Family photoshoots capture cherished moments that you will look back on for years to come. Whether it’s for a holiday card, a special milestone, or just to document your growing family, choosing what to wear is crucial for a cohesive and beautiful final result. Here are some tips to help you plan outfits that complement one another and create timeless photos.
1. Start with a Color Palette
A good rule of thumb is to choose 2-3 main colors and add some neutral tones to balance things out.
Neutral Colors: Beige, cream, gray, navy, and white work well as a base for any season.
Seasonal Colors: Consider the time of year and location of your shoot. For spring and summer, light pastels or soft, earthy tones like blush, sage, and pale blue work beautifully. For fall and winter, rich, warm tones like burgundy, mustard, and forest green add depth.
2. Coordinate, Don’t Match
While it might be tempting to have everyone in identical outfits, coordinated looks are more visually interesting. Try to have different family members wear variations of your chosen color palette. For example, if you're going with navy, whites, and blush, have one person in navy, another in a white top with a blush accessory, and so on. This allows for a cohesive look without being too uniform.
3. Layer and Add Textures
Layers and textures add dimension and visual interest to your photos. Sweaters, scarves, vests, and cardigans can be layered on for a cozy feel during colder months, while lightweight shawls, hats, and headbands work for warmer weather. Different fabrics like lace, knits, denim, and linen also create depth and variety in the overall composition of your family’s outfits.
4. Avoid Distracting Patterns
While some patterns can work well in moderation, it's essential to avoid overly bold prints, logos, or graphic tees that may distract from the photo's focus — your family! Small-scale prints like florals, plaids, or subtle stripes can be lovely, but it's best to limit these to one or two family members, while others wear solid colors.
5. Dress for Comfort
Your family photoshoot is meant to capture happy, candid moments, so it's important that everyone feels comfortable and confident in what they’re wearing. Make sure clothing is properly fitted, and avoid anything that may cause discomfort, such as scratchy fabrics or too-tight shoes. This is especially true for children — if they’re uncomfortable, it will likely show in the photos!
Clothing Examples That Work
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