Welcome, everyone! It’s Amy here, and I’m thrilled to have you back at Style Within Grace. Today, we’re delving into the enchanting realm of Family Photoshoot Fashion. From selecting the perfect colour palette to incorporating prints and textures, I’ve got tips and ideas that will transform your family photos into cherished memories. So, let’s talk Family Photoshoot Fashion and matching outfits!
Choosing a Photographer
Before we dive into outfit tips, let’s discuss the crucial step of choosing the right photographer. Selecting someone whose style aligns with your vision can elevate your family photos. There are four main photography styles, and every studio or photographer will have their own unique take as well.
- Documentary Photography: Capturing in-between moments, it’s raw and candid, ideal for those who value authenticity over posing. Think ‘a day in the life’ photos, documenting routine activities.
- Studio Photography: Held in a studio. The photographer uses lights and equipment to create a specific mood, guiding the family for posed shots. It’s organized, with plenty of guidance.
- Fine Art Photography: Transforming portraits into art, these images resemble paintings. Handpicked locations and meticulous post-processing give them a classic, unique feel.
- Lifestyle Photography: My favourite style, this approach involves chasing moments in dreamy, carefully selected locations. The photographer captures candid, raw moments without much posing or direction. Lifestyle portraits are real, meaningful, and visually appealing but don’t take quite as long as the documentary ones.
Editing styles also vary, from bold and colourful to vintage or light and airy to dark and. Pick a photographer whose style resonates with you and complements your home décor.
Coordinating Styles
Once you’ve secured your photographer, it’s time to plan your outfits. Start by defining a cohesive style that speaks to the collective spirit of your family. However, remember, it’s not about matching; it’s about coordination. Don’t have everyone in jeans and a white tee. You can still go the denim and white route without everyone wearing the same thing. Add in overalls, denim shorts or skirts, denim jackets, collared shirts instead of basic tees etc. The key is to create a unified look that celebrates individuality. Add those personal touches – from heirloom jewellery to distinctive accessories – that make each family member stand out.
I recommend having two outfit options in mind – one styled up and another pared back for a casual, effortless vibe. Steer clear of stiff formal attire, as it tends to date quickly on your walls. Your family photos should feel timeless, capturing moments that are as relevant in the years to come as they are today.
Consider injecting a touch of thematic flair into your photoshoot. While holidays like Easter or Christmas might suggest a theme, even regular photoshoots can adopt a distinct style. Themes such as boho, nautical, or smart casual can align seamlessly with your family’s personalities. Let your creativity flow – if you’re a musical family, why not incorporate instruments? Living on a farm? Cowboy boots and hats can add a charming touch.
While props can be fun, they often become more of a hassle than they’re worth. The most memorable pictures are often those that capture genuine moments – families walking, hugging, playing, or simply snuggling together.
When selecting your family photo style, consider the purpose of the images. If the images are destined for social media, embrace creative freedom with open arms. Whether it’s quirky, vibrant, or artistic, social media allows for a wide spectrum of expression.
If, on the other hand, the intention is to proudly display these moments on your walls, it’s time to harmonize with your home decor. Consider the tones and patterns that resonate well with your living space. In a house with a light and airy ambience, bold and colourful photos might not be the ideal choice. Picture creating an aesthetic symphony where each photo contributes to the visual harmony of your home. Your home is your canvas, so let’s make sure your family photos complement it seamlessly.
The golden rule in this endeavour is to stay true to who you are as a family. Family photos are not about creating an ‘insta-worthy’ image that mirrors everyone else’s; they are about authentically celebrating your unique personalities. Each member of your family brings a distinctive personality, style, likes, and dislikes – and that’s precisely what should be celebrated. Let your family’s style shine through, and let your clothing reflect your genuine selves.
Crafting Your Colour Palette
Now, onto a crucial aspect – choosing the right colour palette. Even without a specific theme, a colour palette adds cohesion and polish. So, how do you choose a colour palette? Firstly, once again, consider your home décor, especially if you plan to showcase these memories on your walls. Then, peek into your family’s closets and work with the clothes they already love. Forcing uncomfortable outfits may reflect in the photos, so find a compromise that merges with your home aesthetics while authentically celebrating your family’s unique style. While buying new outfits is an option, it’s not necessary and carries the risk of fit issues or discomfort if the material is itchy etc. Another influential factor could be your photoshoot location – it’s not just a backdrop but a palette in itself. Consider the tones and hues in your surroundings, contemplating how your selected colour palette might harmonize with them.
When it comes to colour choices, it’s advisable to steer clear of overly bright colours. These not only dominate the final image but can lead to unwanted reflections when shooting in natural light. Instead, opt for muted or pastel tones. Remember, you don’t all have to wear every single colour, aim for a nice balance of each. To spark some inspiration, let’s explore current styling trends and examples that might resonate with your family’s vibe.
Classic Monochrome
The Classic Monochrome palette, comprised of black, white, and grey tones with textured elements like charcoal, linen, and light greys, is perfect for a timeless, sophisticated look that complements any period home. I’ve created a look from my family’s closet as an example in this style.
