What to Wear at Your Family Photoshoot! | Chilliwack Family & Newborn Photographer

When clients book a family session with me, the most common question I am asked is "what should we wear?". To help them, I have an info page and have put together a Pinterest Board... but I thought I would also share a few of my top tips/ideas with you... my lovely blog readers!

1. A great place to start is colour! Coordinating the colours of your family's clothing will get you the best results. Oh... and co-ordinate doesn't mean you must all match exactly! (Reminds me of those funny '70's awkward family photos, where the whole family are wearing identical pyjamas or bad Christmas sweaters!)

Just pick 3 or 4 complementary colours, and pick outfits that use shades of those colours! (Colour wheels are GREAT for picking complementary colours - a quick google search will find you plenty of examples like this one.) Then, try to pick outfits that keep everyone in the same tone range, if possible. 

2. Avoid bright colours, bold patterns or logos. If one family member is wearing a much brighter colour than the rest, or a bold logo, it really distracts the eye away from the other family members and their fabulous faces!

3. Pick outfits that make you feel comfortable about your body type! For example, 3/4-length or long sleeves are more flattering on adults who are very self-critical about their upper arms. Again, this something you can easily google.

4. If shooting outdoors, I advise families to pick something fairly comfortable and "every day" - that way everyone's smiles will look happier and more comfortable too! (And you aren't so worried or stressed that your child's fancy dress is getting trashed!)

5. It is a great idea to wear layers and have a back-up outfit, just in case (expecially with young children!). Just wearing a different shirt under a cardigan or sweater can give us multiple looks without carrying extra outfits around! Even having an extra accessory, like a scarf, can make an interesting difference.

For more ideas, you can check out my Pinterest Board, or a really great blog that I love, called What to Wear Guides. I hope this all helps and don't forget to enjoy your family photo session - after all, you are making happy memories, not having your teeth pulled! ;-)