Help! What should we wear to our family photos?!
Help! What should I wear to my family session?!
Dont worry, mama. I’m here to answer all your questions!
Scroll down for more information :)
It’s that time again. The time to muster up all your creative juices and get crackin’ on organizing your family’s photoshoot outfits. Let’s face it, alllll responsibility falls on Mom’s shoulders. So not only are you figuring out your outfit, you’re sorting out your partner, all your kids and maybe even the dog (lol - please refrain from putting clothes on your dog. Yes it’s adorable but just another thing to worry about! Keep it classy with just a collar).
WHERE DO YOU START?! It can be really overwhelming, especially if you don’t enjoy shopping or putting outfits together. Relax, mama. I gotchu. Sit back, relax, and read on for some super helpful wardrobe tips, broken down by each family member!
Alright, first thing’s first - I want you and your family to feel like yourselves!! If you never, ever, ever wear a dress, don’t feel like you have to wear one! Throw on your favorite shirt or sweater instead. I want your photos to be a true reflection of your family and the season you’re in right now, not a false representation of you guys!
That being said, here a few things to remember for everyone: avoid logos, large prints, and characters. Let’s say your little girl loves pink and Paw Patrol - maybe avoid a giant Paw Patrol graphic tee and opt for a pink shirt (like Skye!!) instead. Graphics tend to be a distracting element in photos, so it’s best to keep it simple with just colors and avoid graphics.
Same with guys - it's best to avoid large logos on shirts. Sure, we all love Supreme but we don’t need to be advertising it in your family photos ;) Same goes for kids clothing - just try to avoid any distracting brand/logos!
In general, avoid neon colors. They tend to reflect onto your skin and nobody wants to look like an oompa-loompa in their photos. That being said….I am not afraid of some color! Don’t think you all need to turn up in crisp, white shirts or perfect neutrals. Get creative! Have fun with your wardrobe! Let your kids wear their favorite colors. I love including details like that because one day, you’ll look back and think “awww that was when ALL you would wear was blue!!”. Like I said before, I want your images to be a true reflection of your family and the season you’re in right now.
Alright, let’s get into the nitty gritty! Here are a few specific tips broken down by each member of the family!
Family Session Outfit Tips for Ladies (Mom, Grandma, older girls):
• Shoes can be the trickiest aspect of your outfit, in my opinion. If we’re at the beach - easy! No shoes! But if we’re in a field or forest, you’ll need something on your feet. If you’re in a dress, some sandals (in spring/summer) or boots (in autumn/winter) look great. If we’re doing an in-home session, you’re in luck - no shoes works just fine!
• I love when moms wear a patterned dress or wardrobe piece. I always advise mom to pick out her outfit first and then build everyone’s wardrobe around her. If you choose a pattern with different colors, it’s an easy way to know which colors to choose for the rest of your family! For example, if your dress has soft pinks, greens and blues in it - your family can wear those shades to compliment you and each other.
• Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. Neon clothes are fun BUT we don’t want the neon reflection to reflect on your skin. Think earth tones like soft/deep blues, greens, cream or even black.
Family Session Outfit Tips for Guys (Dad, Grandpa, older boys):
• You can’t go wrong with crisp button up. Or consider a cozy knit sweater with some jeans or casual chinos/trousers. A simple tee is also an easy option for Dad! Again, just avoid any large logos.
• Footwear can be desert boots, casual loafers, or barefoot if we’re on the beach!
• Earth-toned colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. Think about colors you see in nature and go from there - blues, greens, etc always look great!
Family Session Outfit Tips for Kids (hint: comfort is key!!) :
• When picking outfits for kids, we recommend keeping in mind the word “compliment” rather than “match.” For example, if Dad is wearing a blue and cream shirt, Mom may want to choose a long, soft blue dress and the kids can have some cream, darker blues and maybe even a dark green thrown in. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as earth tones.
• A good rule of thumb: pick 3 or so colors and spread them throughout the family. Don't be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns or textures (such as linen).
• And always keep the location in mind. If we're shooting in a green field, light green dresses might blend in too much with the surroundings.
• Have your kids try the clothes on beforehand! I’ve made this rookie mistake and put my toddler in a new sweater that was “TOO ITCHY (!!!!)” aaaaaand…yeah….you wanna avoid that moment at all costs! Let your kids try the clothes on a week or so ahead of time so they know what to expect on the day and aren’t surprised by any “itchy” fabric you may have chosen ;)
I hope those tips are helpful! Like I said before, the #1 most important aspect of what you wear is that you and your family feel like yourselves! I want you too look back at these photos and have them take you back to that time and place in your lives. I want it to be an authentic representation of your family. Like I said before, I’m not afraid of color if you’re a colorful family!
And, as always, I love to help you style your family for your session. I’m just a text, email or phone call away if you need a 2nd opinion. It’s one of my favorite parts of planning the shoot!
Stay tuned for a helpful “Where Should I Shop?” post!