What to Wear for your Photo Shoot
A question I’m frequently asked is “what should I wear for my photo shoot?”. It’s an important one. You want to look and feel amazing for your photos because you are immortalised in them. One day, your children’s children will look at these photos and feel a connection to their past. When photographers talk about your photos being an heirloom, we’re not exaggerating.
Personally, I love photos with a neutral palette and flowing fabrics. Maxi and midi dresses are flattering on most women and provide movement in your photos. Here is a link to my client wardrobe which your are welcome to use, or Mamarentals on the Northern Beaches has some gorgeous gowns that are bound to make you feel like a princess. Men always look good in jeans and a button down shirt.
My suggestion is to dress your family in different neutral shades (i.e. ivory, grey, beige) and then add some coordinating colours. Try to avoid having everyone wear matching outfits. The days of the whole family wearing white shirts and jeans are long past! We want colours that generally complement each other: for instance, pastel colours (light blue, cream, blush) or autumn colours (brown, orange, burgundy). If you choose a palette and stick to it your photos are bound to look cohesive.
When gathering your family’s outfits it’s often easiest to start with one person. It’s easier to visualise the whole puzzle once you know what one piece looks like!
Below are some examples of palettes:
The ultimate goal is for everyone to be comfortable and enjoy themselves. Nothing is worse than being miserably uncomfortable in a perfect outfit. It’s wise to avoid wearing high heels if you’re having a beach photo shoot or one where you have to hike to the location. Thongs aren’t a good idea for a hike either. If you’re planning an outdoor session in July, think about coats, jumpers, scarves and boots. In the summer, dress in light clothes but keep a warm layer in the car incase it cools down. It’s often hard to imagine a family shoot in warm clothes, but here are some examples of how beautiful it can be to have everyone warm enough for the weather:
Along with being comfortable, I advise you to stick with one outfit. Don’t over complicate things. All you need for an beautiful photo session is one outfit for everyone. Changing outfits will take time away from your shoot and can put your kids in a bad mood. This is particularly relevant to newborns and babies who hate having their clothes changed and might not settle again before the sun sets.
When planning your outfits don’t forget your shoes. These are often the forgotten last element, but they can really make or break your outfits! Make sure your shoes match your surroundings and your outfit. If you can’t find shoes you love, consider going barefoot (just bring walking shoes to get from point A to point B). Steer away from athletic shoes.
Try your outfits on well before the shoot and check them from all possible angles in the mirror, not just the one you like best. Try moving in your clothes, sitting on the ground and running. Make sure you’re not constantly pulling your skirt down or adjusting your off the shoulder dress. The childrens’ clothes should be comfortable and work well in motion so that we can play during your session (think jumping, tickling, and hanging upside down). Happy kids make for happy photos!
Other Tips
Do’s
COMFORT
Above all, if you feel good, you will look good! Choose clothing that gives you freedom of movement, keeps you warm/cool, and won’t require a lot of maintenance throughout your session.
WELL FITTING CLOTHING
We don’t want your clothing to be too baggy or too tight. Properly fitted clothing looks put together and will show your shape. For women, something to be aware of is bra lines. They’re never flattering and always make people look bigger than they are. Avoid tight fitting t-shirt fabrics.
FLOWING FABRICS
Maxi dresses and light, flowing fabrics add motion and life to your photographs.
Don’ts
TINY PLAID, SMALL STRIPES, & COMPLICATED PATTERNS
These don’t always translate well in-camera, they can cause moiré patterns which ruin a photo.
BRIGHT WHITE
If you love white, try slightly off-white or ivory instead. Bright white should be avoided. It casts blue tones and can make babies, in particular, look cold or ill.
DARK COLOURS
Black and dark navy/brown/gray should all be avoided where possible, they tend to darken the overall feel of your photos.
NEON OR VERY SATURATED COLOURS
If you hold your clothing item next to your face in sunlight and it casts colour onto your skin then it’s best avoided. A green cast from a neon green shirt is almost impossible to fix in post production.
LOGOS & TEXT
Words will draw attention away from your faces.
TRANSITION LENSES
If you wear glasses every day, please wear them in your shoot! However, lens glare and shaded lenses will keep your eyes from being seen. You can have anti-reflective coating added to your lenses or wear just the frames.