Family photos are a treasure. They capture a moment in time and remind you of who you are and where you come from. One of the keys to taking memorable family photos is planning what everyone will wear.
Thoughtful outfit choices can enhance the overall look of your photos and tell a story about your family’s style and personality. If you plan well, you can take photos that feel authentic and capture the essence of your family.
This guide provides advice on what to wear for family photoshoots, covering everything from color palettes to comfort. We’ll explore seasonal colors, indoor vs. outdoor considerations, and style tips for each family member. The goal is to help you choose outfits that make you feel confident and create family photos you’ll cherish for years to come.
Where to begin: Establishing a foundation
It can feel overwhelming to plan outfits for an entire family, but there are some things you can do to make it easier.
- Start with one outfit. Rather than trying to plan every outfit at once, pick one outfit for one member of the family first. This outfit will then inspire the rest.
- Think about the location. Where will the photoshoot take place? If it’s outdoors, you’ll want to consider natural colors and comfortable clothing. Indoor photoshoots allow for more variety, but you can’t go wrong with neutral colors.
- Aim for cohesion, not matching. Outfits don’t need to match perfectly. Instead, think about a color palette that will be pleasing to the eye without being too uniform.
Color Palettes: Choosing the Right Hues
Choosing the right colors can really elevate your family photoshoot. Here’s how to think about color when planning your outfits:
Seasonal Considerations
Think about the time of year your photoshoot will take place. Nature provides a great color palette that you can draw inspiration from!
- Spring: Go for light and airy colors – pastels, soft greens, and maybe some floral patterns. Think about the colors of tulips and blossoms. Light blues, pinks, and yellows can really capture that fresh spring feeling.
- Summer: Vibrant but natural colors work well in the summer. Greens, blues, and yellows that remind you of aspen leaves and summer landscapes are great choices. You’ll probably want to avoid super bright or neon colors, though, as they can be a little distracting.
- Fall: This is the time for warm and earthy tones! Think reds, oranges, browns, and mustard yellows, mirroring those gorgeous fall leaves. Don’t be afraid to layer different textures and fabrics to enhance that autumnal vibe.
- Winter: Rich and deep colors work beautifully in winter photos. Burgundy, navy, forest green, or even neutral tones like creams and grays can look fantastic. And definitely consider incorporating cozy textures like knits and wool.
Colors to Avoid
While color is important, there are some colors and patterns that you’ll want to avoid!
- Overly Bright or Neon Colors: These can be distracting and honestly, not very flattering in photos. Stick to more muted or natural tones for a timeless look.
- Logos and Graphics: Clothing with huge logos or distracting graphics can really take away from the overall image. Plus, they can make your photos look dated pretty quickly.
Indoor versus outdoor photoshoots: What to wear
Where will your photoshoot take place? If you’re taking pictures outdoors, choose natural colors that complement the environment. You’ll also want to keep everyone comfortable, especially if you’ll be walking or sitting on the ground.
For indoor photoshoots, think about the room’s color scheme and select outfits that look good with the surroundings. A studio setting usually looks best with neutral colors that won’t clash with the background.
Also, think about the lighting. Natural light is usually more flattering, but artificial light can cast strange colors on clothing. If you can, test out your outfits in different lighting conditions before the day of the photoshoot.
Styling Tips for Each Family Member
Okay, so you’ve got the overall vibe in mind. Now, let’s break down some styling tips tailored to each member of the family. Remember, these are just guidelines – feel free to adapt them to your own personal style!
Style Tips for Women
- Dresses and Skirts: I’m a big fan of dresses for photoshoots. They photograph beautifully and tend to be flattering on most figures. Think about the length and style – you want something that allows you to move comfortably and naturally. No one wants to be tugging at a too-short hemline the whole time!
- Layering: Layers are your friend! Adding a cardigan, a denim jacket, or a scarf can add visual interest and depth to your outfit. Plus, it gives you options if the weather changes. Just a little tip: make sure your bra straps are hidden or secured. Nothing ruins a great photo like a rogue strap!
