What to Wear

Your Family Photo Shoot

Family photo sessions offer a wonderful opportunity to capture and preserve cherished memories with your loved ones. When you book a professional photographer, you gain the expertise of someone who understands how to bring out the best in your family. However, one aspect that many families struggle with is deciding what to wear. Some opt for matching outfits, while others let each family member choose their own attire, resulting in a mix of styles and clashing colours. Nevertheless, selecting the right outfits can significantly enhance the overall look of your portraits, setting the tone, creating harmony, and adding visual appeal. If you're unsure about what to wear for your family photo shoot, here are some helpful tips to ensure you make the right choices for you and your family.

Coordinate, but don't match:

Coordinating your family's outfits for a photo shoot is essential, but matching everyone's clothes can sometimes appear forced and unnatural. While it may be tempting to dress siblings in identical outfits, including twins, it's best to avoid this approach. Instead, opt for a coordinated look by selecting a colour scheme that suits the whole family. Choose colours that complement each other and create a cohesive visual appeal. Steer clear of conflicting patterns or busy prints that can draw attention away from the main focus of the photos which is your family's bond and connection. By coordinating rather than matching, you can achieve a more authentic and visually pleasing result.

Consider the location: 

When planning your family photo shoot, consider the location's suitability for your desired theme and mood, taking into account your family dynamics and the comfort of your children. For example, if you have young children or those with sensory and behavioural challenges, opting for an active beach session may be more suitable than expecting them to sit still on a picnic blanket. Additionally, keep in mind that each location may require different outfit choices. While glittery party clothes might work well for a city shoot, they may not be practical or appropriate for a beach session. By aligning your outfits with the setting, you can ensure your family looks their best and create cohesive and visually appealing photos.

Dress comfortably: 

While aiming to appear your best, it is crucial to prioritise comfort, particularly when you have young children. Make sure that everyone's attire fits well and enables unrestricted movement. Uncomfortable clothing has the potential to result in irritable and uncooperative children, thereby making it challenging to capture those authentic smiles and moments of happiness.

Stick to timeless styles: 

If you anticipate displaying these photos on your wall for a considerable duration, it's advisable to opt for a timeless style when choosing your attire. Steer clear of bold fashion choices that may not age gracefully in your wall display. Additionally, if you plan on gifting the photos to friends and family, dressing in a timeless manner ensures compatibility with their home decor. Look for classic clothing items such as a well-tailored blazer, a simple yet elegant dress, or a pristine white shirt. Vintage clothing stores are often an excellent resource for discovering these timeless pieces.

Pay attention to details: 

In the realm of photography, it's often the subtle nuances that can elevate or diminish a photo. During the winter season, contemplate the addition of hats and scarves as accessories. In the summer, leverage your cherished statement jewellery to impart intricate details to your outfit. This serves as an avenue to infuse your photos with a touch of your personality. If you possess a specific cultural heritage, consider incorporating pieces that reflect that heritage. However, exercise caution not to go overboard with these choices. They should harmonise with your ensemble rather than overpower it.

Embrace layers and textures: 

Introducing layers and textures to your attire can bestow a sense of depth and visual allure that a busy pattern might not achieve. When it comes to summer outfits, contemplate the addition of a cardigan or blazer over a shirt or blouse. For beach shoots, consider draping a simple shawl over a dress. In wintertime, pairing chunky knit scarves with smart, well-fitted coats looks amazing. Experimenting with a blend of textures can create stunning results. A chunky jumper paired with smart tailored trousers can create a remarkable ensemble. Ultimately, the goal is to infuse richness and dimension into your photos.

Be true to your family's style: 

Every family possesses its own unique identity. In our culturally diverse country, enriched by people of various ethnic backgrounds, it becomes crucial to prioritize and showcase your family's individual style and cultural heritage. For instance, if you are an African family and wish to don bold African prints, please feel free to do so. Similarly, if your family tends to have a more casual approach, there is no need to dress formally for a photoshoot, as it wouldn't truly reflect your family's essence. Remember, there are certain children who cannot be coerced into wearing dresses, and it's perfectly fine to accommodate their preferences. If Spider Girl is their chosen attire for comfort, she can certainly find her place in the picture. Ultimately, our aim is to capture authentic moments and genuine emotions that truly represent your family.

Regardless of your unique style, age, or family size, there is a photography session that will be a perfect fit for you. For those seeking a tailored experience, you can opt for a private one-hour session, where a custom package will be created specifically for your family. Alternatively, if you have a smaller family with children and teens, one of our themed sessions may be ideal. The shorter sessions work wonders for younger families whose attention spans may waver during a longer session. Additionally, they are a great option for families who prefer to stick to a budget. If you're interested in booking a session, please explore the various family packages available or feel free to give me a call at 07896550643.