What to wear to your family photo shoot
What should my family be wearing to the family session? It's a question a lot of moms ask me.
I love helping with this and have some simple tips, which I’ve outlined below - that can really help you pull together complimentary family outfits.
I do find it very helpful when Mum finds an outfit she loves best first, or maybe you have a special item of clothing that you have for another family member like a baby romper with a pattern and certain colour scheme or maybe a dress for your little girl. Then you start to build the rest of the family outfits around that piece.
Choose your colour palette
I always suggest choosing 3-5 colours to work with. Neutrals and soft colours are the easiest to style cohesively, bold and bright colours can be distracting and stand out too much particularly in the outdoor nature environments I shoot in. Find one outfit you love and build the rest of the families outfits from there. If you have a patterned outfit you have chosen, you can pull colours from the pattern to inject into other family members outfits. It’s also wise to think about where you will be displaying these photos in your home, will the backdrop and your clothing colours match in nicely with your home decor?
Think about patterns
I recommend only one family member wears a patterned outfit, the rest wear block colours that compliment the patterned item. Having too many patterns mixed together can look distracting and busy. You can sometimes get away with using two patterned outfits as long as they really compliment each-other, being similar colours, or one having a really subtle pattern.
Add some texture to make it more interesting
It looks so good when families add textured clothing to their styling, think knit or rib fabrics, linen, corduroy, lace etc. Adding texture just adds interest and depth to your photos. Also having some items of clothing with movement helps. Think flowy skirts and dresses. And don't forget some gorgeous accessories like a nice hat.
Being comfortable is key
For the best results during your family photo shoot, it's very important to choose clothing that makes you feel both comfortable and beautiful. When you wear something that you love and feel good in, it will naturally boost your confidence and help you look your best in the photos.
Avoid outfits that are uncomfortable or out of character, as they can impact how relaxed and natural you appear in the photos. It's also important to ensure that children are dressed comfortably for the session—make sure they are warm enough and have suitable footwear for the location. This will help everyone stay happy and enjoy the experience.
What not to do
- Avoid clothing with large graphics or prominent brand logos. These can become outdated quickly and can distract from the focus of your beautiful photos
- Matching outfits, we have all seen it, all white tops and jeans. It can be ok in some situations but most of the time looks dated and doesn't really show your family's unique style
- Too many patterns can be too busy. It’s best to have just one person wear a pattern, or at most, two.
- Choose clothing that fits well and allows you to move comfortably. You’ll want to be able to play with your kids and enjoy the session without worrying about tight or restrictive clothing. Also mums, consider wearing nude seamless underwear and strapless bras, especially with light-coloured outfits or tops and dresses that might slide off the shoulder.
Can't wait to capture your family memories | X Mika
By Mika photography
By Mika photography is a premier Perth Maternity, Newborn and family photographer. We specialize in pregnancy,newborn, baby and family photography. Mika is a member of Professional Photography Association and the International Newborn Photographers Association. She is trained in newborn posing and safety, vaccinated and insured. We service Perth metro, North Perth, Western suburbs and others. If you are looking for a professional photo shoot in Perth, please contact us today.