Light & Neutral
The Light & Neutral palette, featuring neutral warm tones like clay, oatmeal and dusty greys with textured elements like linen offers an ideal choice for a fresh and bright aesthetic, perfectly suited for Scandinavian or neutral interior styles.
Classic White & Denim
The Classic White & Denim palette, characterized by a classic style featuring white and denim elements such as washed denim and classic T-shirts, is an excellent choice for achieving a retro 90s look. To enhance this aesthetic, be sure to accessorize with kids’ Converse or Vans shoes, along with stylish hats. This timeless combination exudes a cool and casual vibe, creating a nostalgic yet stylish atmosphere for your family photoshoot.
Green & Neutral
The Green & Neutral palette, featuring forest greens paired with natural tones like olive, pine, sage and oatmeal as well as textures like linen, is an ideal choice for achieving an eco-luxe and botanical design look. This palette harmoniously ties in with a home full of greenery, creating a visually appealing and nature-inspired atmosphere for your family photoshoot.
Pop of Colour
The Pop of Colour palette introduces a single vibrant hue amidst neutral tones and textures. Some colours that work well as the pop include cinnamon, dusty sands, and warm linen. This combination adds impactful visual interest without overpowering the overall look, making it ideal for wall displays. Typically, the bolder colours are worn by the kids, while the parents complement the scheme in neutral tones, creating a harmonious and visually appealing family ensemble.
Remember, these are just a few options, and feel free to mix and match elements. For our photoshoot, we went with light & neutral, a pop of colour, and green and neutral, all of which would have worked on our walls. We didn’t end up having time for the third outfit though. Two outfit choices are plenty.
Incorporating Prints and Textures:
Now that we’ve cracked the code on colour palettes, let’s explore prints and textures. Incorporating subtle prints and mixing textures works wonders, adding a touch of flair and depth to your family’s ensemble, regardless of the colour palettes you’ve chosen.
Adding Subtle Prints
While some suggest an all-block colour approach, I like incorporating one patterned outfit, with the rest of the family wearing complementary block colours. Additionally, avoid logos and graphics for a cleaner look. Imagine delicate florals, soft stripes, or tiny geometrics – prints that add interest and detail without overwhelming. It’s possible to pull off two patterned outfits if they complement each other well – either through similar colours or one featuring a more subtle pattern, but I wouldn’t tend to go for more than that. Too many mixed patterns can appear distracting and busy. For more insights on mixing patterns, check out my dedicated post on print mixing, as the principles for individual pattern coordination apply seamlessly to family photoshoots.
Mixing Textures
While ‘less is more’ when you are adding prints, when it comes to texture, there’s no such thing as too much. Texture isn’t just about touch; it’s about visual depth that adds richness to your photos. Whether it’s the cozy warmth of knits, the crispness of linen, the smoothness of silk, or the intricacy of lace, mixing textures not only sparks interest but also enhances depth in your photos, especially with clothing items that have movement, such as flowy skirts and dresses.
The Styling Process
To begin the styling process, find a neutral space in your home where you can lay out outfits without distractions. For instance, if you lay them out on a dark maroon patterned bedspread, your eyes might deceive you into believing the clothes don’t coordinate, when, in fact, they simply clash with that bedspread. Colours can play tricks on the eyes when laid against different hues.
While many suggest starting with your outfit and building the family’s looks around you, my approach differs slightly. With an abundance of outfit choices at my disposal, I opted to begin with my daughter, who had only three options aligning with my desired colour palettes. Considering her picky tastes, I prioritized addressing the most challenging family member first. This could be us moms grappling with post-baby body insecurities, your husband navigating a limited wardrobe, or even your teenager dismissing everything you pick out as uncool. Regardless, tackling their outfits paves the way for a smoother process.
It can be a good idea to involve family members, especially if you have little girls or teenagers with strong opinions about their outfits. While it doesn’t mean giving them free rein, providing choices can make them feel empowered. For example, offer them a choice between two dresses in the right colour palette or between a skirt and shorts, both of which you’d be happy with. This not only helps in coordinating outfits but also gives them a sense of control and involvement in the decision-making process.
Once you’ve settled on the challenging person’s outfits, progress to the next most difficult family member, and so forth. I personally gathered every clothing item within my desired colour palette from each family member, then meticulously narrowed down choices. Factors like the cuteness of baby outfits, the incorporation of various textures, and the harmonization of tones were considered, all while allowing for some contrast. Importantly, ensure parent outfits complement each child’s attire, allowing for cohesive single photos that still make sense without the whole family present.
After finalizing the core outfits, amp up the coordination with some cool shoes and accessories. For instance, if someone is wearing a neutral ensemble, introduce colours from other outfits through accessories like headbands or earrings. Hats can be a playful addition, injecting a considerable amount of personality. Let accessories be your way of adding individuality to the coordinated vibe. If shoes don’t match or you’re aiming for a more laid-back feel, consider going barefoot.
