OMG What Do I Wear?!

Let me guess, you have no idea what you should wear for your photo session…? Fear not! In this guide, we’ll talk you through some wardrobe choices for you and your family to make sure that you all look and feel relaxed and at your best in your photographs.

The Pitfalls of Black:

First things first – let’s talk about the myth of black being everyone’s best friend in photos. While it might be a classic choice for many occasions, black can be a bit of a diva when it comes to photography. Dark colours tend to absorb light, potentially making you look like a floating head in your pictures, especially on a dull day. With long sleeves, you may also look a bit like a blob, whereas the aim of the game is to give yourself some shape and make sure that you look your best. Opt for vibrant, lighter tones that complement your skin tones and bring life to your family portraits.

Layers and Fabrics:

Layers are your secret weapon for creating depth and visual interest in your photos. Consider adding cardigans, scarves, or even vests to create texture and dimension. Fabrics also play a crucial role – choose natural materials like cotton or linen for a comfortable and breathable experience. Avoid stiff fabrics that may sit awkwardly, disrupting the flow of your session.

 

Practicality for Little Ones:

When it comes to dressing the little ones, practicality is key. While those cute skirts and dresses may look adorable, they often require constant adjustments, interrupting the natural flow of the session. Opt for practical clothing for active children, and avoid dungaree straps on non-walkers, as they can lead to fussy moments around the shoulders. Why don’t we recommend dresses on those aged up to 3 or so? Take a look…

Accessories Add Flair:

Accessories can elevate your family’s style game without overwhelming the photo. Think about hats, scarves, or statement jewelry that complements your chosen outfits. However, be mindful not to overdo it – the key is to enhance, not distract.

A Light-Hearted Jibe at the Blue Jeans and White T-Shirt Brigade:

Ah, the classic blue jeans and white t-shirt combo – a go-to for many families. While it’s a safe bet, let’s face it, it’s a tad overdone. Spice things up by experimenting with different colours and patterns. Embrace the uniqueness of your family and let your personalities shine through your clothing choices.

 

Ideal Colour Combinations for Each Season:

Each season brings its own palette of colours that can enhance the mood of your photos. Here’s a quick guide to ideal colour combinations for family photo sessions based on the seasons:

Spring:

• Soft pastels like mint green, baby blue, and blush pink.
• Floral patterns and light neutrals.

Summer:

• Vibrant shades of coral, turquoise, and sunny yellow.
• Nautical stripes and light denim.

Fall:

• Warm tones like burgundy, mustard, and olive green.
• Earthy patterns and cozy textures.

Winter:

• Rich jewel tones like emerald green, deep burgundy, and navy.
• Winter whites and cozy knits.

Some Other Things to Consider…

Shirt buttons – we’ve all put on a shirt, sat down and looked down to find with horror that the buttons are working much harder than they should to hold it together, resulting in odd bulges in the fabric. Try it on, sit down in it, comfortably and see if it still fits…

Characters, branding and wild patterns – the only thing you want to focus on in your photographs is your family’s faces. If you’ve got psychedelic tie-dye, a pink, ill-behaved pig or a large tick/swish on your clothing, this is going to draw the eye away from the subject i.e. you and your family!

Accessories – above, we recommend accessories, but there is an exception. When we photograph newborns, we ask you to keep it simple, so remember to remove your watches as your baby’s face should be the main attraction.

Your Chest – mums, especially those who have just had a baby, if you don’t want your photographs to look too ‘boob-y’, then please avoid low cut tops or dresses that don’t sit well to make sure that you aren’t constantly adjusting and fussing.

 

Making it easy, a Colour Combinations Cheat Sheet:

Spring:

• Lavender + Mint Green + White
• Blush Pink + Baby Blue + Beige

Summer:

• Coral + Turquoise + Khaki
• Sunshine Yellow + Seafoam Green + White

Fall:

• Rust Orange + Mustard Yellow + Brown
• Olive Green + Deep Burgundy + Tan

Winter:

• Navy Blue + Emerald Green + Silver
• Deep Red + Icy Grey + Gold

 

Conclusion:

Choosing the perfect outfits for your family photo session can be an enjoyable experience, not a stressful one. Keep it relaxed, natural, and true to your family’s personality. Embrace colour, texture, and accessories, and watch as your family photos become timeless treasures that capture the essence of your unique bond. Happy styling!

Final Note:

We have an extensive range of photo-suitable vests, leggings, jumpers, rompers, headbands and blankets for your newborn, you do not need to dress them. We also have a selection of clothing for up to age 5/6 in our client wardrobe – once you’ve chosen your own clothing, we’re more than happy to jump in and add some of our picture perfect outfits to the set for your children. We have lots of high quality outfits that will elevate the overall look of your photographs, so don’t be shy, ask!

 

PS: Circular Economy Rules! We LOVE getting your hand-me-downs. Some of the outfits you put on your little ones for their photo sessions are just too good to sit in a wardrobe or end up in a clothing bin. We are more than happy for you to pass on clothing to us to add to our client wardrobe to help to reduce the impact of fast fashion and also to make it easier for future parents to dress their little ones, courtesy of your good choiecs!