Style Guide: What to wear for family photos
Family photos are a wonderful way to capture precious moments and create lasting memories. But when it comes to choosing what to wear, it can be a bit overwhelming. To help you look your best and ensure your family photos turn out beautifully, here’s a guide to selecting the perfect outfits.
1. Embrace Neutral and Earthy Tones
When it comes to family photos, opting for neutral and earthy colours can create a timeless and cohesive look. These colours tend to complement any background and ensure that the focus remains on your family. Here are some colour ideas to consider:
Neutrals: Shades like white, cream, light brown, tan, beige, gray, offer a clean and elegant look. They can also be easily paired with other colours and textures, adding a sophisticated touch to your photos.
Earthy Tones: Colours inspired by nature, such as olive green, rust, mustard yellow, and deep browns, bring a warm and grounded feel to your photos.
Patterns: Clothing with patterns are stunning. It’s recommended for only 1 person (in a small family) to have patterns to avoid making the outfits too distracting.
2. Coordinate, Don’t Match
While it’s important for outfits to be cohesive, there’s no need for everyone to wear the exact same colour or pattern. Instead, aim for coordination. Here’s how to achieve it:
Choose a Colour Palette: Select a range of complementary colours within the same palette. For example, a combination of cream, tan, light brown, white and earthy green work beautifully together.
Mix Textures and Patterns: To add visual interest, mix different textures like knits, denim, and cotton. Avoid overly busy patterns that can be distracting. Simple patterns or subtle stripes can add a nice touch without overpowering the photo.
3. Style
Here are a few style tips:
Avoid Logos and Graphics: Keep your outfits free of large logos or distracting graphics. These can take attention away from the faces and emotions captured in the photo.
Consider the Setting: If you’re taking photos outdoors, think about the location. For example, a park or beach setting pairs well with relaxed, casual outfits, while a formal indoor setting might call for more dressed-up attire.
4. Think About the Season
Seasonal considerations can impact your outfit choices:
Spring and Summer: Having your family photos in Townsville during the warmer seasons can be challenging however light, breathable fabrics in soft colours work well. Think flowy dresses paired with comfortable sandals for the ladies and a light button-down shirt paired with half-length dress pants and boat shoes/ sandals for the guys.
Autumn and Winter: Layering is key. Opt for warm fabrics like wool or knit. Earthy tones and rich textures (like corduroy or chunky knits) are great for cooler weather.
5. Best Time of Day for Photos
Lighting plays a crucial role in the success of your family photos. For the best results:
Golden Hour: The period shortly after sunrise and before sunset provides the softest, most flattering light. The warm tones during this time enhance the colours in your photos and add a beautiful glow.
Avoid Midday Sun: The harsh light of midday can create unflattering shadows and highlights. If your session needs to be during the day, aim for early morning or late afternoon.
In Summary
Choosing the right outfits for your family photos in Townsville doesn’t have to be stressful. By choosing neutral and earthy colours, coordinating rather than matching, selecting classic styles, considering the season, and planning the session during the golden hour, you’ll ensure your family looks cohesive and stunning in every shot.
It brings me so much joy knowing I can capture beautiful memories for families to cherish. If you are looking for a photographer in Townsville to take your family photos, please reach out to me online or send me an email kimrawlinsphotography@gmail.com. I can’t wait to chat with you!
Thanks for reading,
Kim