Style Tips for Men
- Casual and Comfortable: For the guys, a relaxed, casual look often works best. Think an untucked button-down shirt with jeans or chinos. It’s classic and comfortable. Definitely steer clear of performance fabrics – they can look shiny in photos – and maybe skip the cargo shorts this time around.
- Color Coordination: Aim for colors that complement the women’s outfits, without being too matchy-matchy. You don’t want to look like you’re wearing a uniform! Also, I’d avoid all-black outfits for men, as they can sometimes lack dimension in photos.
Style Tips for Kids
- Comfort is Key: This is so important. If your kids aren’t comfortable, they’re going to be miserable, and that will definitely show in the photos. Avoid anything scratchy or itchy, and make sure their shoes are comfy too. Happy kids = happy photos!
- Diaper Coverage: If you have little ones in diapers, make sure those diapers are covered! Cute diaper covers or outfits that completely conceal the diaper are a must. And, of course, think about the weather. Dress them appropriately so they don’t overheat or get chilly.
Comfort is key
Don’t underestimate the importance of comfort! If you and your family members are comfortable in your clothing, you’ll be able to pose more naturally and express yourselves authentically. This is especially important for children and pregnant women, who can easily become uncomfortable in clothing that is too tight or scratchy.
Be sure to choose outfits that allow you to move and interact freely. Avoid restrictive clothing that will limit your ability to pose or play. If you’re planning on capturing candid moments, you’ll want to be able to move around easily.
Opt for soft, breathable fabrics that won’t cause irritation or discomfort. Before the photoshoot, test the fabrics under different lighting conditions to make sure they don’t appear shiny or reflective.
Accessories and Footwear: Completing the Look
Don’t forget about the small details! Accessories like scarves, hats, and jewelry can really bring out your family’s personalities in the photos. Just make sure they go well with the colors and style you’ve chosen.
Footwear should be both stylish and comfortable. Think about where you’re taking the photos. If you’re at the beach, bare feet or sandals are great. If you’re hiking, wear sturdy shoes.
If you wear glasses, bring them! Or, if you have transition lenses, bring a pair without them. That way, you won’t have glare or dark lenses that hide your eyes.
Preparing for the Photoshoot: A Final Checklist
Don’t wait until the last minute to choose your outfits! Give yourself plenty of time to shop around, try things on, and make any necessary adjustments.
It’s also a good idea to do a test run before picture day. Try on your outfits to make sure they’re comfortable and fit well. Take a few practice photos to see how your outfits look on camera. This is especially important if you’re trying out a new color or style.
Consider packing a few extra outfits for the kids. This can be helpful if the weather changes or if someone has a wardrobe malfunction. It’s always better to be overprepared than to be stuck with limited options on the day of the shoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to dress family for a photoshoot?
The best approach is to select a color palette and coordinate, not match. Think complementary colors and varying tones within that palette. Consider the location and season. Most importantly, ensure everyone is comfortable and feels good in what they’re wearing. Comfort translates to confidence in the photos!
What to wear to a family photoshoot outdoors?
For outdoor photoshoots, earthy tones, pastels, or muted jewel tones work wonderfully. Consider the backdrop – a field of wildflowers calls for different colors than a cityscape. Layers add visual interest and allow for quick outfit changes. Textures like knits and linens also photograph beautifully outdoors.
What not to wear for family photo shoot?
Avoid clothing with large logos, busy patterns, or distracting graphics, as these can take away from the focus on your faces. Steer clear of neon colors, which can reflect strangely on skin. Also, be mindful of clothing that is too tight or revealing, as it may not be flattering in photos.
What is the best color to wear for a family photo shoot?
There’s no single “best” color, as it depends on the location, season, and your personal preferences. However, generally, neutral colors like creams, grays, and light browns are always a safe and timeless choice. For a pop of color, consider incorporating complementary colors that enhance the natural surroundings.
The bottom line
When planning outfits for a family photoshoot, think about color palettes, how comfortable everyone will be, the location of the shoot, and each person’s individual style. Planning your outfits ahead of time will help ensure that your photos are visually appealing and meaningful.
The most important thing is to capture authentic moments with your family. Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident, and allow each person’s personality to shine through. You’ll treasure those photos for years to come.