"How To Style Your Outfits for a Picture-Perfect Family Photography Session"

A few tips that will hopefully make choosing outfits a bit easier and more fun for you!

This advice is applicable whether you use my client wardrobe, or your own outfits.

1) Start with one outfit and pull complimenting colours and patterns from this.

For example, a cream dress with shades of brown flowers.

In the example below, I found a colour palette with creams and browns and matched the rest of the outfits based on this.

By starting with one thing that you already love, it’s much easier to bring other outfits on board.

2) Think Coordinating instead of matching.

Don’t stick with one colour or the same shirt on everyone. Instead, choose colours that compliment each other, or different shades of a particular colour.

3) Texture, patterns and complimentary colours will add beautiful dimension, interest, and character to your photos.

Don’t be afraid to do more than one pattern- if you have one bigger, bolder pattern such as a large floral print, then do a smaller pattern such as pin dots on someone else.

-A cream linen shirt vs a white cotton shirt is an easy way to add a touch of texture.

The example below has a floral patterned dress and pin dot shirt, linen and lace textures.

4) Google a colour palette using the colours of your main outfit as part of your search.

This will give you so many possibilities colour-combination wise and allow you to get a good idea of which colours will work really well.

In terms of photography, as a general rule the following colours photograph best:

Earthy tones (rust, brown, olive green, mustard)

Dusty tones (dusty pink, duck egg blue, sage green)

Jewel tones (emerald green, ruby, navy blue)

Neutrals (different shades of creams, beiges, whites). Texture is important here, and having different styles keep your outfits from looking too uniform.

5) Avoid overly bright or neon colours.

This doesn’t mean you can’t wear anything bright or colourful, just be mindful of a very vibrant orange or hot pink, for example.

These can cause colour casts on your face and distract from the emotion and story of the image.

6) Avoid large logos or graphics on shirts for the same reason as above.

7) Layering is another easy way to add dimension to your outfits. 

Hats, necklaces, scarves, cardigans or knee high socks on a child can add an extra element of texture and dimension that complete a wardrobe combination.

Bringing it all Together:

A few examples to summarise my styling advice. Colours, patterns, textures and outfits to highlight and enhance the special memories created during your session.