For a family photoshoot, the goal is to look coordinated without being too matchy-matchy. You want the outfits to flatter, reflect each person’s personality, and ensure the focus stays on your faces—after all, that’s what people will remember! Here’s a guide to help you choose outfits that will look great and photograph beautifully.
1. Choose a Colour Scheme
Focus on colour, texture, and dimension. Choose one outfit first, then coordinate with complementary colours for everyone else.
Neutral tones: Think whites, beiges, greys, or soft pastels. These create a timeless, soft look.
Earthy tones: Greens, browns, and mustard yellows work well for outdoor shoots, especially in nature.
Complementary colours: Pick 2-3 colours that complement each other (like navy, burgundy, and soft blush). Avoid loud, clashing colours.
Avoid neon colours: These can be too bright and distracting in photos.
2. Balance Comfort and Style
Comfort is key: Make sure everyone is comfortable in their clothes, especially kids! If they’re uncomfortable, it will show in the photos.
Simple & Timeless: Avoid overly trendy pieces, as they can quickly date the photos. Stick to classic styles.
3. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Instead of everyone wearing the exact same colour, aim for a cohesive look where outfits complement each other. For example, family members can wear different shades of the same colour or mix patterns with solid colours.
Textures & Layers: Mix textures (like denim, knitwear, and cotton) for added depth in the photos. Layers, like cardigans, jackets, or scarves, can also give a nice visual dimension.
4. Think About the Setting
Consider the location of the photoshoot and adjust the outfit accordingly.
For outdoor: Comfortable shoes are a must, especially if you’ll be walking or standing for a long time. Avoid high heels if the terrain is uneven.
5. Avoid Busy Patterns
Large logos, bold patterns, or heavy stripes can distract from the faces. Opt for subtle patterns, like florals, plaids, or polka dots, or go for solid colours to keep the focus on your family’s expressions.
6. Footwear
Everyone should wear shoes that fit the vibe of the shoot (casual sneakers for a laid-back look, dress shoes for a more formal setting).
7. Hair and Makeup
Hair should be styled naturally. Try not to go for anything too extreme or drastically different than your normal look.
If you wear makeup, keep it soft and natural for a timeless look. For family photos, you want to look like yourselves, just a bit polished.
8. Extras and Accessories
Accessories like hats, scarves, or bold, chunky jewellery can look really great.
Remember, the goal is to ensure each person’s personality shines through.
Top Tip: Lay out everyone’s outfits on the bed and ask yourself, “Would I wear these colors and textures together in one outfit?” This simple step helps you visualize whether everything feels cohesive, ensuring the colours and textures are balanced—and gives you a chance to spot any mismatched elements before the shoot.
The key is coordination, not uniformity—let each person express their style while keeping the overall look cohesive!