These were the three dresses I selected for my daughter. I purchased one of them new with her input. I found several cute dresses aligning with the style and colour palette, and she chose this particular one. Along with the dress, I ordered matching shoes.
Next, I focused on narrowing down my favourite baby outfits that would complement my daughter’s dresses. I couldn’t resist including suspenders for that charming touch, and the orange lounge set complemented my daughters dress perfectly for that pop of colour aesthetic. Choosing between the leaf-patterned romper with linen shorts and the subtly striped overalls with a tee proved challenging. So I ended up including both options. Although we didn’t use the green outfit during the shoot, it happens. While I considered styling bub with shoes, I opted against it, prioritizing his comfort and mobility as he’s still learning to walk.
Narrowing down my own outfits was tricky. Before I created actual outfits, I gathered all the clothes I owned in the chosen colour palettes and tested them alongside my family’s attire. Some hues didn’t quite match, so they were culled. In the process, I noticed that some combinations lacked patterns. So I decided to introduce my own patterned pieces, such as the animal print skirt. Another piece that caught my eye was a dress with a captivating texture, adding a lot of interest to the ensemble.
Since my daughter opted for dresses throughout the shoot, I aimed to balance the overall look by going for a more casual vibe with pants. The high-waisted linen pants, paired with the ribbed top, provided the perfect juxtaposition. I then carefully selected the best top to complement the patterned skirt. While I appreciated the neckline, silhouette, and details of one top, I ultimately favoured the contrast offered by the pure white tee. To add more complementary colours and subtle patterns, I incorporated headbands and earrings into the ensemble.
For my husband, finding coordinating outfits was relatively easy, as most of his shorts and tops went together interchangeably. After initially laying out three outfits, I made some last-minute swaps. Given that the first combination turned out to be the dressiest, I decided to switch my husband’s more formal pieces to that ensemble, aligning with my son’s white collared shirt and dress chinos. A T-shirt with interesting texture was paired with looks that needed an extra touch.
Practical Tips and Tricks
Tips for Outfit Coordination
Here are some quick-fire practical insights to keep in mind as you narrow down your outfit choices for a flawless family photoshoot. Remember, comfort is key. Avoid ill-fitting or restrictive clothing that might hinder your ability to enjoy the shoot, especially when running or cuddling with the kids. Steer clear of skirts or dresses that are too short to ensure worry-free posing. Try to resist overdressing little girls with excessive sequins and frills. Instead, opt for equally feminine alternatives like linen dresses, lace shorts, cotton tunics and knits. Think about clothes that won’t require much adjustment during the shoot.
Since many photos are close ups of faces, make sure to introduce a variety of tones and textures on the top half of the body. Don’t stress too much about clothes with stains. They often won’t be noticeable in photos or can be easily edited out. Pay attention to underwear choices to avoid unwanted visibility of bra straps or colourful undergarments. Schedule haircuts a couple of weeks prior, particularly for the males in the family.
Tricks to Ensure a Smooth Photoshoot
And, just as crucial for achieving fantastic family photos, here are my tried-and-true tips to ensure a seamless photoshoot:
- Schedule a Time When They Are Well Rested: Plan the photoshoot at a time when your kids are well-rested to ensure better cooperation. It’s more important to have happy faces over a beautiful sunset.
- Set Expectations: Preemptively set expectations and explain the process with your children a day before the shoot, emphasizing its brevity and promising a treat afterward. Give the reward no matter what. They worked hard for it! Tell them that the photoshoot means a lot to you and explain what you’ll do with the photos.
- Change Kids’ Clothes On-Site: Change your kids into their photoshoot outfits once you arrive at the location.
- Bring Snacks: Bring non-messy snacks to keep them happy during the session.
- Utilize Music: Use music to create a light atmosphere.
- Embrace Unexpected Moments: Even if things don’t go as planned, embrace the unexpected. Sad or tender moments can result in exceptionally beautiful photos. Some of my favourite pictures with my daughter were when she was upset and I was giving her a cuddle.
- Prioritize Important Photos First: Start with the most crucial photos you want to capture, typically beginning with a group photo as it can be challenging to coordinate. Capture photos of multiple kids together early on when they are more likely to cooperate.
- Save Silly Moments for the End: Save silly and playful moments for the end of the session. As children get more energized, it becomes harder to bring them back to a calm state. Ending on a light note serves as a good tension release.
- Capture Moments of Just You and Your Partner: Take some pictures of just you and your partner right at the end when the kids may be running around or occupied with their own activities. It doesn’t have to take long. But having recent photos of just the two of you is a wonderful addition to your collection. Many couples have wedding photos, but it’s great to showcase how you’ve evolved since then.
In summary, stay true to your family’s style, coordinate outfits, choose a complementary colour palette, incorporate prints and textures, and follow practical tips for a smooth photoshoot. I’d love to hear about your family photoshoot fashion experiences and tips in the comments. I can’t wait to see your amazing family photos!
