It’s very common to wonder what to wear to a family photo session. One of the most important things to remember when dressing for or planning a family portrait session is that whatever may be your theme or colour palette, you should be comfortable and feel confident. If you feel uncomfortable, it will show up and can ruin your family photo shoot. So, be your most authentic self and stick to your own style for the best family portraits.
Choosing what outfits to wear for family photos can be a little stressful. So, here’s our guide to help you choose clothes for the whole family while letting you hone your personal style.
Things to Consider for Family Portraits
When choosing outfits for a family photo shoot, there are many things to consider, such as the colour palette. Choose a scheme that makes all your family members look good. Explore a variety of patterns, textures, and styles to create a fun and intriguing overall appearance, and complete it with accessories like hats, necklaces, shoes, scarves and earrings.
Colours and Patterns
The professionals at Faithful Photography often suggest subdued and neutral tones in your colour palette for the best family photos. However, it is also important to consider the location of the family photo shoot, as the environment can dictate the ideal colour scheme and patterns for your photo shoot.
For instance, if it’s an outdoor location, outfits with bright colours can clash with the backdrop. Often, the places we choose to photograph in, such as the beach, may feature a lot of colours, and wearing bright colours might have a dulling effect.
You may try out clothing in warm colours such as browns, mustards, yellows, dusty pinks, oranges, or earthy greens, creams, or whites are all pretty trendy for family photo shoots this season. To add some diversity, select one patterned piece for yourself, such as a long flowing dress, and then take out some comparable colours from that pattern for other family members.
Textured Clothing Choices
Different textures can really add an element of intrigue and visual interest to family portraits. Think about patterns like linens, lace, chunky knits, waffled textiles, and anything with texture and movement! When it’s windy outside, wearing clothing that allows for some movement always makes for wonderful photos.
Props
Using props for family portraits is a great idea simply because it can make your photo shoot a lot more fun. But you’d want your props to perfectly complement your outfits and the mood you want to set in the photos.
Consider using a warm blanket or shawl for winter sessions, as well as picnic rugs, baby wraps, and hats. These kinds of props are a fantastic way to improve a session and offer a little bit extra.
Select Clothing Based on The Location
When choosing the perfect attire for a family portrait, it’s important to take into consideration thelocation of the shoot. Whether you’re opting for a picturesque outdoor setting or a chique indoor space, there are certain colours and styles that will elevate the overall look and feel of the final photos. Allow us to guide you through some luxurious and elegant options for both types of shoots.
Outdoor Portraits
One classic choice is the timeless combination of denim and white. This look can be mixed with different denim garments such as skirts, dresses, shorts, and jackets for a versatile and cohesive aesthetic. Another option is denim and black, which offers a sleek and slimming alternative to the traditional white and denim combo.
For a more natural and earthy tone, consider incorporating white and khaki/brown into your outfits. Mix and match with dresses, skirts, and jackets for a subtle and elegant look. Lastly, you can add a pop of colour to your attire by having the parents wear black or white tops and the kids wear a bold colour or vice versa.
Indoor Portraits
When it comes to indoor family portraits, especially in a studio setting, it’s important to consider the backdrop you’ll be using. One way to elevate the overall look and feel of the final photos is by incorporating a change of clothes.
This allows you to complement different colour backdrops and create a cohesive and polished aesthetic. For example, if you’re using a neutral-toned backdrop, you can opt for a dramatic outfit, such as a black or white ensemble.
On the other hand, if you’re using a colourful backdrop, you may want to choose an outfit that complements the colours in the background. This gives you the opportunity to showcase different sides of your family and create a more dynamic and diverse set of images.
To make the right clothing decision, you should consult with your photographer. So start by getting in touch with the award-winning photographers here at Faithful Photography. You can be assured of the best advice for your photo shoot. So, do it now by calling us on 1300 907 115 or clicking here.
FAQ
Q1: What should we wear to our family photo shoot?
Ans: The best attire for a family photo shoot is something that is coordinated but doesn’t necessitate wearing matching clothes. You can choose a similar colour palette for every family member, coordinate colours, and dress in a mix of solids and patterns. If you want to wear matching outfits, you can even have a theme!
Q2: Should we all wear the same colour or pattern?
Ans: It’s not necessary to match outfits, but coordinating colours and patterns can create a cohesive look in the photos. For instance, if it’s white clothing that you want everyone to wear, you can make arrangements like – all male family members to wear white t-shirts, maybe the boys can wear casual white shirts, while the women and little girls opt for summery white dresses. You can choose a colour scheme or pick out complementary colours for each person to wear. Mixing and matching textures and patterns can also add interest to the photos.
Q: Are there any colours or patterns that should be avoided for a family photo shoot?
Ans: It’s best to avoid wearing large logos or graphics on clothing or loud accessories, as they can draw attention away from the main subject of the photo. You should also avoid wearing anything too bright or neon, as these colours can be harsh in photos. It’s best to stick to more neutral or muted tones in natural fabrics for a polished and timeless look.
Q: Can we wear different outfits for different backdrops during the photo shoot?
Ans: Yes, you can definitely change outfits during the photo shoot to complement different backdrops. It’s a great way to create a variety of looks and add more depth to your final set of images. You can consult with a professional photographer like Faithful Photography to plan out different outfits and backdrops ahead of time. Or refer to a Pinterest board for family photo shoots for some more inspiration.