What to wear to your family photo shoot.

So you've made the leap and booked a family photography session. Ah so exciting! You can't wait to show off your images on Insta, hang them beautifully on your walls and your kids are going to have the cutest thank you cards for their birthdays this year.

And then it hits...Oh God...what should we all wear?!

I kind of like that people come to a shoot dressed as they normally would because who they are is then reflected in their images.

However over the last few weeks clients have been asking for a little guidance, even clients who always have their kids and themselves looking immaculate have asked for a bit of guidance.

So here is a quick guide of some do's and don’ts for a session.

Do - Co-ordinate

This is the main difference between a session looking good or a session looking amazing! You want your images to show that your family are connected and in a strange way this makes a massive difference.

When I say co-ordinate, I don’t mean match!

Images look better when there are a few complimentary colours running throughout the family.

The above family went for a mix of creams, pinks and blues and it worked beautifully. They also really considered the backdrop that these colours would sit against and also the time of year. This was a spring shoot so the blues they chose complimented the bluebells that you can see in the background.

This family had their session on the beach so opted for a range of blues and whites. It looked brilliant!

Clothes don’t have to be super expensive.

The plainer the better.

We want the attention on your little's face, not what they are wearing. Plain clothes also don’t tend to date as quickly. Your images will need to look great on your wall for a very long time to come.

Think simple and classic!

Pick a colour pallet and look for pieces that fit within it. You can add some stripes or spots on a top but try to team this up with a block colour cardigan.

Layers look great, as does a knit.

Do - Dress for the weather.

It’s all fine co-ordinating the main clothing items but if it’s blooming freezing and you haven’t thought about their outerwear then this causes problems. Children who are cold don’t tend to be terribly smiley or keen on having a giggle. They’re just cold.

I would always start with what jacket and shoes they’ll be wearing and co-ordinate around that. Jackets and shoes are the most expensive items of clothing so if we can avoid buying them then that’s great.

Do - Start with the menfolk.

Let’s face it, the men are never terribly chuffed about the thought of a photography session. It can make them feel a touch awkward so let’s make it a bit easier on them.

Start planning your outfit around them.

What will they look good in and feel comfortable in?

If they are at least happy with what they are wearing then the rest will hopefully not be too painful!

Do  - Think about where you will be hanging them.

Ok, this one might be a touch on the pernickety side but…have a wee think about where you will be hanging them. Think about the colours that are prominent in that room and possibly use this as one of the colours that you use when co-ordinating your family outfits. It’s the little things that make the difference.

If in any doubt, plum for neutrals and you can’t really go wrong!

and now for the...

Don’ts

I’m going to clump these altogether because they’re fairly short and sweet.

No clothes with large writing, logos or kids cartoons.

It distracts from the main focus which should be your gorgeous children. Plain is good, Paw Patrol is bad.

No neon.

This is generally a rule in life too.  Exceptions are only allowed for 80’s nights and roller discos. Bright reds, oranges and pinks can also be a bit tricky to work with. If in doubt keep it neutral!

And that’s it.

I’m always happy to chat clothes so if you’re not sure then text, ring, send me photos of your wardrobe or have me round for a cuppy beforehand and we’ll get you all sorted in no time. I have even been known to rummage in wardrobes (at a clients request I hasten to add! Lol!).

And the good news is when you book a shoot we go into this in way more detail, you get a guide on how to plan it all and you have access to my gorgeous selection of client dresses (just so the Mums feel extra special!).

If you’d like to chat it all through just hit the button and get in touch.

Can’t wait to have a wee blether with you.

G x