What you wear is key for a successful family portrait session. Clothing complements who you are as a family, speaks to the environment in which the photo session is taking place, and coordinates with your home where final images will be displayed as wall portraits, desk and shelf displays and portrait albums. Your style should be as unique as your family; working well together but also representing each family member individually.
Putting together your family wardrobe can be great fun, as clothing is a reflection of your personalities. You are what you wear!
I recommend assembling your clothes and accessories at least a week in advance so you that you have time to fill in any gaps, and to ensure everything is clean, pressed and ready to go!
FAMILY
The goal in dressing your family for your family portrait session is to create a coordinated look while ensuring each family member retains their own personal style. Here are a few tips:
- Choose a palette of 2-3 colours and work with variety, such as including both pants and dresses. You want a cohesive feel without being ‘matchy-matchy’. We want everyone to coordinate without anyone standing out.
- Choose colours and styles that work with your on-location setting and with the decor of your home where your photos will ultimately be on display
- Textures, layers and understated accessories photograph beautifully. Think scarves, hair decorations, chunky necklaces and bangles. Accessories can really bring out your personalities!
- Avoid clothing with writing, logos, pictures and loud patterns. These can distract from the real subject: YOU!
- Clothing should be casual and comfortable. It’s not uncommon to find yourself laying in the grass, jumping up and down with the kids or involved in a tickle fight. Be ready for anything!
- Arrange your outfits well ahead of time, including accessories. Make sure all clothes fit your right-now body, are clean and pressed and are on hangers a few days before your session.
- Choose clean and stylish shoes – they will show!
KIDS
Kids can be bolder with more colour and style. Choose:
- Non-fussy, casual clothes to ensure happy, comfortable children and natural expressions
- Colours you love, although I tend to recommend natural and organic tones
- Layers and fun, funky fitted clothes
- Understated accessories
- Bloomers or fitted shorts under skirts and dresses to hide underwear that will no doubt show at some point!
- Shoes over stockings and footed tights
Avoid:
- Makeup or hairspray
- Clothes with writing, logos, pictures and loud patterns
- Neon colours
- Baggy, tatty, worn, overwashed, or pilled clothes
BABIES
Babies are soft, squishy, natural beings; keep things simple by choosing:
- Skin, skin, rolls, pudge, fingers, toes, chub and more skin
- Simple cloth diapers or diaper covers
- Soft, light, pastel or organic colours
- Solid onesies, simple outfits, knits and pettiskirts
Avoid:
- Grown-up clothes, with collars and buttons
- Clothes that crowd the face and chin
- Clothes with writing, logos, pictures and loud patterns
- Shoes and socks
ADULTS
Adults should dress for comfort in flattering styles. Choose:
- Clothes that flatter your right-now body type and fit well without being too baggy
- Layers and accessories
- Make-up that is natural but a little heavier than usual
- A clean shave and a week-old haircut for men
Avoid
- Drastically different new hairstyles – just in case!
- Mini-skirts and shorts and tight skirts you can’t sit comfortably in
- Sleeveless shirts (unless you love your arms!)
- Overly formal and dressy clothes
So now you’ve got some great ideas, but some families still want a bit more help!
I am pleased to offer consultation services for all my clients – my advice or even the option of services from a professional wardrobe consultant! While it’s a treat to enjoy these services, it’s also an important investment to help ensure your images are perfect.
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