What to Wear For Your Family Photos-A Practical Guide
Why it Matters What You Wear to Your Family Photos
You’ve booked your family photos and now you’re wondering what to wear. This simple guide will help take the mystery away and ensure that you’re confident with your choices.
Firstly, you need to come as your authentic selves. Secondly, it’s important that you’re comfortable. The last point is to remember that simplicity is key.
Let Your Families Personality Shine
Most importantly, choose outfits that you’d usually wear. If you are a casual jeans and t shirt vibing family, there’s no need to dress up for the occasion. Similarly, if you are more of a formal bunch feel free to arrive in dresses and shirts. The key here is to blend with each other. Note, that one person arriving in a suit and the others in jeans would look a little odd!
I love to photograph real personalities and genuine connection, therefore standing on ceremony in your smart clothes isn’t something you’ll be required to do! We’ll be walking, running, crouching, hugging so be sure to be comfortable. That’s paramount!
Choosing a Colour Palette for Your Family Photos
In my opinion, colour choices can make or break a family photos. Thankfully it’s super easy to get this right. Start with one outfit or one colour and build around that. Stick to similar colours and tones but remember that you don’t all need to wear the same! Aim for unity rather than uniformity.
Many photographers will urge you to choose neutrals. Whilst this is always a classic choice that photographs well, it’s not imperative. I’ve photographed many families that want to be bright and that looks amazing too. Just ensure that all of you are bright, or all of you are neutral.
It helps also to think what season your family photos fall into. Many of my sessions are outside so considering what nature looks like at that time of year can inspire colour choices. For example, I’d suggest pastels, creams, greys in summer complimenting long golden grass and wild flowers. Similarly, an Autumn shoot lends itself to yellows, greens, dark grey and black. During the winter months a brave pop of colour looks great and spring time is often all about the bluebells. I have a separate post with inspiration for what to wear for a family bluebell photo shoot.
Add Some Texture and Feel Free to Layer Up
I photograph families outside all year round. Suffice to say, sometimes it gets a little cold. When this is the case, layers are your friend. Chunky knitted jumpers, hats and scarves work better than big coats. Especially on children. Kids can sometimes get lost behind thick collars and hoods, so choose layers that are warm and soft. Texture adds interest and depth in a simple way so I’m always a fan of knits. I’m also a fan of keeping kids warm and happy!
Texture isn’t limited to the winter months. Floaty dresses, light scarves, a shirt over a t shirt all work during the warmer months too. Movement features a lot in my photography and light fabrics move well!
Family Outfit Choices To Avoid
Whilst I’ll encourage you to choose what you wear based on your person taste, there are a few things I’d suggest avoiding. The first one, and it’s a big one, is no football shirts, character t shirts or big text. These age, tastes change and they’re simply just jarring!
Another suggestion would be to limit mixing patterns, checks, and stripes. This can make your pictures look a bit busy and we want you to be the main event, not the patterns.
Lastly, steer away from all wearing the same colour. If mum and baby are wearing white, it’s hard to see where mum ends and baby begins. Keep your tonal range connected, but don’t go all out matching!
Also, think about tops that constantly slip down to show your bra strap. The struggle is real! Tops that rise up to show your belly, tops that are a little tight around the belly. (We all have them) Comfort is key, you don’t want to be fussing about little details.
Most Importantly, Have Fun With Your Family Photos
It’s all about feeling like your authentic selves. The connections between you all as a family are what’s most important. Come as you are, having paid a little attention to the above advice and we’ll rock it!
Finally, I’m adding a couple of links to my Pinterest boards to help visualise colour palettes for each season.
Spring https://uk.pinterest.com/deniseslark/bluebell-photo-shoot-colour-palettes/
Summer https://uk.pinterest.com/deniseslark/insposummer-photo-shoot-colour-palette/
Autumn https://uk.pinterest.com/deniseslark/autumn-photo-shoot-colour-palettes/
Winter https://uk.pinterest.com/deniseslark/inspo-winter-family-photo-shoot-colour-palette/
