What to Wear For Family Photoshoot: A Comprehensive Guide

A family photoshoot is a wonderful opportunity to capture cherished memories and create lasting keepsakes. One key aspect that can greatly impact the overall aesthetic and success of your photos is choosing the right outfits. In this comprehensive guide about what to wear for family photoshoot, we will provide you with valuable tips and insights to help you make confident wardrobe choices for your family portraits.

The Purpose of Your Photoshoot

Before you start selecting outfits, consider the purpose and theme of your photoshoot. Are you aiming for a formal portrait, a casual outdoor shoot or a playful candid session? Understanding the mood and style will guide your clothing choices.

Coordinating Colours and Themes

To create a harmonious visual impact, it's important to coordinate the colours and themes of your outfits. Start by selecting a colour palette that complements your family's skin tones and the background of your photoshoot location. Consider using colours that are in the same family or shades that blend well together. You can also choose a central colour and incorporate it in different ways throughout the outfits.

Avoid Matching Completely ( Unless You are Twins)

While coordination is key, avoid wearing identical outfits as it can appear contrived. Instead, aim for a cohesive look by selecting pieces that share similar colours or patterns. Mix and match complementary colours or patterns to add depth and visual interest to the overall composition. This approach allows each family member's personality to shine through while maintaining a unified aesthetic.

Choosing the Perfect Outfit for Your Family Photoshoot in London

London offers a diverse range of settings, from lush parks to vibrant city streets. Take inspiration from the location you've chosen for your photoshoot and align your outfits accordingly. For example, if you're capturing your family's moments amidst the city's bustling streets, opt for urban-chic attire. If you're in one of London's Royal Parks, a more relaxed and nature-inspired wardrobe may be appropriate. By aligning your outfits with the location's aesthetic, you create a harmonious connection between your family and the surroundings.

Best way to dress for family picture

Timeless vs. Trendy

While incorporating current fashion trends can be tempting, it's important to consider the longevity of your family portraits. Opting for timeless, classic outfits will ensure that your photos remain relevant and appealing for years to come. However, don't shy away from adding subtle trendy touches to keep your look modern and fresh.

Consider Individual Style and Comfort

Each family member should feel comfortable and confident in their chosen outfits. Consider their individual style preferences and body shapes when making wardrobe decisions. Encourage everyone to try on their outfits beforehand to ensure proper fit and comfort. When everyone feels good, it will reflect in the photographs.

Pay Attention to Details

Accessories and small details can make a significant difference in your family photos. Carefully choose accessories such as scarves, hats, belts, or jewellery that add a touch of personality and visual interest to the overall look. Avoid large logos or busy patterns that may distract from the main subjects of the photos.

Coordinating Clothes for Your Family Photos

Establishing a colour scheme is the foundation for coordinating outfits. Begin by selecting a primary colour or two complementary colours that will serve as the base for the entire family's attire. Consider the setting and the season to determine whether vibrant, bold hues or soft, muted tones are more suitable. Once you have decided on the primary colours, build a palette of secondary shades that harmonise well. Remember, the goal is to complement, not match, each other's outfits.

Accessories can elevate your family's outfits, but they should be used sparingly and with purpose. Select accessories that complement the colour scheme and style you've established. Consider matching or coordinating accessories such as belts, scarves, or jewellery that can tie the outfits together without overpowering them.

The Art of Harmony: Best Colours for Family Portraits

Colours have a profound impact on our emotions and can convey messages and moods without words. When it comes to family portraits, understanding the psychology behind colours is crucial. While personal preferences should be considered, it's essential to choose colours that complement each other and enhance the overall composition of the photograph.

Neutral colours, such as beige, cream, grey, or white, offer a timeless and elegant look for family portraits. Neutrals create a clean and cohesive aesthetic, allowing the focus to be on the family members and their interactions. They also provide a versatile backdrop, making it easier to coordinate with different backgrounds or environments.

Incorporating bold and vibrant accent colours can add visual interest and personality to family portraits. When used strategically, pops of colour can create focal points and draw attention to specific family members. Consider using accessories, such as scarves, hats, or jewellery, to introduce these accents without overpowering the composition.

Seasonal colours can infuse a touch of relevance and thematic unity into family portraits. For example, warm and earthy tones like deep reds, oranges, and browns work well for autumn portraits, while pastel shades evoke the freshness of spring. Aligning the colour palette with the season can enhance the visual narrative of the photograph.

