We all know why family photos are important. They mark the precious milestones that fly by in the blink of an eye. They capture a moment in time that you’ll look back on for so many years to come. Photos become part of your family history, and as a family photographer, I love helping capture these magical moments!
If you’re looking for ideas for what to wear for family photos, you’re in the right place. With years of experience photographing newborns, young children and families, I can point you in the right direction when choosing the outfits for your whole family.
Tips for what to wear for family photos
The most important tip for choosing what to wear for family photos is to not overthink it. If you’re not sure what to wear, check with your photographer. I’m so used to my clients sending me photos of the outfits they’re planning to wear. I want the photos to look amazing so I’m always happy to provide my input.
While there are no hard and fast rules for particular outfits, I do have a few tips to get the absolute best out of your family photo shoot.
Avoid stripes and patterns
As fun as they are, stripes and patterns don’t always photograph well. They can be distracting and also clash if there are too many different prints. It’s best to stick to clean lines and solid colours.
Stick with neutral colours
You can’t go wrong with neutrals. They’re elegant, timeless and flattering. While you may like to wear bold colours, they may date over time. If just one person is wearing bold colours in the photos, it can also take attention away from the rest of the family.
Go with coordinating not matching
We’ve all seen the photos with matching sets of jeans with a white tee. I prefer to suggest coordinating outfits to my clients. If you take matching outfits too far it can dull the different personalities in the family and that’s not what we want to achieve! A great way to choose your clothes around a few hues that blend well together. Then you can select your family outfits around these colours.
Wear comfortable clothes
If you’re not comfortable during a photo shoot, it will show in the final photos. You shouldn’t feel like you’re in fancy dress, or wearing an outfit belonging to someone else. By all means, dress up if you like, but keep it comfortable… and something that’s really you!
What to wear for family photos outdoors
There’s something exciting about outdoor photos – especially in a gorgeous garden or on the waterfront.
If you have booked an outdoor photo shoot, do remember that weather can affect the shoot. While you might be set on a strappy sundress, you will freeze mid winter. And it’s hard to get relaxed shots when you’re desperate to be anywhere but in front of the camera.
As a Melbourne based family photographer, I know how unpredictable the weather is. It’s why I always recommend bringing backup outfits. Rain, shine, heat or chill, be prepared and the results will be amazing.
What to wear for family photos in studio
I love shooting in my studio. I have beautiful, big windows that bathe the space in warm, natural light. And the beauty of a studio shoot is that I can use my professional light to create the right atmosphere all year round. You can wear your strappy sundress in winter and not feel the cold!
So what to wear for a family photo shoot here? My general advice for outfits applies whether you’re inside or out, but I do have one extra tip for family photographs in the studio.
While black and white can look amazing in a lush green garden, monochrome dress isn’t always the ideal option for studio shots. Inject some colour with your outfits and a studio photograph will really shine.
Capturing magic moments
I offer family photography in my studio or on location in Melbourne and surrounds. I love capturing those magical family moments and meeting so many gorgeous families.
If you’re thinking about a family photo shoot, I would be delighted to work with you. Get in touch and we can have a chat about what you’re looking for.
