What to Wear to a Family Shoot
As a family photographer, a common question I get asked is, "What should we wear for our photo shoot?" It's a completely understandable question – after all, you want your family to look their best and for your photos to be timeless and beautiful.
While there are no hard and fast rules, there are some guidelines that can help you choose outfits that will photograph beautifully and that you'll love for years to come. Ultimately, my goal is to make you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, and whatever you choose to wear, I'll make it work!
The Golden Rule: Comfort is Key
The most important thing to remember when choosing your family's outfits is comfort. If you're not comfortable in what you're wearing, it will show in the photos. Avoid tight-fitting clothes, itchy fabrics, or anything that you can't easily move around in. Especially with young children, you want outfits that allow them to run, jump, and play freely.
Think About Your Location
If we're shooting outdoors in nature, it's often best to avoid very dark clothes. Black and other very dark colors can tend to blend into the background and make you less visible. Instead, opt for lighter, pastel colours and neutrals. My personal favourite, pale pinks and blues look beautiful against the greens and browns of nature.
Avoid Busy Patterns and Large Logos
While I love a good pattern, very busy patterns like strong geometric shapes can create distortion in photos. Similarly, large logos and slogans can be distracting and can date your photos quickly. For a more timeless look, stick to simpler patterns like stripes or small florals, or solid colors.
Think About Layers
Layers are a great way to add visual interest to your outfits and most importantly to stay comfortable in changing weather. This is especially relevant in the UK, let's face it - the weather can be unpredictable even in the height of summer!
Don't Forget the Shoes
Your shoes are just as important as your clothes! I do a mix of close-ups and full-length photos, so your shoes will be visible in some of the shots. Wear shoes that you're happy to be photographed in and that are comfortable for walking. Avoid flip-flops or worn-out sneakers.
Coordinate outfits
One myth of family photography is that everyone should wear identical outfits, whilst this can work, one of my favorite ways to style family photos is to coordinate outfits. This means choosing a color palette and having everyone wear different items within that palette. This creates a natural and relaxed look and allows everyone's individuality to shine through.
Make it Personal
Finally, don't forget to incorporate personal touches into your outfits. This could be things like jewellery or an accessory that has special meaning to you. These small details can help make your photos feel even more authentic and meaningful.
Ultimately, what you wear to your family shoot is a personal choice. While these guidelines can help you choose outfits that will photograph beautifully, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in whatever you choose to wear. If you have any questions or need more personalized advice, please don't hesitate to reach out! I'm here to help you every step of the way.
