So you’ve just booked family photos.

And suddenly, it feels like you’re going on a first date because you have no idea what to wear!

With other people in your family to consider too, I completely understand how overwhelming this part of the process can feel.

I’m here to make styling as simple and easy as I can! I know how important it is to not only look put together for your photos, but feel good about yourself too!

Read on for my top tips for easy styling for your family photos.

TIP ONE- don’t match, coordinate!

Gone are the days of matching family jumpers, and everyone wearing white and denim.

The best way to give your family photos a natural and timeless look, is to coordinate your outfits. I always suggest choosing 3-5 colours and working your family’s outfits around this colour scheme. That way, they all go together without looking too forced.

If you’re a little lost, neutral or muted palettes (such as greys, tans, whites, creams, or earthy tones) will go with every location and scenario. They are easy to coordinate and attracts the attention mostly on your beautiful faces rather than your outfit.

TIP TWO- consider the vibe

My next important tip is to consider the vibe of your session. Have you booked a beach location? A coastal look with linens and neutrals might be the way you go. Booked a cozy at home session? Snuggle up in soft textures and warm colours.

You’ll also want to consider your home decor when picking the vibe for your session. Family photos are likely to result in beautiful artwork for your walls, so keep that in mind if you want your photos to suit the rest of the house.

TIP THREE- keep comfort at the centre

When you feel comfortable, you LOOK comfortable.

Choose clothes that help you feel your best, and enable you to be present in your session with your family, rather than fixing or fussing with your clothes. If you’re uncomfortable, this unfortunately shows in the photos. We want relaxed and happy faces!

It’s also important that your kids are dressed comfortably for the weather, and have appropriate footwear for the area we’re shooting at.

TIP FOUR- add some texture

Adding texture to your outfits (think knit or waffle fabrics, linens, corduroy, lace, etc) adds depth and interest to your photos. See image below for examples.

Also consider having some items of clothing like flowy skirts and dresses which creates movement to your images and creates a more natural look.

(add example photo of textured patterns)

DO’S & DONT’S

DO’S ✅

-Neutrals and earthy tones

-Wear something you feel comfortable and confident in

-Consider outfits for movement (e.g swishy skirts and dresses for girls)

-Introduce some textured elements for interest (e.g lace, embroidered vests, linens, knits)

-barefoot or neutral footwear

-Consider the vibe you’re after when choosing outfits

DONT’S ❌

-Neon colours

-Branded clothes with logos/ large graphics

-Bright colours- especially reds (it generally reflects the colour onto the face)

-Anything super short or low cut that is likely to make you fiddle with it during your session.

-Old shoes, joggers or thongs.

-Lots of patterns- Best rule to follow is one person wears a pattern, two at most.

STILL NEEDING SOME INSPIRATION?

Check out my styling guide Pinterest board for some more ideas.

Find that here.

Booking a maternity session? Here’s a link for a beautiful maternity dress hire company. Find it here.