What do we wear to our family photo shoot?
I can guarantee there is one question every new client (almost) always asks…
What should we wear to our session?
So, you’ve booked your session (or you’re ready to) and you’re thinking through the content of your wardrobes and wondering what the heck you can dress each member of the family in.
Here are my top things to consider. But before you read-on, remember this is YOUR session and we want to see YOUR personalities shine through.
Start with Mum
Much easier than picking a cute dress for Miss 3 and trying to coordinate everyone else around that, start with what you are comfortable in, your favourite dress maybe. Side note: absolutely no need to go shopping (unless you want to!). Try to avoid anything which may gape or show off any dodgy tan lines.
Comfort
As I said, we want your personality, what makes your family ‘you’ to shine through. So if your teen daughter is only happy in shorts then asking her to wear a long floaty dress is likely going to make her resent the session before you’ve even got there. By the same token, it’s worth considering what is comfy to wear. You don’t want to be constantly pulling a strap back onto your shoulder or redoing an annoying belt which keeps twisting.
Colours
Expressing your families personality here is gorgeous. Buuuut my advice is to firstly try to avoid any big branding across t-shirts which may date. Mr 15 might want his favourite band across his t-shirt now but in five years might hate it. Prints and patterns are gorgeous, especially if worn by one or two members of the family & not everyone. Checks typically are best to be avoided because they are very distracting.
Coordination
This doesn’t mean everyone has to be in denim & white unless you want to. Instead, think about the colour groups. Remember, start with Mum and build your colours around that outfit. Look at the tones in your outfit and check what the kids have in their wardrobe to work with that. Consider which colours work well together. It’s a good idea to avoid having half the family in black and the other half in white simply because the contrast is distracting.
If your session is a big one with extended family it’s a good idea to keep a theme going. If everyone turns up with their own scheme happening it can be distracting. Asking everyone to keep to a palette is great, eg. navy, tan, denim, cream.. or earthy tones. You get my drift!
Where will your session be?
If you’d love to have your session in a location with deep greens it’s nice to keep your choices lighter in colour. Having dark colours in a darker background doesn’t work as nicely as lighter against dark.
Overall
Think timeless, avoid high fashion things which will date. These photos are forever, I want you to love them forever!
Got a question? I’d love to help! Get in touch today,
Lucy x
