I often get asked about what to wear for family photos, so I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you look your best and feel confident during your portrait session.
Fit and Comfort
First and foremost, wear clothes that fit well. This can be particularly challenging with toddlers and kids since they grow so quickly, but it’s crucial to avoid outfits that are too small or too big. Ill-fitting clothes can be uncomfortable and distracting in photos. Make sure everyone feels comfortable and confident in their outfits.
Color Choices
When it comes to color, avoid wearing all black or all white. All black can make it hard to see details, and all white is usually not very flattering for most on camera. Neon colors rarely photograph well and I would advise staying away from them, as well. I recommend choosing a color palette with varied tones rather than identical outfits. Earth tones are usually a safe and flattering choice for most. Think of colors like browns, greens, and muted yellows. These colors tend to photograph beautifully and complement most backgrounds.
Patterns and Textures
While solid colors are generally a good choice, don’t shy away from subtle patterns and textures. Just be cautious with bold patterns as they can dominate the photo and draw attention away from the faces. Mixing textures can add depth and interest to your photos. For example, if one person is wearing a smooth fabric, another could wear something with a bit more texture like corduroy or knit.
Coordination, Not Matching
Aim for coordination rather than matching. You don’t want everyone to look identical. Instead, choose outfits that complement each other. Pinterest can be a great tool for finding color schemes and outfit ideas. Look for inspiration and create a mood board to visualize how the outfits will look together.
Seasonal Considerations
Consider the season and location of your photo shoot. For fall, warm tones and layers like scarves and sweaters can add a cozy feel. In the spring or summer, lighter fabrics and colors can keep everyone comfortable. If we are shooting in a location with uneven ground, wear sensible shoes to avoid slipping.
Accessories and Details
Accessories can add a nice touch to your photos. Think about adding hats, scarves, or jewelry to enhance your outfits. Just make sure they don’t overpower the overall look. For kids, while it’s not thought about a lot, bring their favorite toy. It can be a cute way to show off their interests at the time, as well as, help them relax for the photo shoot.
Practical Tips
- Avoid logos and graphics: These can be distracting and date your photos.
- Long sleeves: These can be more flattering and keep the focus on faces.
- Neutral undergarments: For kids in dresses, make sure they have neutral undergarments or bloomers to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions.
- Shoes: Choose shoes that are comfortable and appropriate for the location. Avoid high heels if you’ll be walking on grass or uneven surfaces.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the goal is to feel confident and comfortable in your outfits. When everyone feels good, it shows in the photos. Take the time to plan and coordinate, and you’ll have beautiful family portraits to cherish for years to come.
I hope these tips help you prepare for your next family photo session! If you have any more questions or need further advice, feel free to ask. I get asked frequently about what to wear for family photos so here is my quick guide.
Wear clothes that fit, its especially hard with toddler and kids because they grow so fast, but with the littles it’s important to not have an outfit that is too small or too big. Ultimately, you want to feel confident in your outfit. All black is hard to see detail and all white is usually not a very flattering color in camera. Choose a color palette of varied tones as oppose to identical outfits. Earth tones are usually a safe start. Otherwise, Pintrest can be a great tool for helping pick color schemes. If we are at a location with uneven ground wear sensible shoes that you won’t be slipping in.
