4 tips for picking your photoshoot outfit
I’ve learned the hard way—if I don’t love how I look in a photo, it shows. And let’s be real… if I’m feeling awkward because of my outfit choice (wrong color, weird fit, just not me), I probably won’t be rushing to frame that picture or even post it online.
So, let’s make sure your family photos are set up for success with my top 4 tips for picking your photoshoot outfits.
What’s your photoshoot vibe?
Are you attracted to candid action in photographs or do you favor more traditional posed shots? Thinking about the type of movement and vibe you want from your session will help guide your outfit choices. If you need to move, lift, or throw your kids in the air, a business blazier probably isn’t the best choice for dad. If you want to sit down in a grassy meadow, then a knee-length skirt or dress might be tricky for mom. If you want more formally posed photos then almost anything in your closet will work. Knowing the vibe will not only help you choose what to wear but also which pieces in your closet to avoid.
Here is some helpful guidance:
Do I want photos where we’re sitting?
avoid short skirts or shorts that make you self-conscious about showing more than you intended
avoid tight belts or restrictive waistlines
Do I want photos with lots of movement?
pick tops where you can lift your arms above your head (whether tummy shows or not is up to you)
pick bottoms that allow you to run and move freely
This family chose a more relaxed look because the main purpose of this shoot was for the kids - to capture the love they felt for each other as brother and sister. They wanted lots of action shots with running, playing, hugs, so they chose more relaxed clothing to suit their vibe.
2. Think about the environment of your photoshoot
Where will it be? Is it going to be a beach or lakefront session? Or are you going to be dressed up in heels downtown? Will it be during the golden hour or under the harsh light of midday? You wouldn’t wear your business wear in a gym, so picking the right clothing for your environment is key.
What footwear is best for the environment?
Sandals for the beach
boots for a grassy field
heels for sidewalk or a more formal setting
Will it be warm or cold?
What is the location?
Flowy dresses and business casual are great for grassy fields or beach settings
Cocktail or date night attire is great if you’ll be walking around downtown or a studio setting
This family knew we’d be walking through grassy fields and down dirt paths. They knew we’d use golden hour lighting to give a warm comforting glow to the images. Mom and daughter chose matching flowy dresses that would compliment the environment we’d be in.
3. What is the purpose of your photoshoot?
I also try to think of the MOST important purpose for these photos. What will you do with the pictures after you have them? Will these be in your living room? Will these be your holiday cards printed as 4x6 postcards? Let the primary purpose help guide your outfit choice as well.
Are they to be printed? Large scale or small scale?
If large scale, where will you hang the images? Think about which colors will go best with your decor in the space you intend to hang the artwork.
If small scale (like for holiday cards), avoid busy clothing/patterns on smaller printouts, especially if you know you’ll have writing/text on the photos as well.
Are they for digital use or social media?
Small scale use or for social media, solid colors work best as it is less distracting to the eye
It’s ok to have multiple purposes for your photos, but let the MOST important factor help guide your outfit choices.
This family chose a black and white color theme. Their purpose of the shoot was holiday cards, so plain colors helped create a good canvas to have their holiday message printed on the postcard sized prints without too much distraction. Their choice of boots for the girls and sneakers for the boys was suitable for the dirt path and grassy fields we’d be walking in.
4. Coordinate colors
Let’s be real - mom is probably driving this, so get her outfit sorted first. After you've picked mom's outfit, think about your location, time of day, colours of the year and colors you enjoy and feel confident in!
Find one primary color to lead mom’s outfit. Then choose 1-2 complimenting colors to go with your primary. The complimentary colors can be different shades of the same primary color or that pair well with the primary color.
Examples are navy blue as primary and denim or light blue for your two complimentary colors. Or white/khaki/sage, etc.
Look for contrast among the outfits - will you be on a bright white sand beach? Avoid bright white in that case. Will you be in a dark, moody forrest? Avoid dark colors and green then. You want your outfits to create a bit of contrast to your environment.
I highly recommend selecting solid colors and limiting patterns. You want the attention on your face, not the clothes usually, but at the end of the day, your choices should reflect YOU and who your family is.
This family did a great job choosing outfits that reflected who they were as people, but that also coordinated and tied in well together. You don’t need to fear color! Mom and daughter’s outfits coordinated well together and the blue from mom’s dress complimented the denim from the boys. It provided great contrast to their environment while allowing easy movement for the playful vibe they wanted captured in their updated family portraits.
I’m here to help you look and feel your best.
All sessions come with complimentary wardrobe consultation. We can schedule a video or in-person consultation (depending on your location) to look through your family wardrobes and talk through your vision, purpose, vibe before selecting outfits.
If you’re interested in photography for the way you feel, then reach out and let’s work together.