Whether you’re thinking about booking a family photoshoot or you already have a date in the diary – this blog could help with the biggest question you’ll have. (And the one I get asked the most).
“What do we wear on our family photoshoot?”
I’ve been photographing families for 19 years so I have lots of advice and tips for how to look and most importantly ‘feel’ your BEST……
- Feel and look like YOU
- Colour ideas
- Location and season
- Patterns
- Top tips
1.BE YOU
First up, I’m not going to tell you all to co-ordinate like the Beckhams!
While I’ve got lots of suggestions – they are exactly that. Some little nuggets to help guide you in your wardrobe choices.
But THE most important thing when choosing what to wear on your family photoshoot is that you feel relaxed, comfortable and able to move around and have fun. My shoots are often outside in parks and woodland or at your family home. So you don’t need to be in your most dressed-up outfits – just something that feels like you and allows you to be playful with the kids.
2. COLOUR IDEAS
Let’s talk colours! A great way to start is by looking at a colour palette. It helps to find colours that work well together and makes flicking through your wardrobe a little easier. Whether you all want to wear exactly the same colour or mix it up a little with different complimentary colours is totally up to you.
I love earthy, natural tones and light blues as they work well for both indoor and outdoor family photoshoots. And adding a little pop of colour can sometimes work really well too.
Also think about where you plan to hang your photos at home. Complimenting your wardrobe with your home decor can have a great effect!
Once you’ve decided, make sure you lay all your families outfits on the floor to see how they look together. And don’t forget to include socks, shoes and accessories!
I’m always happy for families to send me a photo of their chosen outfits for some advice if you’re not sure.
3. LOCATION AND SEASONS
Always try to make sure that you’re dressed for the seasonal colours and weather around at that time. If little ones don’t have enough clothes on in Autumn, they will soon get grumpy and lose interest in all the fun. Layers are key for your shoots at this time of year. Thermals under tops, extra warm socks and shoes – and hats, scarves, gloves. Anything that can be taken on and off easily between the photos. Warm and happy faces make lovely natural photos!
AUTUMN shoots often work well with complimentary colours from the landscape around us. Once the leaves turn to red and yellow – adding these colours into your outfit can blend beautifully. Check out the images below from some October family photoshoots in Beckenham Place Park. And more images here.
For SPRING and SUMMER – pastels and blues and lighter colours are better suited to the new blossom and rich greens of the local parks.
If you’re having your photoshoot at home, look around and think about the colours in your home. And treat them as your backdrop. A funky colourful sofa and wall can be a great place for photos. But try to dress with this in mind to avoid too many colours clashing.
Don’t forget sometimes the material of your clothes can add another dimension to the photos. A bit of added texture – such as wool, linen or lace can add another layer to the image.
4. PATTERNS
Now this is a hard one – as so many of us have patterned clothing these days. But it’s definitely one to be mindful of.
Checks, stripes, graphics, wording and logos can all be very distracting to the eye if worn on a family photoshoot. And for that reason are best avoided.
But there can be a time and a place for a little pattern if it works well in the shot. And if you have an amazing wallpaper or blanket to include then you might find me skipping for joy.
5. TOP TIPS
Before you head off to rummage through your bedroom for what to wear on your family photoshoot….here are a few top tips to help:
SHOES
Choose your shoes wisely. Now isn’t the time to put on that new pair of shoes you’ve just bought! To avoid the blisters, choose a pair that feel comfortable and work with the weather and ground you may be walking on. Flip flops are best avoided when you’re moving around and playing with the kids – no-one wants a stubbed toe!
IS WHITE OK?
Try to choose light and dark colours such as cream, beige, navy and greys instead of white and black in your clothing. (It helps avoid the images being too contrasty).
underwear
Young children are often very active so maybe put some cycle shorts or leggings under their dresses/ skirts. That way we can still capture them being active without them showing their knickers!
glasses
If you wear glasses that have transition lenses – bring a different pair of glasses with you to the shoot. Then we’ll be able to see your eyes and you won’t look like you have sunglasses on.
hands
You don’t need a manicure beforehand but it’s worth checking your hands look tidy. Especially if I’m doing close ups with your baby. If you’ve got chipped nails they could be visible!
try it on
Try your outfits on before the day. There’s nothing worse than realising last minute that something is a little smaller than it used to be and then feeling conscious of this during your shoot.
pockets
On the day make sure all pockets are clear of items. Phones, tissues, food etc can all cause bulges in pockets – which is best avoided.
If you’re interested in a family photoshoot please get in touch – I LOVE capturing natural and relaxed images of families having fun!
Please check out my family pages on my website below and email me at tessa@tessaclements.co.uk to enquire or book a photoshoot. Why not grab a cuppa and check out my website and family gallery page. Or contact me through my site.
https://tessaclements.co.uk/family-photographer-beckenham/
More information on my packages and prices here.
Hope to see you soon!
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