Possibly the most asked question I receive when someone books a newborn photography session or family photo shoot is “what should I wear?”.
I’ll never forget the day before my little ones Newborn photos, I must have tried on over 20 tops and I definitely ended up wearing maternity leggings. I wish I had a guide to give me some ideas and help me prepare in advance.
So, with all this in mind! I’ve pulled together some tips on what to wear to your family photography session along with some outfit ideas and colour palettes to give you some inspiration!
Start With Your Colour Palette
I always recommend sticking to a neutral colour palette. Whites, creams, greys and pastel / dusty colours such as baby blue, blush pink or pale greens look beautiful in photos. They also remove the focus from what you are wearing and bring it back to your expression and the moment being captured. Fine floral prints, delicate patterns and fine (barely-there) stripes photograph really beautifully.
If you are tasked with dressing the whole family, it’s always a good idea to start with one outfit and pick tones from it. For example, a floral print on a skirt might have lovely shades of pastel blue, yellow and cream running through it that you can pull through everyone else’s outfit
What To Avoid
It is so important to avoid any branding, stripes, harsh patterns, text or logos, or anything metallic or shiny. These can date and go out of style. You want to look at these images in years to come and still love them.
Keeping your clothing simple will produce more timeless photos.
The colours you wear will reflect onto your skin. So, with this in mind, I would stray away from dark tones such as black and navy. Maroons, red tones and cerise pink should also be avoided as these can cast a pinkish hue onto the skin.
Introduce Texture & Layering
Even if you are following the golden rules of colour and avoiding all the no-no’s listed above, certain items of clothing will always photograph better than others. Textures such as lace, bauble knits and fluffy cashmere photography beautifully. Floaty summer dresses and knit cardigans that introduce layering and movement to an outfit can make for a beautiful image.
Consider Your Photoshoot Location
Location should play an important role in your outfit selection. Relaxed, informal wear and bare feet are ideal for a beach location. If you are opting for a garden photoshoot or somewhere more formal, a shirt for dad and a floral dress for mum is a much more suitable option.
Above All Else, Be Comfortable
Above all, the most important thing is that you and your family are comfortable in what you are wearing. Likewise, you want to feel good about yourself and at ease, and this will lend itself to beautiful images. Loose and flowy clothing is really flattering and can add a feminine touch to photos whilst having the added benefit of being very comfy.
I’m by no means a fashion blogger – anything but – but I’ve selected some pieces below that I know would photograph beautifully and give you bright, beautiful and timeless newborn and / or family photos.
Pieces have been chosen from a few of my favourite affordable shops including Mango, Zara, & Other Stories, and Mint Velvet. And best of all, most of these shops cater for mum, dad, girl, boy and baby.
For more information on my Newborn Photography and Family Photography sessions, please click here.
To book your Newborn or Family Photos, please get in touch, I would love to hear from you and help you plan your photo shoot.
