Family Photoshoot Styling Guide

People often ask me for advice on what they should wear for their family photoshoot, should they do outfit changes, what space do we need and what about the background. At the end of the day this is your photoshoot, your photos and your memories so your choice of outfit, props, decorations and background should reflect you, your little one and your family. Therefore this guide is exactly that, a guide to show you how different colour palettes, the use of colour, background and decorations can change the look and set the tone and feel of a photograph to help you decide what best suits you and your family for your family photoshoot.

Sometimes it helps to think of your family photoshoot as a special occasion in regards to how you would dress. It may feel a bit odd to be getting dressed up perhaps but you want to look back on your photos and remember that time and experience as something a little different, when your treasured memories were captured forever. You don’t want to look back and be distracted by your outfit thinking 'if only I’d…… ‘, this is often why simple is best. Simple can be timeless, sophisticated, classic and pleasing to the eye.

For family photoshoots colour coordinating in simple shades and a matching palette gives a clean, unified look with nothing to distract away from all the smiling faces.

A pop of colour against the white backdrop is a great way to stand out a little and show personality and individuality but too bold a pattern or too many patterns on different people can become distracting and won’t always age as well.

Here’s what I would do when deciding on my families outfits for a family photoshoot. Gather a few different outfit options for each person and lay them out together to help you envision how they will look when worn together. Do those outfits look good together whilst also being something you and your family would wear ordinarily - this is important so you all feel comfortable, confident and like yourselves as this will emulate in the photos.

Also remember to Consider where you are having the photoshoot. What will your surrounding colours be, what will be the predominant colours? Don’t wear green if you’re having an outdoor photoshoot in a forest or field for example.

Try not to overthink it, use what you have and make sure it’s you.These are the key things I would advise a client. I will always advocate for simple being best but this doesn’t mean boring. Simply you.

If you have any questions about your outfits always reach out to your photographer, they are there to help you.