One of the main questions I get asked is what to wear to a photo shoot and how to dress the whole family. Here are some key pointers when it comes to choosing what to wear ~

The biggest tip is to find something you feel beautiful in because if you’re uncomfortable or self-conscious in your outfit, it will show in your images. Start with one piece that you love, your dress or another outfit for example which may be plain or patterned and then use this to colour coordinate the clothes for the rest of your family.

The options are endless when it comes to putting together a look for your photoshoot. Picture your family picture on the wall of your home and what would reflect your family style and personality while also remaining timeless.

When you choose your outfits, decide upon a colour scheme and look for a mix of clothing in that colour range. Include different patterns, textures and styles to pull a whole look together that is fun and interesting and add to it with accessories, such as hats, necklaces and earrings.

COLOUR + PATTERNS

I often suggest muted and neutral tones in a range of shades or some soft patterns. Often the environments we shoot in (such as the beach/bushlands / or at home) can have lots of colours and wearing bright colours or can clash and also cast that colour onto other family members in a session. Browns, mustard, yellows, dusty pinks, oranges or earthy greens, creams or white clothing all look great.

To add a bit of variety, choose one patterned piece, such as a long flowy dress for yourself and then pull out some similar colours from that pattern and dress family members in those colour shades.

TEXTURE + MOVEMENT

Layering different textures when choosing your outfits is a great way to really bring your outfits together and add more interest. Think linens, textured clothing, such as waffled materials or lace, chunky knits and anything that flows! Clothing that allows for some movement always photographs beautifully especially outdoors when it’s a little windy.

CREATIVE PROPS

Think along the lines of blankets, picnic rugs, linen throws, greenery, baby wraps, hats, or a warm blanket or shawl for winter sessions. Props such as these are a great way to enhance a session and add something a little extra. Once you have chosen your outfits, you can source props that work well or have varying textures and colours that compliment your outfits.

NEUTRALS

Here are a few examples of some families I have captured that have opted for a simple palette of neutrals and plain clothing in a variety of colours and textures. These combinations always work well together and can be paired in many ways.

Things to avoid wearing

Slogan / Branded and licensed clothing – We all know the kids love these kinds of clothes and also the dads! I’m referring to the Disney princess and superhero clothes and the t-shirts with huge slogans across them or abbreviations. If you want timeless photos to hang around your home I would suggest steering clear of these types of clothes on this occasion.

Matchy matchy outfits, aka all of you in jeans and the white tops – This look has been done many times and although it had it’s place years ago I would suggest getting a little more creative and less clique. Come up with a fresh new look that reflects your family-style a little more. One person in jeans and a plain top looks great, just steer clear of every person in the image being dressed in the same combo.

Clothing patterns and colours that clash – I’m a big pattern lover and they can look beautiful in photoshoots but only when kept to a minimum. If one family member is wearing a bold patterned dress or top, use the pattern as a base to pull out some colours from. Dress the other family members in colours that are reflected in that pattern. Avoid all wearing bold items that clash with one another.

Clothes that you feel uncomfortable in – We all have that dress tucked away that we love but it may not be one we really feel that comfortable wearing or something that may be a little small. If you wear clothes that you don’t feel totally comfortable in and that you are needing to adjust and constantly fix during a shoot it will be reflected in the images! Wear something that makes you feel amazing and is comfortable and no doubt you will feel far more relaxed with a camera following you around.

For film sessions – If you are having a film done, I always suggest steering clear of striped clothing or anything with small continuous patterns, such as squares or small tartan patterns, as these type of patterns can cause a warping effect when being filmed.

Shoes

I’m all for barefoot sessions, especially if we’re at the beach or at home I always suggest leaving shoes off as this suits these environments well. If we are in bushland or another outdoor setting, wear suitable footwear that works in well with your outfits and is easy to walk around in (ditch the heels and opt for flats!).

It’s your day!

At the end of the day, it’s your shoot so have fun with it. Wear something that reflects YOUR personality and is clothing that you will be happy to look at every time you walk past that big beautiful family picture mounted on your wall.

These photographs are going to be images that are treasured for generations to come so take time to find something that you love and that captures your personal style.

HAIR + MAKEUP

I’m all for natural hair and makeup so don’t feel any pressure at all to get professional hair and makeup done for your session. However, if that’s what you opt for and it makes you feel the best, then go for it!

GET IN TOUCH + SOME INSPIRATION FOR YOU

You are always very welcome to text me through photos of your outfits so I can help you decide on what looks great for the session.

I’ve also created some Pinterest boards for you with lots of clothing combination ideas so you can get some more inspiration about how to put outfits together.