A Guide on What to Wear for Family Photos
It's important that you know what to wear for family photos. Luckily, our guide has some fantastic outfit ideas.
Refinery 29 reports that one in four Canadian mothers posts their kids on social media daily. The digital landscape is a wonderful place to share family photos. But it doesn't replace the feeling of flipping through a photo album or sending a Christmas card each year.
That's why the tradition of annual family photos persists in Canada. As the seasons change and cool down, you might think it's time to prepare your family for their close-ups. However, with new fashion trends coming as fast as they leave, you may find it challenging to know what to wear for family photos.
Follow along with this comprehensive review of how to dress yourself and your children to look your best on photo day.
Why Family Portraits are Important
Missing the feeling of a photo album isn't enough for everybody to get on board with physical photo prints. But contrary to popular belief, the internet isn't forever.
The photos you post on social media can disappear in an instant if you succumb to a virus. In the same way that you have digital files on your computer to preserve physical photos in case of a fire or other disaster, you should consider your physical prints a safety net for digital disasters.
What to Wear for Family Photos
Dressing well is one aspect of creating a great family portrait. But, you shouldn't scramble to decide what to wear for family portraits the day of your shoot. Take time to plan out your photoshoot clothes at least a week before the shoot.
1. Matching and Mixing Photoshoot Clothes
Many people think that you must match outfits for family portraits. While that's a valid option, it isn't the only way to dress your family to achieve a nice photo.
Instead of focusing on being entirely matchy-matchy, consider an overarching colour scheme. That way, you can mix and match clothing pieces in distinct colours while maintaining a unified look.
2. Choosing Family Photoshoot Colours
Whether you're matching or going with a colour scheme, you must decide what colours you want for your family photo. Your family photoshoot colours will depend on a few factors:
Personal preference
Skin tones
The photo shoot background
Theme (if applicable)
The season
For example, the best colours to use in a fall photoshoot are warm tones such as oranges, reds, yellows, and browns. Not only do they complement the season, but they also highlight natural skin tones without looking washed out or over-saturated in photos.
Another popular technique is wearing complementary colours like blue and orange or red and yellow. If they are well balanced, they will create more visual interest in the photos while remaining cohesive with each other. This is a wonderful choice for spring photoshoots because it embodies biodiversity and new plant growth.
3. Consider Texture and Pattern
Texture and pattern can change the way a portrait looks. Heavy-knit garments communicate comfort and warmth. So, woolen sweaters are perfect for Christmas photoshoots.
But those same garments would look out of place during a summer photoshoot. Instead, you would want breathable fabrics that convey light, comfort, and movement. Think light linens and cotton.
4. Focus on Timelessness
Finally, if you want a family portrait that can withstand the decades, focus on timeless garments as you dress your family. Wearing clothes that follow modern trends will look good now. But in ten years, you may look back in dismay at your fashion choices.
Some timeless pieces include blue jeans, white button-ups, knit dresses, and tailored trousers. You can also choose timeless patterns. Look for garments with horizontal and vertical stripes, plaids, florals, and houndstooth prints.
Remember that even casual photoshoots should reflect some sophistication. Try avoiding ripped clothing, track pants, or t-shirts.
How to Dress Small Children for Family Portraits
Small children are difficult to dress for family portraits because they can't keep clothes wrinkle-free, make messes when eating, and tend to remove garments that they find uncomfortable. But there are ways to avoid disaster when dressing toddlers and infants for family photos.
First, avoid dressing small children in colours that stain easily. That means no white, baby blues, or pastels. They look adorable but shine a bright light on even the slightest dirt, grease, or spit-up stains.
Also, avoid using fabrics that wrinkle easily. If there's one thing a small child cannot do, it stays still long enough to avoid wrinkling a cotton shirt. Dressing your child in durable wool or rayon clothes that won't wrinkle is a better choice.
Finally, bring your kids to the photoshoot in normal clothes and dress them on location if possible. That way, they only wear the special garments for an hour or so before you change them back into their everyday wear.
Family Portraits: What Not to Wear
Knowing what not to wear is as (if not more) important as knowing what to wear for family photos. Here are some tips for what to avoid when dressing your family for your next portrait.
Know Your Best Colors
Don't dress your family in colours that wash you out. Studio lighting can help mitigate this effect to some degree, but the result will be worse pictures. Instead, choose neutral colours that complement everyone's skin tones.
Avoid Floating Head Portraits
Ask ahead of time if your photographer uses a green screen while taking photos. That way, you can coordinate your outfit choices to avoid a green screen mishap.
Your Clan Shouldn't Clash
Moreover, avoid clashing colours and patterns. You want your photo to look cohesive and for those who view it to focus on your shining smiles. Draw attention to the photo's subjects by toning down loud, clashing garments.
Book Your Family Photo Today
Now that you know what to wear for family photos, it's time to gather your clan and smile for the camera. Brian Ackin photography specializes in family photos for every season and offers professional styling services.
We have three packages for family photoshoots and tons of photoshoot ideas to help you plan a perfect, custom family photo. Visit our website to browse the portfolio and contact us today for a family photoshoot consultation.