HOW TO Plan Wardrobe for your Family Photoshoot
"What on earth should I wear? I want to look and feel my best. How do I pull together outfits for my family photoshoot that look amazing and cohesive without being too "matchy matchy?!"
Mamas ask me these questions all the time and fear not, I'm here to help!
1. Start with Mama's Outfit First
Before buying any cutesy, adorable baby/kid outfits, start with you first. Yes, you mom! First and foremost, you need to feel comfortable and beautiful in what you are wearing. When mom feels her best and most confident, it really translates into the photos. And let's face it, most of the time dad will wear whatever mom puts him in! Haha! And also, as mother's we LOVE our kiddos no matter what outfit they wear. So lesson one, choose your outfit first!
2. Choose a Color Scheme based on Mom's Outfit
Typically, I recommend choosing a color scheme based on mom's outfit and will then choose several colors that pair with that main color. I personally LOVE neutral, solid colors with a POP (pops) of a BOLD color(s) but it really depends on what you feel most radiant in! I have some clients that can pull off the most vibrant emerald greens and mustard yellows. And let me tell you, when you feel gorgeous, the images are gorgeous! Choose your favorite main color and play around with pairing options. I personally feel most beautiful in tan/beige, dark blue, dark teal, dark green and maroon. I will choose one of those colors as my primary color and build off that in my own family photoshoots. Last year, I chose a dark blue patterned skirt. I choose my family's outfits based off that in the colors of dark blue, tan/khaki and off white. I usually will pick one bold color with several shades of it and then a neutral or two to accompany it.
3. Mix Solids and Patterns
I recommend mixing between solids and small prints. Too many prints in a photo can be distracting from the subjects themselves. However, too many solid can feel rather boring at times. Switch it up a little and see what feels right to you. I like to personally lay my outfits out on the bed and see how I feel about seeing it all together.
4. Plan Outfits Ahead of Time to Avoid Stress
I get it, I know how busy that life thing can get! But definitely don't leave outfit planning until the last minute. The stress of it all isn't worth it. I'd much rather you be prepared ahead of time so you can relax, get ready and enjoy yourself before your session. Again, this will really translate into the photos and make your experience all the more enjoyable.
5. Consider the Season, Location and Weather
Consider the season. Darker, warmer colors tend to be associated with autumn. Lighter, fresh colors tend to be associated with Spring. Bright warms for summer and cooler, darker tones for Winter. Where is your photoshoot taking place? This will cohesively pull together the entire photoshoot. Beach location? Consider wearing neutrals with pops of color that match the sunset; maroons, sage green, tans, dark rusty orange. Open field location? Consider pairing beiges and tans with pops of emerald green, mustard yellows or burnt orange.
6. When in Doubt, Neutral it Out!
If it all overwhelms you, you can't go wrong with neutral tones and earthy tones such as beiges, creams and tans/khaki with pops of bold color. I'm a HUGE fan of neutrals and they way they pull together in photos. Neutral & earthy colors photograph beautifully and are my personal favorite. There is something so soft about neutral colors and the way that the sun reflects in photographs.
Need some visual inspiration? Check out my instagram stories (What to Wear) to find sample images and ideas for your upcoming family photoshoot. And feel free to reach out and ask. I'm happy to help you style your family. :)
I hope these quick tips will save you money, time and stress before your next family session!
With Love,
Lindsay
