Planning the Perfect Outfits for Your Family Photo Session

Planning the Perfect Outfits for Your Family Photo Session

Family photoshoots are an excellent opportunity to capture cherished memories that will last a lifetime. One crucial aspect of a successful photoshoot is coordinating outfits to create a cohesive and visually appealing look for the entire family. Selecting outfits is always a challenge for me, I know how stressful it can feel to plan outfits for not only yourself, but your entire family! In this post, we’ll explore tips and tricks for planning outfits that not only coordinate well but also photograph beautifully.

Choose a Color Scheme

Selecting a color scheme is the first step in planning outfits for a family photoshoot. Consider the location and the season when choosing colors. Earthy tones like greens, browns, and tans work well for outdoor shoots, while softer pastels or neutrals can work well for indoor settings. Avoid overly bright or neon colors as they can be distracting in photographs. These colors can also cast unflattering shadows on the skin.

Coordinate, Don’t Match

Gone are the days of everyone wearing the exact same outfit for family photos. Instead, aim for coordinating colors and styles that complement each other. For example, if one family member wears a patterned outfit, others can choose solid colors from the same color palette to coordinate without being too matchy-matchy.

This family coordinates well without everyone overly matching. Even though the kids both had cream outfits, not everyone was wearing the same thing.

I love the softness that these outfits create in the image. Cream colors are some of my favorite!

Earth Tones are always beautiful. Muted Colors that Coordinate and don’t overly match always look wonderful in images.

CONSIDER THE SETTING / season

The location of the photoshoot should also influence outfit choices. For a beach or outdoor session, light, flowing fabrics like linen or cotton in soft colors can create a relaxed and natural look. What season will your photos be during? Light pastels work well during spring while warmer and bolder colors work well during fall. If the leaves are changing, think of colors that coordinate with those seasonal colors.

FLATTERING AND TIMELESS STYLES

Go for clothing styles that flatter different body types and ages within the family. A-line dresses, tailored shirts, and well-fitted pants are classic choices that photograph well and look timeless in family portraits. Avoid trendy pieces that may quickly date your photos. Simplicity works well when you are thinking about what to wear.

Fall – I love the bolder colors during the fall too. Notice they are earth tones and not overly bright. Everyone is wearing different colors but they look great together!

Fall – Warm and darker colors work well in the fall. Beige works ALL year round! I love having one family member wearing a pattern.

Spring – Pastels and lighter colors look great in the spring! Also notice the coordinating colors and pop of pattern.

Summer – light colors, whites, and beautiful dresses! A lot of different colors can work in the summer.

PAY ATTENTION TO TEXTURE AND LAYERS

Adding texture and layers to outfits can add depth and visual interest to photographs. Consider incorporating elements like knit sweaters, denim jackets, or scarves to add dimension to the overall look. However, be mindful not to overdo it, as too many layers can appear bulky in photos.

INDOOR / LIFESTYLE PHOTOS

If you are planning a newborn session, there are a few different things to consider. It’s hard to know how you’ll feel only a week or two after giving birth. There is always a lot going on so focus on comfort. Deciding on an outfit for mom may end up being more last minute since you may not know what will fit ahead of time. A lot of moms choose jeans to wear with a sweater (and yes, that may mean wearing maternity jeans still!). Others have chosen to wear a flowy dress which is also really flattering! Scheduling your newborn session for two ish weeks after your due date is helpful so you have a little more time to recover and rest before your session. I’d recommend selecting clothes for dad, any other kiddos, and baby and then decide what you’ll wear once you have a chance to try things on and see what is comfortable! Keeping it simple can help make the process easier!

ACCESSORIZE THOUGHTFULLY

Accessories can be the finishing touch that pulls a family’s outfits together. Simple accessories like belts, simple jewelry, or coordinating shoes can add polish and personality to the overall look. However, avoid excessive accessories that may distract from the main focus of the photoshoot – your family.

PLAN AHEAD AND TEST OUTFITS

Finally, plan outfits well in advance of the photoshoot date and consider doing a trial run to ensure everything looks cohesive. Lay everything out next to each other and make sure it looks good. Usually if something doesn’t work well together you should be able to tell when looking at it all together! This will help you make any necessary adjustments before the big day. Before the day of your session, have everything clean, steamed, and ready to go! Then you won’t be as stressed the day of getting everything else ready to go.

Want specific outfit ideas? Click here!

FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

Sometimes, it’s hard to know where to start with shopping. There are a lot of great places that have outfits that are perfect for family photos. Some of my favorite places to find great outfits are the following: Baltic Born, Lulu’s, Old Navy, H&M, Abercrombie, Target, ASOS, Zara, and Amazon. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but will give you some ideas! View my style guide (see button above) for additional ideas and shopping links!

Final Note

Planning outfits for a family photoshoot requires careful consideration of color, style, and coordination. By following these tips and putting thought into each family member’s outfit, you can ensure a visually stunning and timeless collection of photographs that will be cherished for years to come. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience of capturing beautiful memories with your loved ones.

Want to Know More?

Are you hoping to update your family portraits this year? Visit my webpage HERE for additional information. You can view my booking site HERE to view my availability!