so that you know how it will look for outdoor photos. Apply just a little bit more than you usually would and make sure to blend foundation well with your neck. Stay away from nude lipsticks as they wash you out, but do make sure to wear lip gloss (chapstick for everyone in the family so they don’t have the dry lip look). If you’re comfortable with it, help your eyes pop with natural length fake eyelashes.