What to Wear For Your Family Photoshoot: Outfit Ideas
Capturing timeless family moments through photography is a cherished tradition. And whether you’re planning a family portrait session, a holiday card photoshoot, or simply want to document your kids growing up, choosing the perfect outfits can elevate your family photos from good to great. Here are some helpful tips and outfit ideas to ensure your family looks their best in every frame.
How to Dress for a Family Shoot?
There is no one set of rules for family photo outfits. Some families love bright colours, while others prefer a more muted colour palette. Instead, I offer these simple tips as guidance so the that you can create a cohesive look for your family photo session.
It is worth considering how you are going to use these photos and where you plan on hanging them in our home. The style of outfit you choose, should also fit with look you are trying to achieve. If you are hanging the photo in your living room, with a soft, serene decor, lighter, softer hues would be better suited. If you are taking the photo for your Christmas card, jewel tones would suit the festive season well.
What is the Best Color to Wear for a Family Photo Shoot?
For a studio session, you generally have more options for color palettes for your outfit choice, as the backdrops are often neutral and can be changed easily to fit the theme. Once again, I prefer more understated backdrops, so that your family stands out as the main focus in the image.
Here in the Southern Georgian Bay, Grey Bruce region, many families opt to do their photoshoots outdoors. Popular locations include local hiking trails, flower fields, farms, and the shoreline. In these natural settings, there is a lot of bight greenery so consider complimentary pastel hues as well as natural shades. Dusty pinks, soft blues and light greys are beautiful spring-time colours and work particularly well when shooting against green grass, apple blossom or lavender fields. Solid colors in warm tones like earthy browns, rich greens, or soft oranges often work well for outdoor shoots, especially during fall sessions.
However, in the end, the best colors are the ones that looks good on your family’s skin tones. Again, the idea is to feature your beautiful family looking their best!
What Patterns Should You Not Wear?
While patterns can add visual interest, it’s important to be mindful of their scale and complexity. Florals, stripes and polka dots can be a fun way to bring a bit more personality to the whole look. However, avoid wearing clothing with large, distracting, bold patterns or logos that might take away from the focus of the photo. Instead, opt for smaller, subtle patterns or textures that enhance rather than overpower the final image.
In general, I would suggest to limit the number of patterns in everyone’s outfits. Combining different patterns can be tricky business visually. Instead, I would suggest picking one patterned item and pairing it with other solid coloured clothing items.
What is the Most Flattering Outfit for Pictures?
For a universally flattering look, choose outfits that fit well and flatter your body type. I know that many people don’t feel confident in their bodies, and worry about how they will look in their photos. The fact that you are having your photos taken can be a big deal on its own. In my experience, properly fitting clothes make us look our best. Don’t worry about the size on the tag, focus on clothes that you feel great in! I often have family’s move around, sit, stand and walk during their photo sessions. If you are wearing clothing that is too tight or that your are tugging at to stay in place, it will often make your photos look more stiff, rather than relaxed and playful. Be sure to wear clothing that is the right size and that you are comfortable in. The movement of fabric also creates more interest and dimension to the photos, so flowy dresses and tops can be really nice options.
What Shoes to Wear for Family Pictures?
The right footwear can complete your family’s ensemble and tie the look together. For outdoor shoots, consider wearing comfortable shoes like boots or flats that can navigate different terrains. A pair of Blundstones are both sturdy for a outdoor photoshoot, and still have those classic lines that work well with most outfits. And if you are from the area, they are quite fitting as they are a popular footwear choice in Grey Bruce, Ontario. If you’re opting for a more formal look, and outdoor terrain is not a consideration, classic heels or dress shoes can add a touch of elegance to your outfit.
How to Coordinate with Other Family Members?
Coordinating your family’s outfits can create a cohesive and harmonious look in your photos. Start by selecting a colour scheme or theme and then mix and match different shades and textures within that palette. Incorporating accent colours or accessories like scarves, jewelry, or bow ties can add visual interest and tie everyone’s outfits together.
Our neutral colours are:
Our accent colours are:
What patterns are we including?
Remember, there are no hard rules when it comes to choosing outfits for your family session. Personal preference, comfort, and individual style should always take precedence. Ultimately, the most important thing is to wear outfits that make you feel confident and reflect your family’s unique personality.
My Personal Do's and Don'ts For What to Wear
- Avoid logos on clothing.
- No baseball hats. Hats with brims cast harsh shadows on faces and make it difficult to see your expressions
- Iron everything, even new clothing items (lingering fold lines).
- Check for stains and pet hair. If possible have a lint roller on hand to carry with you (those pet hairs seem to appear out of nowhere!)
- Wear clothes that fit well. Try on your outfit in advance and practice sitting, standing and walking in it.
My best advice is to plan ahead. Getting your family dress and ready, especially if you have small children can be overwhelming enough. It is best to not wait until that morning to choose what you are going to wear. If you love Pinterest like I do, start a Pinterest Board of wardrobe ideas you like. From there you can start to gather the clothing items you already have, and figure out what you may still need to purchase to create the overall look.
Have fun with your outfit choices! After all, family photoshoots are a great way to create lasting memories with your loved ones.
If you’re in the Blue Mountains and Collingwood, Ontario area and are looking for a professional photographer for your family photoshoot, reach out to schedule your session. Let’s create beautiful memories together!
Alexa is a personal branding and family photographer in Collingwood, Blue Mountains, Thornbury, Grey Bruce and beyond. Click here to find out more about her services.
