What To Wear For Your Family Portrait Session
Choosing what to wear for your family shoot can be daunting and a bit stressful. I get it, just picking out my own day to day clothing is quite the endeavor! That’s exactly why I created this outfit guide; to help you and your whole family choose the perfect outfits that are easy to coordinate and that also make you feel like yourselves!
First things first, you want to be comfortable in your clothing and feel CONFIDENT. Hands down, above anything else, that is the absolute most important part of choosing what to wear for the photoshoot. If you don’t feel 100% comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, it can ultimately reflect how you see yourself through your final images. These photos will be yours to have and look at for years to come, so you want them to reflect your personality and your look to feel natural and very YOU!
Plan your outfits in advance
This seems like an obvious statement, but take this as a reminder to plan your family’s outfits at least a day or so before your family portrait session. Overall, this makes the process less stressful and you can sit back and relax the day of your shoot.
Color scheme, patterns, and textures
If you want to wear a patterned piece, keep it to 1-2 family members and coordinate the other’s outfits so it will pop and look more cohesive as a unit. *Generally, too many patterns look busy and will compete with each other*
Add dimension and interest by changing up the texture of clothing material and accents (layering clothes are always a great option!)
Don’t forget to accessorize! Adding those small details such as your favorite pair of earrings or that watch you always wear make the photos even more personal and add more depth to your images.
When in doubt, neutral colors are the way to go! Overly vibrant colors can often cast that color onto you or your partner’s skin. Maroon, olive green, navy blue, tan, white, black, gray look natural with any setting!
Pro tip: Choose coordinating colors, not matching!
Locations and weather
Dress according to the season - you don’t want to be frozen solid wearing a tank top in the winter or overheated from wearing your warmest boots in the middle of summer. You get the gist. ;)
The locations you choose will also be an important factor to how you choose what to wear. You’ll want your look to “make sense” with your location. Choose a color palette for your outfits that will complement the setting. If you’re going to a beach or waterfront that has more neutral tones, you can coordinate with cool and/or neutral tones. Or maybe you’re going to be amongst bright and colorful fall/spring foliage, then you may want to wear colors that complement that setting. And again, dress in a way that’s comfortable for you!
COLDER WEATHER TIPS:
Layer up! If you get warm in what you’re wearing, you’ll still have something cute and cozy on.
But don’t dress too bulky
Have a stylish/cute/fun coat or outwear? Now’s the time to flaunt it!
Accessorize with your favorite cold weather-accessories - cute gloves, hat, scarf, etc
Bring a blanket to wrap up in or use it to sit on if the ground is cold/damp
Things to try to avoid/limit
Spray tans
Large logos or text on clothes
Neon colors
Be aware of any tan lines and how they look with your chosen outfits
Lay out the family’s outfits next to each other while planning
Make sure to lay everyone’s outfits out next to each other prior to your family session. This way you can see how everything looks together, if it’s cohesive, and if it all works as a unit.
Choose outfits that will make for a timeless portrait
Always remember, at the end of the day it isn’t all about being stylish or wearing the latest trends. Your family portraits are timeless. These photos are ones you will cherish forever and you want them to age as your family does.
Additional tips when planning your look!
Make sure you take ponytail holder off wrist and hands/nails are clean
Lint roller is a good idea to bring! (I always have one too in case you forget)
Make sure you steam or iron your clothes the day before to get out any wrinkles or creases in clothes and hang them up until the shoot.
Hang your outfits in the car if you’re driving, do not lay them on the seat (we don’t need any spills, dog hairs, or your dirty boots from your most recent hiking trip getting any spots on your outfits!)
Blankets are great to have on hand
A little nervous for the shoot? Pro tip: sip a beer or a mimosa beforehand! ;)
So, Let’s recap!
Choose outfits that you feel the most comfortable and confident in and that describe YOU!
Plan and lay out your outfits in advance
Steer clear of neon colors and competing patterns. Ultimately your outfits should compliment each other and be cohesive.
Remember to choose your outfits based on the environment we’ll be shooting in and the weather.
Just remember,
WHEN IN DOUBT…
…simply use this as a guide and have fun with choosing what you’re going to wear! Your photos are meant to be timeless, focus on your family’s story, and document moments you’ll cherish forever Above all, make sure you all feel comfortable in what you’re wearing and that you feel like yourselves!
