what to wear to your family photoshoot

Choosing the right wardrobe for a family studio shoot involves balancing coordination without being overly matching. Here are some tips to help you decide.

Color Palette

• Choose a Color Scheme: Select a few complementary colours. Think about soft, neutral tones like beige, white, grey, and pastels, or go for classic combinations like navy, white, and denim. My signature colour is black.
• Avoid Bright Colors and Bold Patterns: These can distract and take the focus away from the faces. Stick to solid colours or subtle patterns.

Coordination

• Coordinate Without Matching Exactly: Aim for outfits that go well together without everyone wearing the same thing. For example, if one person wears a patterned piece, the others can pick colours from that pattern for their outfits.
• Consider Layers and Textures: Adding layers like cardigans or scarves can add depth to the photo. Different textures (like knits, denim, and cotton) can also add visual interest.

Style and Comfort

• Classic and Timeless: Choose styles that won’t look dated in a few years. Simple, well-fitted clothes tend to work best.
• Comfort: Make sure everyone is comfortable in their outfits. Uncomfortable clothing can make it harder to relax and enjoy the shoot.

Practical Tips

• Plan Ahead: Lay out all the outfits together to see how they look as a group. This helps ensure they complement each other.
• Bring Extras: Especially for young children, bring an extra set of clothes in case of spills or accidents.

Examples of Coordinated Outfits

• Option 1: Parents in neutral tones like grey and white, one child in a light blue shirt, and another in a soft pastel pink dress.
• Option 2: Everyone in shades of blue and white, with varying patterns like stripes or checks for added texture.
• Option 3: Earth tones with beige, brown, and green, where each family member wears different shades of these colours.

Avoid

• Logos and Graphics: These can be distracting, as well as date the photos.
• Too Many Patterns: One or two subtle patterns are fine, but too many can clash and be distracting.

Final Check

• Look at the Whole Picture: Before the shoot, photograph everyone in their outfits to see how they look together.
• Get Feedback: Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes can spot something you might have missed.

Since 2005, my signature colour has been black, making the show's stars shine without distractions.