What to wear to a family photoshoot: Tips for all seasons of the year
When planning a family photoshoot, one of the most important decisions you'll make is what to wear.
There’s no such thing as a right or wrong outfit, but there are a few things that I recommend that you consider when choosing what to wear to a family photoshoot. Read on to discover my top tips. Plus, keep reading to find out why it’s important to consider the time of year in which you’re having your portrait taken as you choose your family photoshoot outfits.
Related reading: How to prepare for a family photoshoot
Things to consider when deciding what to wear to a family photoshoot
When planning your outfits for your family portrait session:
1. Aim for a coordinated look across the family
The best way to achieve a cohesive look in your family portraits is by choosing a colour scheme (and, ideally a style of clothing) that all members of the family will wear.
Having the colours coordinated and looking consistent across the group not only looks good, but it subtly emphasises that sense of you belonging together. This will make your family photos even more special and memorable.
I suggest you stay away from wearing identical outfits or matching everyone's clothes exactly though, as this will look unnatural.
2. Stick to a limited colour palette
A good rule of thumb is to select two to three complementary colours for your family's outfits. This will give you enough variety without things looking too busy.
Remember, even with a limited colour palette, you can still create variety and depth by choosing different shades of the same colour. Blue tones look great in the summer worn with white or neutrals, and with accents of yellow, for example.
Choose colours that you and your family feel comfortable and confident in. If you're not a fan of bright colours, opt for more muted or neutral tones. Alternatively, if you love bold colours, go for it! After all, the look you are going for in your family photoshoot should be true to your family. Whatever that may be, we can come up with some ideas that bring you together and make you look your best.
Whatever the shades you choose, aim to incorporate them across the group; you or your partner could wear a print with the main colour in it, while your child could wear a plain shirt of that same colour, for example. Not every person has to wear every colour, but if the pink top your daughter is wearing is mirrored by dad’s shirt and mum’s scarf, it will bring you together visually.
You can always accessorise to add interest too. Add coordinating scarves, hats or jewellery to your outfits if you wish.
3. Consider the location and seasonality
If you’re planning a family photo session in my photography studio, then this one is slightly less important, but if you’re to be photographed outdoors I always suggest that you consider the location and the season in which you’re being photographed before choosing your outfits.
I often photograph families in some of the many wonderful parks and woodland we have here in Leeds and the surrounding areas. The colours that feature naturally in the background - in the plants, flowers and foliage - change dramatically from season to season.
If you choose clothes in colours that work well with the natural surroundings it helps to create a sense of cohesion throughout the photos. You should be mindful that certain colours work particularly well in spring and summer, but don’t work so well in autumn/winter for example. (Keep reading for more seasonal clothing tips).
It’s also important to dress appropriately for the season in terms of layers. If we are doing an outdoor shoot in the autumn or winter, I suggest you layer up and wear warm, cozy jumpers whereas in the warmer months you’ll likely want to wear fewer layers and light, breathable fabrics.
4. Dress in clothes you feel most comfortable in
Finally, you should know though that my style of family portrait photography is relaxed and natural. The images I capture are not overly posed or formal, so feel free to come dressed in whatever you would normally wear. There is no expectation for you to arrive formally dressed.
Casual clothes such as jeans and t-shirts are fine! That said, if you are having a portrait session to commemorate a special occasion such as an anniversary, birthday or for Mother’s Day, for example, and you wish to dress more formally, then you are welcome to do that.
Whatever style of clothing you choose, just aim to make sure that this is consistent across the group. I often chat at length to clients about what they could wear, and we exchange WhatsApp's full of ideas. When you are investing in a professional family photoshoot, we leave no stone unturned to get things just right!
Seasonal tips on what to wear to a family photoshoot
Knowing what colours to wear for family pictures can be tricky, but here I’m sharing some tips on what I believe works well.
Colours to wear to a family photoshoot in Spring and Summer
Springtime is one of my favourite seasons as I love getting out with my camera again after being mostly indoors during the winter months! Each year, during my spring mini sessions, I photograph Yorkshire families and I capture natural and relaxed portraits against a backdrop of delicate spring flowers.
In terms of colours to incorporate into your clothing in spring, light, pastel colours look wonderful against the emerging greenery and pale snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells. Think pale blues, greens, yellows, lilacs and pinks.
For more on this, read my blog on Spring photoshoot outfit ideas.
In the warmer months of summer, there’s lush greenery all around and a greater variety of colorful flowers and plants, so when choosing colours to wear in the summer, you can be bolder!
Or, if you’re not into bright colours, then you can’t ever go wrong with whites and warm neutrals to offset darker shades such as the blue of classic demin jeans.
Colours to wear to a family photoshoot in Autumn and Winter
In autumn, the bright flowers have gone and in their place are beautiful burnt orange, red and yellow leaves. Warm, earthy tones work particularly well at this time of year for outdoor family photoshoots.
Team them with warm neutrals, and don’t forget that you can add accents of colour with accessories such as scarves and hats! Adults often choose to wear warm chunky knit jumpers in neutral shades as these always look great at this time of year too.
Related reading: What to wear for an autumn family photoshoot
I find that a wintery barren landscape is less pleasing for family photographs, once all the colourful leaves have disappeared from the trees (usually around mid November). But, if the weather is mild, an outdoor photoshoot is still possible.
Obviously, as the weather turns colder, layering up is essential if you’re having a photoshoot outdoors.
What to wear to a family photoshoot
A little time spent planning what you’ll wear to your family photoshoot in advance will always be time well spent.
Whatever the season, the clothes you choose to wear to your family photoshoot should ideally be reflective of your individual style and coordinated with the rest of the family group. Comfort is also important, so choose clothes that you feel relaxed in so that you feel at ease throughout the session.
If you know that you have coordinated outfits that look great together, you’ll feel more confident on the day which is important, particularly if any of your family members are camera-shy or aren’t keen on being photographed.
Related reading: Six ways I help you feel confident in photos
Book a family photoshoot with me today
The best way to get in touch with me if you are interested in a family photoshoot – whether indoors or outdoors - is to complete my contact form or call me on 07762 111 818. I look forward to hearing from you!
Andrea
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