Selecting the perfect outfit for a photo session can be a daunting task. If you struggle to pick outfits that harmonize, enhance your appearance, and photograph beautifully; allow me to offer you six valuable tips to help you with your upcoming photo session!
1. Choose a colour palette for your shoot.
If you find selecting a color palette challenging, a useful starting point is to identify a base. This could be the perfect outfit for yourself or maybe a favourite item of clothing for your child. From this base, you can draw inspiration and find complimenting colours.
Whip out your phone and snap a photo of the chosen outfit against a neutral background (bedroom carpet works really well for this). Next, we can use a helpful online tool like imagecolorpicker.com to extract specific colors from the photo. By uploading your image to this site, you can view and select 2-4 colours that align with the tones from the actual outfit.
Neutral tones are a photographers dream colour pallete. Whenever I'm asked 'what should I wear?' my response is always the same: 'Stick to neutral tones and you'll be good' -- think of instagram beige mums, that aesthical is the ultimate colour pallete for a photo session.
2. Solid colours always photograph well.
While patterns can add visual interest, it's best to avoid having every person wear one. Opt for smaller patterns that won't distract from the main subjects. You want to work patterns into your overall outfit choices and compliment them with solids too. You can't go wrong with everyone in solid colours.
3. Coordinate but don’t match.
When selecting outfits for your group, aim to coordinate without being overly matchy. Avoid dressing everyone in brown pants and beige shirts for example. Every colour has different shades, and you want to use those different shades in your final look. You can add other colors, but make sure the majority are consistent with your original colour pallet.
The key is to choose outfits that blend well together without being overly matching, allowing each individual's style to shine.
Sometimes you can break this rule, especially with white shirts and denim. The children below are wearing layers and different styles, creating interest and giving the photo a timeless modern look. The below photo shows how denim and white is done right.
But be careful with this style. I don't reccomend identical white shirts and jeans for large groups as it can look dated and, well awkward :P
4. Layers, textures, and accessories are your friends!
In cool weather, consider adding a cardigan to your ensemble to introduce a knit texture. Or a boho hat! Accessories will add visual interest to your images. Maybe your child has a favorite stuffed animal they take everywhere. Bring it! Or you may have a necklace with a significant and special meaning behind it, wear it so I can capture it on you.
5. Choose colors from your home.
Consider the decor and colour scheme of your home if you want your photos for wall art. Base your outfit colour palette on the room, in which your photos, will feature in.
6. BE COMFORTABLE!
When selecting clothing and accessories for your photo session, prioritize comfort and confidence above all else. Opt for outfits that align with your personal style and make you feel at ease.
I'm a very easy going photographer when it comes to style - these photos are about you and your family. I don't need you to look like an instagram family and my feeds overall aesthetic isn't important to me. Wear what works for your family. When I turn up to a session, I'm more concerned with the lighting and where the sun is in the sky, and not so much what you're wearing and how it will make my social media feed look. Perfect outfits are a bonus but what I'm really there for, is to capture photos of your family just as they are, in the moment.
Be authentic and true to yourself and who you are.
So, be comfortable, be confident, and let your true selves shine during your session!
Try to avoid the below!
Loud or busy patterns.
Heavy/Dark contour on your cheeks and jawline. Or heavy dark eyeliner ringed all around your upper and lower lids.
Logos, slogans, and big wording on shirts.
Cartoon characters on kids' clothing.
Frilly shoulders on baby/toddler clothing. It WILL block their face.
Fine check or pin-stripes as they don't blend well in photos. Larger prints are fine.
Kids wearing runners with nice or dressy clothing.
Multiple people wearing patterns (for example, mum and daughter both in floral dresses).
Thongs.
Purple colour pallets.
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