What to Wear for Family Photoshoot if You are Plus Size

The first step to dressing confidently for a family photoshoot is to embrace your body shape. Understand your curves and identify the features you'd like to highlight. For plus-size individuals, empire waistlines, A-line silhouettes, and wrap dresses are excellent choices as they cinch the waist and create an hourglass illusion. Avoid oversized or baggy clothing, which may hide your figure. Instead, opt for well-tailored pieces that accentuate your best assets.

Feeling comfortable in what you wear is crucial for a successful photoshoot. Choose fabrics that are breathable and offer stretch for ease of movement. Avoid clothing that may cause discomfort or restrict your mobility. Consider wearing supportive undergarments that provide a smooth silhouette and enhance your confidence. Additionally, opt for shoes that are both stylish and comfortable, as you may be standing or walking during the shoot.

For plus-size individuals, a family photoshoot is an opportunity to celebrate your unique beauty and the bond you share with your loved ones. And when you feel confident and comfortable, your genuine joy and happiness will radiate through the lens, resulting in cherished memories for years to come.

What NOT To Wear For Family Photoshoot

We will also explore what NOT to wear for a family photoshoot to help you avoid common fashion pitfalls and ensure your photos turn out picture-perfect.

1. Matchy-Matchy Overload: One of the most common mistakes in family photoshoots is wearing overly matching outfits. While coordinating colours and styles can create a harmonious look, going overboard with identical outfits or excessive matching can look contrived and unnatural. Instead, opt for complementary colours and styles that reflect your family's individual personalities while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.
2. Loud Prints and Logos: While vibrant patterns and bold logos might seem fun, they can quickly become distracting in a family photo. Busy prints draw attention away from the main focus – your family's connection and expressions. It's best to choose solid or subtle patterns that complement each other, allowing your faces and emotions to be the primary focal point of the image.
3. Neon and Overly Bright Colours: Neon colours are trendy, but they tend to create colour casts that can affect the overall tone of the photograph. These bright hues can reflect onto skin and other surfaces, resulting in unnatural and unflattering skin tones. Stick to softer, more muted shades that enhance your family's natural beauty and blend harmoniously with the environment.
4. All-White or All-Black Outfits: While all-white or all-black ensembles can look chic in certain settings, they can be problematic for family photoshoots. All-white outfits can easily wash out lighter skin tones, while all-black outfits can create dark silhouettes that lack detail and depth. Opt for a mix of colours that suit your family's complexion, creating a balanced and visually appealing composition.
5. Uncomfortable Clothing: Feeling comfortable and at ease during a photoshoot is essential for natural-looking poses and genuine smiles. Avoid clothing that is too tight, restrictive, or itchy. Likewise, avoid shoes that pinch or make it difficult to walk. Opt for well-fitting, breathable fabrics that allow freedom of movement and ensure everyone feels their best throughout the session.
6. Outdated Fashion Trends: Family photos are meant to be cherished for years to come. To avoid cringing at your fashion choices down the line, steer clear of fleeting trends and styles that may quickly become outdated. Opt for timeless outfits that reflect your family's unique style without succumbing to short-lived fads.
7. Too Many Accessories: Accessories can add personality and style to your outfits, but it's crucial not to go overboard. Too many accessories can clutter the overall look and distract from the natural beauty of your family. Keep it simple and opt for a few well-chosen pieces that complement your outfits without overwhelming them.

Last Piece of Advice on What to Wear for Family Photoshoot

Plan Ahead and Prepare Your Outfits

Give yourself plenty of time to plan and prepare for the photoshoot. Start gathering outfit ideas, accessories, and props well in advance. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments and ensure that everything is ready on the day of the shoot. If needed, consult with a professional stylist or photographer for additional guidance.

Test Outfits in Advance

Consider doing a trial run by having a mini photoshoot at home or in a similar setting to see how the outfits and colours work together. This will help you identify any issues or adjustments that need to be made before the actual photoshoot. It's also an excellent opportunity to build excitement and confidence among family members.

Embrace Individuality and Have Fun

While coordination is important, don't forget to embrace the unique personalities of each family member. Encourage them to express their individual style through small touches or accessories. The most memorable family photos capture the love and joy shared among family members, so relax, have fun, and let your family's true spirit shine through.

Selecting the best outfits for your family portraits is an art form that requires careful consideration. Coordinated colour palettes, timeless classics, seasonal elements, thoughtful accessorising, and prioritising comfort are all essential elements to create stunning portraits that will be cherished for years to come. Remember, the true beauty of a family portrait lies in the genuine connection and love it captures. Choosing the perfect wardrobe for a family photoshoot requires thought and coordination. By following these guidelines, you can create a cohesive and timeless look that will result in stunning photographs capturing the essence of your family.