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As an experienced NJ family photographer, I know what will make you look great during your next family photoshoot. Here are my favorite tips for picking outfits.
As you're getting ready to head out for your family photo session, the last thing you want to worry about is what you will wear. As an experienced NJ family photographer, I know all the best tips and tricks for dressing for the camera. That's why we have put together this list of 15 tips to help you and your family look and feel great for your next photoshoot.
1. Study your home decor.
Many lifestyle photography sessions, like those with Woah Hello Photography, are done in your home.
Take a look around at the walls, art, sculpture, and textiles in your home. Are you surrounded by primarily neutral colors with a splash of vivid color? Do you see big pops of warm or cool colors?
Studying your existing decor is a great way to ensure your outfits don't clash with your home’s aesthetic. If you plan to hang your pictures on the walls, your photos will fit in seamlessly with your existing color scheme.
2. Start with the VIP’s outfit.
During my time as a NJ family photographer, I’ve found that when picking outfits for a family photo session it is often easiest to finalize the “VIP’s” outfit first and then build the rest of the family from there.
Sometimes the VIP is obvious, such as Mom during a maternity shoot or the baby during a newborn session. Other times the VIP is the parent who is most familiar with everyone’s wardrobe and can build complimenting outfits quickly.
If there is a special accessory or item that is a priority for your family’s photos, make sure it is included and considered from the beginning of this process.
3. Create a color palette.
Once the VIP has selected a starting outfit, it's time to style the rest of the family. A great color palette usually has 2-3 colors with some variations on lighter and darker shades. In addition, your color palette should reflect the time of year and occasion for the shoot.
After capturing so many families, we have created a chart of some color palettes that photograph well and are likely in your closet already!
4. Go for muted colors.
When you’re finalizing your family photo session color palette, favor muted colors over bright, vivid ones.
Muted colors have a lower saturation and look great on any skin tone. Muted colors don’t clash with the background, any vivid color added by the natural setting will look stunning.
5. Coordinating over matching.
Just because you will all share a standard color palette doesn't mean everyone should wear the exact same thing! Unless you're purposely going for a cheesy effect, avoid matching altogether. It's best if everyone gets a little bit of personality shine through with coordinated yet individualized outfits instead.
Also be careful of dressing monochromatically. While all-white or all-black outfits might sound like a good idea in theory, they tend not to look great in a family photo shoot. Monochromatic outfits can lose their details and take depth away from the final product. Try to include two different colors in each outfit to prevent this from happening.
6. Use patterns sparingly.
If you're planning on bringing a large crew to the family photo shoot, be sure there are limited patterns on the clothing. One or two patterned items can work, but definitely avoid super thin stripes or anything too bold.
On that same note, it's best to avoid large graphics or complicated prints. For instance, many children's outfits include characters' faces and pictures from popular television shows.
Avoid items that disrupt the overall flow of the photograph and distract the viewer from enjoying the real stars of the image!
7. Mix up textures.
Using different textures of clothing is a great way to add warmth to a photo. Mixing cottons and corduroy or linens and lace will give light different depths and patterns to reflect off of and can make a session feel cozier.
8. Make it layered.
Speaking of a variety of depths and textures—try out some different layers like vests, sweaters, and jackets. Adding more to your outfit than just bottoms and a top will bring the whole look together and make everyone's outfit look complete.
**Photographer’s Tip**—avoid scarves as they add unnecessary bulk to your outfit.
9. Avoid logos.
Logos can be tricky when it comes to family photography. Not only do brands go in and out of style over the years, but they draw attention away from the most essential part of the picture—you and your family!
If there is a team or image that is meaningful for your family, consult with your photographer. They will be able to recommend the best way to incorporate the logo in your session.
10. Include accessories.
Accessories help give each person an individual style. Jewelry, watches, hats…show off your personality!
Accessories can also be a fantastic way to get preschool-aged children excited while getting ready for your NJ family photo session. Nothing says “it’s gonna be a great day!” like a big bow or a superhero tie.
11. Consider the season.
Is your photoshoot outdoors? You want to make sure everyone wears clothing that looks great but also feels comfortable while posing for 1-2 hours. A little one in a suit isn’t as adorable when they’re complaining about the sweltering heat. And if everyone is tense in your photos because you’re all literally frozen, you’ll be disappointed that you didn’t chose clothes that kept you warm and relaxed.
Factor in the weather while choosing your family’s outfits and you’ll have a much smoother day.
12. Think timeless.
No matter the season or occasion for the photos, one good rule of thumb is to avoid wearing any statement fashion items. Though fashions come and go, your family photos will last a lifetime. So if you plan on leaving your photos up on your walls forever (and you should!), consider dressing in timeless pieces. Classic is always in style.
13. Dress for confidence.
At the end of the day, choosing your outfits for your family photo shoot is all about feeling your best. No matter what you settle on, be sure you wear something that makes you feel amazing. Don't feel pressured to wear something just because it’s in the ‘fancy’ section of your closet!
What outfit are you wearing in your favorite recent photograph of yourself? Can you wear it for your session? Choose clothes that you don’t constantly adjust and tug at.
**Photographer’s Tip**—skirts on toddlers sounds like an easy choice for a cute outfit, but it isn’t always the best option for family lifestyle sessions. Laying the skirt flat can be tricky while holding a toddler in your arms, even when the clothes have built-in shorts!
Try to dress them in pants or leggings and leave skirts to older children who won’t need to be held.
14. Prepare back-ups.
In my experience as a NJ family photographer, I've seen some tragic wardrobe malfunctions. This tip is vital for families with newborns and other young children at their photoshoots.
Everyone with an infant knows why you’d need a backup outfit when leaving home. But this is still important for at-home lifestyle photography sessions! Even if your session is at home, have an idea of what you'll change your little one into in case anything goes wrong.
15. Do a family dress rehearsal.
As silly as it may sound, a family dress rehearsal is a good idea for so many reasons. Seeing everyone's outfits together will give you a better sense of how the photographs will actually look, and you can work out any issues related to fit or style ahead of the shoot so there's no to resolve the day of.
There you have it! These are my best tips for looking and feeling your best at your next family photo shoot. So if you're in the New Jersey area and you're searching for someone to capture the magic of your family, check out Woah Hello Photography. I'm a NJ family photographer who loves telling stories through my photos.
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