Your Guide to Photoshoot Wardrobe: Dos and Don'ts
DOs for Your Family Photoshoot Wardrobe
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Prioritize comfort. Wear clothes that you feel great in so you can be relaxed and confident in front of the camera.
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Coordinate, but don't match exactly. Choose a cohesive color palette of 2-4 colors and have each family member wear a different shade.
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Keep it timeless. Choose classic pieces that reflect your family's authentic style and will look great for years to come.
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Add layers and accessories. Bring a jacket, scarf, or hat to easily change up a look without a full outfit change.
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Hydrate and rest the day before to look and feel your best.
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Have a snack before the session to keep everyone's energy up and avoid stress.
DON'Ts for Your Family Photoshoot Wardrobe
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Don't wear anything that's uncomfortable or that you'll constantly be adjusting.
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Don't match exactly. Avoid putting everyone in the same outfit or exact color, as it can look uniform and unnatural.
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Don't wear anything trendy or neon, or clothes with distracting patterns and large logos.
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Don't forget to consider practical footwear. Avoid wearing high heels to a park session; opt for comfortable shoes.
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Don't wear heavy makeup. Keep your look light and natural so you look like a rested version of yourself, not a different person.
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Don't forget to be present. Put the camera down and join in the fun; the best memories are the ones you experience together.
Styling Your Family for a Photoshoot: A Guide to Timeless Wardrobe Choices
The secret to a great family photoshoot isn't just about perfect poses; it's about capturing genuine connection. One of the biggest factors that can make or break this experience is your wardrobe. The right clothes can make everyone feel comfortable and confident, allowing your family's true personality to shine through.
Prioritizing Comfort and Confidence
First and foremost, wear clothes that make you feel good. If you're constantly adjusting a shirt or worried about a tight waistband, it will show in the photos. The goal is for your family to be relaxed and focused on each other, not on their outfits.
Reflect Your Personality: Choose clothes that feel authentic to your family's style. If you're a casual, laid-back crew, don't force everyone into formal attire.
Opt for Timelessness: Avoid trendy pieces or anything you might regret in five years. The best photos are those that feel classic and enduring.
The Art of Coordination, Not Matching
This is the most common wardrobe question I get from families. The key is to coordinate, not to match exactly. Think of your family as a cohesive color palette.
Choose a Palette: Select 2-4 colors that complement each other and work well with your chosen location. For example, in a lush green park, a palette of soft blues, creams, and earthy browns will look beautiful. In an urban setting, you might choose a more bold, but still cohesive, color scheme.
Mix and Match: Have each family member wear a different color from the palette. For instance, Mom might wear a cream-colored dress, Dad a brown sweater, and the kids in shades of soft blue. This creates visual harmony without looking like a uniform.
Avoid Distractions: Steer clear of bold patterns, large logos, or neon colors. These can pull attention away from faces and create a busy feel in your photos.
Smart Dressing for Any Location
Whether you’re shooting at home or in the great outdoors, a little planning goes a long way.
Layers and Accessories: For outdoor sessions where changing is difficult, layers are your best friend. A cardigan, jacket, or scarf can create a different look without a full outfit change. Accessories like hats or jewelry can also add variety.
Practical Footwear: While your beautiful shoes might complete an outfit, remember the location. If we're walking through a field or on a trail, bring a pair of comfortable shoes to wear in between shots. For at-home sessions, bare feet or socks are often the most natural and comfortable choice.
Simple Prep for a Polished Look
The day before your session, a little self-care can make a big difference.
Rest and Hydrate: Get a good night's sleep and drink plenty of water. It helps reduce puffiness and gives your skin a natural glow.
Keep Makeup Natural: Use a light hand with makeup. The goal is to look like a more rested version of yourself, not a different person. Avoid heavy makeup or anything with shimmer, which can look unnatural in photos.
Don't Forget to Eat: A hungry family is a stressed family. Make sure everyone has a good meal or a snack before the session.
Ultimately, the best wardrobe for your family photoshoot is one that makes everyone feel like themselves. The most beautiful images are the ones that capture your family's unique story, and the right clothes are simply a backdrop for that.