What to Wear for Family Photoshoots
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What to Wear for Family Photoshoots…
This page will help you understand what to wear for your family photos so that everyone feels and looks great individually AND together.
I don’t want to be the fashion police (hey - I look like Harry Hill, so I’m already on thin ice!), but clothing can make or break a family photoshoot.
This page is your complete guide on what to wear for your family photoshoot, covering everything from colours and tones, to flattering clothing choices.
The goal is that everyone looks and feels like themselves and wear clothes that look flattering in photographs, while also ensuring you all look good together without looking like a dizzying kaleidoscope of colours and patterns.
Their clothes complement each other and still allow for their own personal style.
Wear clothes you feel good in
The most important element of your family photograph is the expressions of your loved ones. So ensure each family member feels happy and comfortable with their clothes because there’s no point in having someone dressed perfectly but looking grumpy.
Wearing something comfortable that you feel good in gives you confidence and avoids fidgeting.
this photo has tonal harmony - a mostly light tone with a dash of dark and a splash of colour.
Flattering clothes for Family Photoshoots
If you’re concerned about the way you look then the first thing to say is this…
…family photographs are about connecting with your loved ones and showing your children you love them and that you’re proud of them. They don’t care how you look…only that you’re an amazing parent…
…that said, there are some things to help. Firstly I’ll be photographing you in a way that will help, but there are clothing choices you can make too. This website has a really easy to follow guide for dressing for different body shapes. But again I’d like to stress that family photography is about capturing emotion and connection and personality, not how you look.
On average V-necks and buttoned tops are more flattering in photographs than round necks. This applies to both men and women because they accentuate the V shape of your body rather than creating a circle.
With everyone choosing light coloured tops the whole family complements each other. The light and airy feel along with the blues and purples creates perfect tonal and colour harmony with the bluebells
Clothes to avoid for family photographs
Avoid forcing anyone to wear anything they don’t want to. I’d much rather everyone was happy!
Avoid overly busy, distracting patterns and dominant logos.
Use bright colours in moderation (more on colour in a moment)
Pure black and pure white aren’t ideal in large doses because they sometimes lose their detail and merge into one featureless block. Cream, or grey or brown or navy are better options.
Avoid clothes that look very wrinkled two minutes after putting them on.
Hats can work brilliantly, but some hats (Eg. baseball caps) put the face in too much shade so the camera struggles to pick up that person’s face clearly. That said, someone loves wearing their hat then bring it along and we can do some with and some without.
Avoid clothes with thick stripes.
Avoid thick coats - use layers and scarves and hats instead.
this family have avoided bulky coats and have layered and mum is wearing a scarf too. there’s also a splash of colour on her top.
Colour and texture
Choose outfits that complement each other in terms of colour and tone, but avoid being TOO matchy!
Use bright colours in moderation. Splashes of colour give the photo some pop and life, but too much becomes distracting.
Creams, browns and tans are great colours to choose
Consider the environment you’re being photographed in. If you’re in a sea of pretty bluebells and you’re all wearing black you’d look a bit gloomy for such an uplifting scene.
If everyone is in light tones and then one person is completely in black then the photograph won’t feel right. Similarly, if everyone is in muted navy blues and browns and one person is in bright yellow then that person will look out of place.
Textures photograph well. Jeans and knitted jumpers, for example.
Some patterns work well as long as they’re not overly ‘Hawaii!’
Have a look through everyone’s clothes and see what the common themes are and then choose a colour palette accordingly.
This is another photograph with some red / pink which is generally not ideal. However, since most of the family is in these colours and the only people who aren’t are the 3 boys on the perimeter (who are all in blue) it still feels balanced.
Bold Colours - yes or no?
Bold colours look good in moderation. Bold colours look best if the whole family is using a similar colour pallet. I don’t mean you all need to look the same, but equally you don’t want a kaleidoscope of colours. It also helps if the colours you’ve chosen complement the environment. Here are some examples.
red is normally one of the colours to be wary of but this family used the colour perfectly. they didn’t use too much of it and everyone had a dash of either red or orange in their outfit so the photo was balanced. also, red complemented the autumnal environment.
Seasonal Colors and Styles
If you're considering the best time of the year for family photos, you should also think about the colours and styles of the seasons.
Spring: Take advantage of the weather and bring out your statement dresses or oversized shirts. Pastel colors and light, fresh tones are perfect for this season. And if you’re having a session in the bluebells then light blues, purple, cream and a splash of yellow work well.
Summer: Summer dresses and breezy clothes made of light cotton, sheers, and lace are ideal during summer. Add a splash of colour but be careful the family isn’t a kaleidoscope of colours.
Autumn: Avoid big chunky coats. This cozy season is all about layering and scarfs and hats! Rusty orange, cream, gold, and brown blend well for this season.
Winter: Winter photoshoots require similar clothing to Autumn. Adding a splash of colour to your clothes can be even more important though.
The colour theme the family chose was blue which goes nicely with the light airy meadow and blue sky. The flowing summer dresses work well too.
Accessorise for an extra splash of style
Adding accessories is a great way to give your outfits some variation and personalisation. Scarves, hats and footwear are obvious ways to do it, but meaningful gifts like necklaces, earrings and watches can add extra sentiment to the images.
You’ve got to love the accessorising mum did for her baby boy in this photoshoot. Best dressed baby!
Clothing tips for baby photography
I have a natural style so I rarely use props unless its something that belongs to the family and is likely to hold happy memories in the future.
With regards the clothing (or lack of!) the tips are very similar to what I’ve already mentioned.
The biggest issue is when a baby is wrapped up in bulky clothing that doesn’t fit snuggly. With baby photography clothing, less is usually more.
If your photoshoot is outside and its a cold day then obviously they need to wrap up warm. But try and choose tops, coats and collars that don’t conceal their face. Hats and gloves can work well too.
Here are some great examples of baby photography clothing…
Inspiration and help
If you’re looking for inspiration and examples then Google ‘Family Photo Clothing Colour schemes’ and you’ll find lots of ideas.
I also recommend taking out clothes you’re considering for each family member and then either laying them side by side on the bed or hanging them from a door.
You’re also very welcome to email or text me photographs of the clothes you’re considering and I’ll be happy to offer feedback.
Email: dan@danwaterscreative.com
Mobile: 0792 358 3658.
