What To Wear To Your Outdoor Lifestyle Family Portrait Session
First things first. If you’ve hired me, our goal is to capture the unique beautiful connection your family shares. Remember, no matter what you wear, if you’re present and focused on each other, we’ll create something special together. So if planning outfits feels overwhelming, remember that! That said, choosing outfits thoughtfully can help set the stage for photos that put the focus on you and the people you love most. Here are some tips to make that process a little easier.
1. Choose Comfort First
Prioritize comfort! If you’ve hired me, it’s because you want photos that capture the genuine connections within your family, and being comfortable in what you’re wearing is key. Choose outfits that you can move in, play in, and feel confident in. That doesn’t mean that everyone has to be in sweats and baggy t-shirts- but rather find clothes that both look good and feel good. I will always fawn over a flowy maxi dress or skirt. They are so flattering and also instantly add an element of movement and romance to photographs that I just love! For men and boys, un-tucked button-down shirts, solid t-shirts, and henley shirts are simple, timeless options that work great! If anything requires constant adjusting, or it makes you feel stiff, then it’s not the right choice. Especially remember this when dressing your kids. Everyone should be able to have fun and feel like themselves.
2. Avoid Distracting Patterns or Colors
To keep the focus on you and your family, opt for subtle patterns and colors that won’t compete for attention. Bright, neon colors or large logos are distracting and don’t look great in photos. Think neutrals, earthy tones, and jewel tones. Patterns that are more subtle, like a delicate floral pattern, plaid shirt, or stripes can add interest without overpowering the image.
3. Embrace Layers
Not only is layering a great idea because of our unpredictable weather in the Bay Area, but it also just looks great in the photos! Think of cozy cardigans and light jackets that can be added or removed easily. Different textures bring a beautiful dimension to your photos. Knitted sweaters, linen dresses, corduroy jackets, or even velvet accents can create a rich, layered look. Soft fabrics tend to look best up close and add a sense of warmth and intimacy to your photos.
4. Putting it all together
Keeping these tips in mind, start planning around just one person’s outfit (maybe it’s your own favorite dress, maybe it’s an adorable romper you found for your daughter, or an overall you love on your son). Once you have this one outfit, you can begin planning everyone else's. The goal is to coordinate, but not match. This means complimentary colors as opposed to everyone wearing the same thing. If you’re not sure what colors go well together, you can look up color palettes for inspiration. Lastly, make sure you have some comfortable shoes that match the environment of your session (and if you’re doing beach photos, hooray because barefoot is the way to go!).
Lastly, I will just say…. this photoshoot is YOURS, and rules are meant to be broken. So if your heart is set on something, don’t let these general guidelines deter you and your family from just being yourselves!
