Wardrobe is one of the most important steps in preparing for your family photoshoot.
How do you know where to start? What to do? I got you, friend! Today I am walking you through exactly how to pick the perfect photoshoot outfits for you and your family.
Consider the weather, time of year, and location.
This is the most important step for having outfits that are not only gorgeous, but also practical and comfortable.
We are in Texas, and Mother Nature has a mind of her own.
If you select an indoor location, you have more flexibility because we have A/C and the ability to control the temperature. Indoor locations allow you to match the time of year, despite the fact that it might be 80 in Texas when you want the cute and cozy Christmas card photos.
If you select outdoors, you want to match what the weather is giving you. Sweltering in the heat and freezing in the cold will have you, and your kiddos, feeling miserable during the photoshoot.
Check the weather before photoshoot day and the days leading up to get a clear picture on what you can expect, so you can plan accordingly.
My Advice:
Summer sessions: Long flowy dresses/skirts, and short sleeves for women. Breathable pants or shorts and short sleeves for men.
Winter sessions: Long dresses/skirts (bonus points if you put on a pair of leggings underneath for extra warmth), pants, and long sleeves for women. Pants, long sleeves, and nice flannels or jackets for men.
Mood, energy, and vibe
Establishing the mood, vibe, and energy of your photoshoot will help guide you through the next steps, so it’s important.
Do you want something cozy and laid-back? Or are you looking for a shoot that gives all the vibrant, exciting energy?
Color Palette
Now that we know what the weather will be and what our mood is, let’s get into really nailing down the wardrobe.
I’m a big fan of coordinating, not matching, so I encourage everyone to choose 3-4 colors that fit your photoshoot vibes and let this be your starting place.
Having colors to choose from allows everyone to express their own personal style, while still coordinating for gorgeous, aesthetically pleasing looks!
Pro tip:
Out of the 3-4 colors you choose, 1 or 2 should be main colors that are part of everyone's outfit and the other 1-2 should be accents that compliment!
Patterns and Textures
If you want to play around with patterns and textures, I’m all for it. My best advice is to keep it simple and keep it sparse. Too many polka dots can be an eyesore, but a flash here or there adds eye candy. If you put everyone in a jean jacket, it looks too matchy-matchy.
For patterns: choose patterns that are small and don’t pull away from the main focus. Only put one person in a patterned garment or keep it in the accessories (matching hair bows for little girls is so cute in photos!
For textures: Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Textures are great at adding visual interest. I love textures like lace, denim, corduroy, and knits!
April Exclusive:
With every session booked, I send out a session guide complete with all the info you need to have a successful photoshoot. In my guide, I have a section filled with ideas on layering, makeup tips, and how to make sure your wardrobe stands the test of time!
That’s it! Those are my top tips to picking out the perfect photoshoot wardrobe for the whole family!
However, the guidance does not stop here! I offer personalized styling assistance for every single photoshoot.
I help you moodboard, pick color palettes, and am always thinking of the practical elements like location and weather. Together, you and I work hand-in-hand to customize the perfect wardrobe for every single member of the family for every photoshoot. Whether it’s your first time working with me or your 50th, I am here to help you every step of the way!
