What to wear to a family photoshoot?

What do we wear?

This is THE most asked question when someone books a family photoshoot with me (don’t worry, as a client of mine you receive a Welcome Guide with my top tips!)

So what’s the answer? Really, the answer is: it depends. When booking a family photographer you will most likely be handed a questionnaire to fill out where you throw ideas about things you like to do, locations important to you. Once everything is locked in and decided on, that’s when you start thinking about clothing.

• What activities will we be doing?

  You want to be comfortable! If you are an active family and your session is based around skateboarding, climbing rocks and bike riding - wear clothing that will allow you to do so.

• Where are we going?

  Dress up shirts and suit pants rarely looks good on a beach. If that is where you are heading - kick your shoes off and wear something you can run around in! You are there to play with your kids and most likely get your toes wet so dress for the occassion. Best tip ever - bring your swimmers!

• Do the colours compliment each other?

  First of all, no matching colours for all family members! Images will lack contrast, interest and you’re likely to blend in together. Don’t be afraid to mix colours and patterns up between family members to create fun and interesting images. However, consider the colours and if they bring out the best of each other!

• Make it YOURS!

  This is the most important one in my opinion. We have all Pinterested the crap out of earthy toned photoshoots and I personally love them so don’t get me wrong. But there is so much more that can be done to make it unique to you and your family!

  Are you a family of colour? Bring the colour!

  Not a flowy dress person? Wear the jeans and the top.

  That god damn dress your toddler won’t get out of? Let them wear it! Work around that. An old dress and a happy kid is way more fun than dressed up to the ears while screaming their head off.

• Bring the props

  Props are such a fun way to make a session personal. Guitars, skateboards, puppies, paint brush and easel - you name it!

Look twice in the wardrobe and hang outfits up next to each other to get an idea of what it looks like. Bring a couple of outfits so you can get some variety in your images.

I could go on and on but I won’t!

But my last advice is - don’t let is consume you. This is meant to be fun to plan for so take a breath and enjoy the process.

x Michaela